Table of Contents
Synopsis
Elizabeth Montgomery, born on April 15, 1933, to actress Elizabeth Allen and renowned actor Robert Montgomery, emerged from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her inaugural television appearance occurred in 1951 on her father’s television program. Following this, she undertook various roles in both film and television. However, it was her iconic portrayal of Samantha Stephens in the 1964 sitcom Bewitched that marked a significant turning point in her career, earning top ratings and solidifying her status as a television legend for eight consecutive years. Elizabeth Montgomery passed away from cancer in 1995, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
Early Life
Elizabeth Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933, to actress Elizabeth Allen and actor-director Robert Montgomery. She received her early education at Westlake School for Girls and later attended Spencer School in New York City. Following her time at Spencer, Montgomery further pursued her passion for the performing arts by enrolling in the Academy of Dramatic Arts. She is best known for her iconic role as Samantha, the enchanting witch who cast spells with a simple twitch of her nose, in the beloved television series Bewitched, which aired from 1964 to 1972.
Acting Career
Montgomery made her television debut in 1951 on her father’s show, Robert Montgomery Presents. Her first Broadway production, Late Love, earned her a Theater World Award, establishing her as a notable talent in the theater community. Her television career continued to flourish with a significant role in The Untouchables (1959), which earned her an Emmy Award nomination. Throughout her career, Montgomery appeared in acclaimed series such as Studio One, Kraft Theater, G.E. Theater, Alcoa Theater, The Twilight Zone, Thriller, 77 Sunset Strip, Rawhide, and Wagon Train.
Montgomery made her film debut in The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), alongside Gary Cooper. She further expanded her filmography with roles in Johnny Cool (1963), featuring Sammy Davis, Jr., and Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed (1963), with Dean Martin.
Bewitched
Despite her previous experience in various roles, Elizabeth Montgomery had yet to find the character that would define her career. In 1964, she secured a role in the iconic television series Bewitched, where she portrayed Samantha Stephens, a witch married to the mortal Darrin, initially played by Dick York and later by Dick Sargent. The show’s charm lay in the comedic conflicts that arose from Samantha’s magical abilities and her eccentric family, often leading to humorous chaos as Darrin endeavored to hide the supernatural occurrences from their inquisitive neighbors and his uptight boss. Bewitched dominated television ratings, becoming the number-one sitcom for four out of its eight seasons. Montgomery’s exceptional performance earned her five Emmy Award nominations, solidifying her legacy as one of television’s most beloved characters.
Later Roles
Following her iconic role in Bewitched, Elizabeth Montgomery transitioned to dramatic performances in various television movies. Notable works include 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 (1995). Additionally, she lent her voice to narrate The Panama Deception, which garnered an Academy Award in 1993.
Personal Life
Elizabeth Montgomery was married four times. Her first marriage was to businessman Frederick Gallatin Cammann, lasting from 1954 to 1955. She then married actor Gig Young, with their union spanning from 1956 to 1963. In 1963, she wed William Asher, the producer-director of Bewitched. The couple divorced amicably in 1973 and had three children together: Willy, Robert, and Rebecca Elizabeth. In 1975, she began a long-term relationship with her fourth husband, Robert Foxworth, which continued until her passing in 1995.
Death
In March 1995, Montgomery was diagnosed with colon cancer and tragically passed away just eight weeks later on May 18, 1995, at the age of 62. Throughout her life, she was an advocate for several causes, notably supporting AmFAR (The American Foundation for AIDS Research) and various liberal initiatives. In 1998, to honor her legacy, her children and husband donated her wardrobe for auction, with proceeds directed towards AIDS charities.