Have you ever imagined a magical witch leaving her extraordinary world to live a normal life as a housewife? Well, that’s exactly what the TV series Bewitched brought to our screens. Running for eight seasons from 1964 to 1972, it captivated audiences across the globe. At the heart of the show was the enchanting Samantha Stephens, played by the gorgeous Elizabeth Montgomery. Her untimely demise left the world in shock, but her legacy lives on.
Elizabeth Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles. She came from a family of actors, with her father, Robert Montgomery, being a well-known actor in both Broadway and film. From a young age, Elizabeth showed a passion for performing, often sitting on her father’s lap and declaring that she would become an actress when she grew up.
With her father’s guidance, Elizabeth made her television debut on his show, Robert Montgomery Presents, while still a teenager. Soon after, she had her Broadway debut in Late Love at the age of 20. Two years later, she made her big-screen debut in the film The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell. Her captivating beauty and talent paved the way for a successful acting career.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth Montgomery starred in numerous movies and TV shows, solidifying her status as a household name. Some of her notable works include Mrs. Sundance (1973), A Case of Rape (1974), The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), Black Widow Murders (1993), The Corpse Had a Familiar Face (1994), and Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan (1995). However, it was her role as Samantha Stephens in Bewitched that truly became iconic. Montgomery admitted that living with one character day in and day out in a series was a unique experience and hoped it wouldn’t drive her crazy.
Off-screen, Elizabeth Montgomery had her fair share of love and heartbreak. She was married four times in her life. Her first marriage to Frederick Gallatin Cammann ended in divorce. She then married the renowned actor Gig Young, but sadly, the marriage also didn’t last. While filming Johnny Cool, she met her third husband, William Asher, with whom she had three children. Her final husband, Robert Foxworth, remained by her side until her passing.
Elizabeth Montgomery’s talent wasn’t limited to just television and film. She also became the first Queen of TV movies, paving the way for other actresses like Jane Seymour, Lindsay Wagner, and Valerie Bertinelli. Her legacy extended far beyond her beloved role as Samantha Stephens.
Sadly, Elizabeth Montgomery’s life was cut short by colon cancer in 1995. Despite believing she was free from the disease, it had already spread to her liver by the time it was detected. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving husband and daughters. Her body was cremated at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Elizabeth Montgomery was truly an incredible actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her talent, beauty, and warmth continue to be missed by fans around the world.
