When you hear the name Elizabeth Montgomery, it’s impossible not to recall the iconic image of her twitching her nose as Samantha Stephens in the beloved 1960s sitcom Bewitched. Her portrayal of the charming, supernatural housewife made her a household name, capturing the hearts of viewers around the world. However, beyond her enchanting on-screen presence, Elizabeth Montgomery was a woman of immense talent, grace, and warmth. She left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and her legacy lives on even decades after her passing in 1995.
Early Life and Beginnings in Acting
Born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, Elizabeth Montgomery was destined for the spotlight. The daughter of acclaimed actor Robert Montgomery, Elizabeth grew up surrounded by the entertainment world. Her passion for acting ignited at an early age, and she made it clear that she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. In a 1954 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she recalled, “Dad tells me I often climbed on his lap after dinner and remarked, ‘I’m going to be an actress when I grow up.’”
Elizabeth’s early education took place in California before she moved to New York City, where she attended the prestigious Spence School and later the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In 1953, she made her Broadway debut in Late Love, and soon after, she started appearing on television, initially on her father’s show, Robert Montgomery Presents.
Breakthrough with Bewitched
Elizabeth Montgomery’s career truly skyrocketed with her role as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched, which first aired in 1964. The supernatural sitcom became an instant hit, and Elizabeth’s portrayal of the charming, magic-wielding housewife won her fans around the world. The show, which ran for eight seasons until 1972, became a cultural phenomenon, and Elizabeth’s famous nose twitch became one of the most recognized gestures in TV history.
During her time on Bewitched, Elizabeth earned multiple nominations, including five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nominations. Her character, Samantha, embodied both the charm and the struggles of being a loving wife and mother with the added challenge of having magical powers. Her ability to balance these contrasting aspects of the role helped endear her to audiences, making her one of the most beloved TV stars of the 1960s and beyond.
Life Beyond Bewitched
After the end of Bewitched, Elizabeth Montgomery found herself at a crossroads. While she had achieved immense fame, she wanted to branch out and take on more varied roles. She moved away from her well-known persona as the “witchy” housewife and explored more dramatic roles. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she starred in several made-for-TV movies, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Some of her notable films during this time included Mrs. Sundance (1973), A Case of Rape (1974), The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), and Black Widow Murders (1993). Elizabeth’s ability to portray a wide range of characters demonstrated her remarkable depth and cemented her reputation as a talented actress capable of taking on both comedic and dramatic roles.
Personal Life and Family
Elizabeth Montgomery’s personal life was as eventful as her career. She married actor Frederick Gallatin Cammann in 1954, but the marriage ended in divorce a year later. She remarried actor Gig Young in 1956, but their union also ended in divorce in 1963. Later that same year, she met William Asher, a director and TV producer, while working on Bewitched. The two married in 1963 and had three children together. Their marriage lasted until 1974.
After her marriage to Asher ended, Elizabeth continued her career, starring in several more TV films. In 1993, she married actor Robert Foxworth, and they remained together until her untimely death in 1995.
Final Years and Legacy
Elizabeth Montgomery’s career was tragically cut short when she passed away on May 18, 1995, after a long battle with colon cancer. She was 57 years old at the time of her death, although some reports listed her age as 62, based on her birth year of 1933. Elizabeth had believed she was cancer-free, but the disease returned and had spread to her liver by the time it was diagnosed.
Her death left a profound impact on her family, friends, and fans. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Beverly Hills, with her husband and children by her side. A memorial service was held a month later, where jazz musician Herbie Hancock performed and author Dominick Dunne spoke about their long friendship.
Despite her untimely passing, Elizabeth’s legacy lives on through her unforgettable roles in Bewitched and her contributions to the world of television and film. She was known for her charm, grace, and ability to captivate audiences, making her one of the most beloved TV stars of her time.
Remembering Elizabeth Montgomery
Looking back on Elizabeth Montgomery’s life and career, it’s clear that she left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. From her iconic role in Bewitched to her diverse work in TV films, Elizabeth showcased her talent, versatility, and undeniable presence. Her portrayal of Samantha Stephens will forever be a symbol of television’s golden age, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans and actors.
Herbie J Pilato, author of Twitch Upon a Star and producer of the documentary Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitched Life, said of Elizabeth, “She channeled that down-to-earthiness into Samantha, and we all loved her.” Elizabeth’s natural beauty and warm personality made her a cherished figure in the entertainment world, and her absence is still deeply felt.
While Elizabeth may no longer be with us, her legacy lives on through her iconic roles, her powerful performances, and the fond memories she created for viewers around the world. She was a true star who shone brightly during her time on screen, and she continues to be remembered with love and admiration.