Elizabeth Montgomery: A Magical Life On and Off Screen
Elizabeth Montgomery became a beloved household name in the 1960s, captivating audiences with her natural charm and unforgettable talent. Best known for her role as Samantha Stephens—the delightful, nose-twitching witch on Bewitched—she brought magic into millions of homes and etched her name into television history. Had she lived, Montgomery would have turned 91 in 2024. Instead, we remember her for a career marked by elegance, resilience, and unforgettable performances.
A Star Born Into Stardom
Born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, Elizabeth was seemingly destined for the spotlight. Her father, acclaimed actor Robert Montgomery, and her Broadway-actress mother introduced her to the entertainment world early on. As a child, she often curled up in her father’s lap and declared her dream of becoming an actress—a dream he helped bring to life. Elizabeth credited her father as both her fiercest critic and most supportive mentor.
After attending the Spence School in New York, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her first on-screen appearances came on Robert Montgomery Presents, her father’s television series. These early roles laid the groundwork for what would become a celebrated career.
From Stage to Screen
Elizabeth made her Broadway debut in 1953 with Late Love and broke into film with The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell in 1955. Her personal life, however, was less smooth. She married four times, with her most prominent union being to director-producer William Asher, whom she met on the set of Johnny Cool. They married in 1963, had three children, and together launched the television series that would define her legacy: Bewitched.
The Magic of Bewitched
Premiering in 1964, Bewitched ran for eight successful seasons, becoming one of the most iconic sitcoms of its time. Despite initial hesitation about long-term TV commitments, Elizabeth embraced the role of Samantha, a suburban witch trying to live a normal life. Her comedic timing, warmth, and graceful delivery made her an instant favorite.
The show earned her five Emmy nominations and four Golden Globe nods, and her playful nose twitch became a cultural phenomenon. But beyond the magic, Elizabeth infused Samantha with depth and heart—a reflection of her own down-to-earth personality.
Reinvention After Bewitched
Following her divorce from Asher and the end of Bewitched, Elizabeth shifted her focus to dramatic roles in made-for-TV movies. Determined to break away from her sitcom image, she took on complex, serious characters in films like:
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A Case of Rape (1974)
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The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975)
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Black Widow Murders (1993)
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Deadline for Murder (1995)
These performances earned her critical acclaim and solidified her as a versatile and fearless actress.
During this chapter of her life, she formed a lasting relationship with actor Robert Foxworth, whom she married in 1993 after decades together. The two shared a quiet, supportive partnership until her passing.
A Life Cut Short
In 1995, while filming Deadline for Murder, Elizabeth fell ill. Although she believed she had overcome a prior cancer diagnosis, a visit to the doctor revealed that the disease had returned and spread to her liver. On May 18, 1995, Elizabeth Montgomery died peacefully at home in Beverly Hills, surrounded by loved ones. She was 62.
A memorial at the Canon Theatre in Beverly Hills honored her legacy. Music was performed by jazz legend Herbie Hancock, and her close friend Dominick Dunne shared touching memories of their early years in New York. Elizabeth’s ashes were scattered at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
A Timeless Legacy
Elizabeth once said, “I get letters from people saying one of the things they like best about what I’ve done since Bewitched is that they never know what I’m going to do next.” That spirit of unpredictability, courage, and authenticity defined her career.
She wasn’t just an actress—she was a trailblazer who redefined the TV landscape, showed women could lead prime-time shows with strength and wit, and then transitioned seamlessly into dramatic, thought-provoking roles.
As author Herbie J Pilato wrote, “Elizabeth was the least arrogant star I’ve ever met. She channeled that down-to-earthiness into Samantha, and we all loved her for it.”
Today, photos of her from Bewitched still radiate that nostalgic glow. Her smile, her energy, and yes—her iconic nose twitch—continue to bring joy to generations old and new.
Elizabeth Montgomery left behind more than a career; she left behind a legacy of warmth, grace, and unforgettable television magic.
