When you think of iconic TV stars from the 1960s, one name instantly comes to mind: Elizabeth Montgomery. The stunning actress rose to global fame for her role as the charming and magical Samantha Stephens on the beloved TV show Bewitched. Her character’s signature nose twitch became a pop culture phenomenon, and Montgomery quickly became a household name. However, her life was cut tragically short in 1995, shocking her fans worldwide. This article explores her journey from Hollywood royalty to television icon and looks at the untimely circumstances surrounding her death.
Elizabeth Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, to parents deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry. Her father, Robert Montgomery, was an acclaimed film star and director, while her mother, Elizabeth Allen, was a Broadway actress. With acting in her genes, it was no surprise that young Elizabeth set her sights on a career in the spotlight from an early age.
In a 1954 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Montgomery reminisced about her childhood ambitions: “I often climbed on my dad’s lap after dinner and told him, ‘I’m going to be an actress when I grow up.’” Her father, though her harshest critic, remained a supportive figure throughout her career.
After completing her education at the prestigious Spence School in New York City, Montgomery attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, setting the foundation for her future career. At the age of 19, she made her television debut on Robert Montgomery Presents, her father’s show. It was the beginning of a long, storied career in entertainment.
Elizabeth Montgomery’s early career was marked by a series of small yet notable roles. She made her Broadway debut in 1953, starring in Late Love, and a few years later, she appeared in her first film, The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955). She continued to make waves in television, appearing in shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Untouchables, and The Twilight Zone. It was clear from the start that she had both the talent and the screen presence to become a star.
While Montgomery’s professional life blossomed, her personal life was marked by turbulence. In 1954, she married Frederick Gallatin Cammann, but the couple divorced just a year later. Her second marriage, to actor Gig Young in 1956, lasted until 1963.
Despite personal setbacks, Montgomery’s career continued to ascend, and it was her next role that would define her legacy forever.
In 1964, Elizabeth Montgomery landed the role that would make her a global sensation: Samantha Stephens, the nose-twitching, spell-casting housewife in Bewitched. The supernatural sitcom, which aired for eight seasons from 1964 to 1972, quickly became a massive hit. The show’s combination of humor, magic, and heart captivated audiences, and Montgomery’s performance was the cornerstone of its success.
Samantha Stephens wasn’t just another TV character—she became an icon. Montgomery’s portrayal of the modern, powerful witch balanced comedy with sincerity, and her on-screen chemistry with co-stars like Dick York (and later, Dick Sargent) ensured the show’s popularity. The famous nose twitch that Samantha used to cast spells became a pop culture phenomenon, with fans across the globe trying to mimic the move.
Montgomery, reflecting on the role in a 1965 interview, said, “I’d never thought much about a series because I liked the idea of picking a script I liked with a character I thought I could sustain for an hour. In a series, you live with one character day in and day out—and you only hope it will be one that will not drive you crazy.”
For eight years, Montgomery lived with Samantha Stephens. She brought joy to millions, but as the series came to a close in 1972, she was eager to break free from the character that had made her famous.
Following the end of Bewitched and her divorce from third husband, director William Asher, Montgomery was determined to diversify her career. She took on roles that were a stark contrast to the lightheartedness of Samantha Stephens. The actress starred in a series of critically acclaimed made-for-TV movies that showcased her range and talent.
One of her most notable performances came in A Case of Rape (1974), where she played a woman seeking justice after being sexually assaulted. Her portrayal earned widespread praise, demonstrating her ability to tackle more serious and dramatic roles. Montgomery’s turn in The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), where she played the infamous accused murderer, further established her as a versatile actress capable of handling dark, challenging material.
She continued to make television films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with roles in Black Widow Murders (1993), The Corpse Had a Familiar Face (1994), and Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan (1995), the latter of which would be her final acting role.
Herbie J Pilato, author of two books on Elizabeth Montgomery, reflected on her impact: “Before Jane Seymour, before Lindsay Wagner and before Valerie Bertinelli, Elizabeth was the first Queen of the TV movies; she went from queen of the witches to queen of the TV movie.”
Despite her thriving career, Elizabeth Montgomery faced a battle in her personal life that ultimately took her away too soon. In 1995, while filming Deadline for Murder, she began to feel unwell. Initially, she dismissed the symptoms as nothing serious. However, by March of that year, she was diagnosed with colon cancer, and the disease had already spread to her liver.
Montgomery had thought she was cancer-free, but by the time she sought medical attention, it was too late. Her health deteriorated rapidly, and on May 18, 1995, Elizabeth Montgomery passed away in her sleep at the age of 62, surrounded by her husband, Robert Foxworth, and her three children.
Her death shocked the world. For many, the memory of her as the vivacious Samantha Stephens was still fresh, and the news of her passing felt like the loss of a beloved friend. A private memorial was held a month after her death, where friends and family, including jazz legend Herbie Hancock, gathered to honor her legacy.
Elizabeth Montgomery’s contributions to television and film continue to resonate today. Her role as Samantha Stephens in Bewitched left an indelible mark on pop culture, and her work in dramatic TV movies paved the way for future actresses to take on more complex and challenging roles.
In her later years, Montgomery often expressed pride in her varied career. “They all have different kinds of ‘feels’ to them and that’s probably one of the reasons why I’ve done them,” she said in a 1992 interview, reflecting on her diverse roles. “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.”
Montgomery’s versatility, charm, and raw talent made her one of the most beloved actresses of her time. Her legacy lives on, not only in the reruns of Bewitched but also in the body of work that showcased her immense range as an actress.
Elizabeth Montgomery became a global phenomenon thanks to her role in Bewitched, but she was much more than a sitcom star. Her journey from Hollywood royalty to TV icon and her transition into serious, dramatic roles demonstrated her depth and talent as an actress. Tragically, her life was cut short by cancer, robbing the world of one of its most captivating talents.
Montgomery’s legacy, however, continues to shine brightly. Her performances remain timeless, her influence on television undeniable, and her beauty—both inside and out—never forgotten. She was truly taken from us too soon, but her magic will live on for generations to come.
