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Elizabeth Montgomery: The Surprising Untold Story Behind Television’s Bewitching Icon
Overview
Elizabeth Montgomery’s enduring appeal rests on her versatile talent, groundbreaking television success, and lifelong commitment to social causes. Born into Hollywood royalty on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery was the daughter of screen legend Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Bryan Allen.
After studying drama in New York, she launched her career with early television appearances on her father’s series and a lauded Broadway debut. Montgomery rose to international fame as Samantha Stephens on ABC’s Bewitched from 1964 to 1972, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Following Bewitched, she carved a niche in television movies, notably portraying Lizzie Borden in The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), which garnered further critical acclaim. Beyond acting, Montgomery was a dedicated political activist and philanthropist, championing women’s rights, gay rights, and HIV/AIDS awareness throughout the 1970s–’90s. Her legacy endures through tributes such as a bronze statue in Salem, Massachusetts, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
Elizabeth Montgomery
Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery (April 15, 1933 – May 18, 1995) was an American film, stage, and television actress whose career spanned five decades. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Samantha Stephens, the endearing witch on ABC’s sitcom Bewitched (1964–1972), which earned her five Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations.
Beyond Bewitched, Montgomery demonstrated her dramatic range in television films such as A Case of Rape (1974) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), the latter winning her further awards attention. Her work on stage, including a Theater World Award for Late Love in 1956, showcased her versatility across mediums. Off-screen, Montgomery was a vocal political activist and philanthropist, dedicating time and resources to causes like women’s rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Early life
Born in Los Angeles on April 15, 1933, Elizabeth Montgomery was the only surviving daughter of actor-director Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Bryan Allen. She spent her childhood summers in Patterson, New York, where her mother later lived in the family farmhouse.
After attending the Westlake School for Girls, she graduated from the Spence School in Manhattan and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for three years. Genealogical research revealed that Montgomery and Lizzie Borden were distantly related, foreshadowing her later portrayal of Borden. These formative years instilled in her both a deep appreciation for performing and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Key facts
- Elizabeth Montgomery’s parents were both acclaimed actors and deeply influenced her career path.
- The relationship between Elizabeth and her father, Robert Montgomery, was reportedly complex, marked by both mentorship and high expectations.
- Early family struggles and her sister’s infancy loss shaped Montgomery’s resilience and empathy.
Career
Elizabeth Montgomery’s first on-screen role was on Robert Montgomery Presents in 1951, a series produced and hosted by her father. Throughout the 1950s, she honed her craft on Broadway—winning a Theater World Award for Late Love—and guest-starred in anthology dramas. Her breakthrough came in 1964 when she was cast as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched, catapulting her to international fame and making her a household name.
After Bewitched ended its eight-year run, Montgomery transitioned to television films, delivering acclaimed performances in socially relevant dramas like A Case of Rape and The Legend of Lizzie Borden. She continued working steadily into the early 1990s, expanding her repertoire to include narration work and stage appearances.
1951–1963: Early work
During this period, Montgomery experimented with a variety of roles on television and stage, demonstrating remarkable range. She appeared in Westerns, sitcoms, and dramatic anthologies, building a reputation as a reliable and charismatic performer. Notable appearances include guest spots on Wagon Train and Matinee Theater. Her time at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts further refined her technique, leading to her Broadway recognition.
1964–1972: Bewitched
As Samantha Stephens on Bewitched, Montgomery blended comedy and fantasy with impeccable timing. The show regularly topped Nielsen ratings, and her chemistry with co-star Dick York (and later Dick Sargent) became legendary. Montgomery used her platform to subtly address social issues, including feminist themes and anti-war sentiment. Bewitched’s success cemented her status as television royalty and paved the way for her later dramatic roles.
1973–1995: Later career
Post-Bewitched, Montgomery focused on television movies that tackled controversial issues. Her portrayal of a rape survivor in A Case of Rape (1974) earned widespread praise, and her chilling turn as Lizzie Borden in The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975) remains a career highlight. Into the 1980s and ’90s, she explored narration work and continued guest appearances, balancing dramatic depth with her trademark warmth.
Personal life
Elizabeth Montgomery’s personal life was marked by high-profile marriages and steadfast friendships. She was married four times to Frederick Gallatin Cammann, Gig Young, William Asher, and Robert Foxworth ultimately having three children: William, Robert, and Rebecca. Her divorce from Asher coincided with the end of Bewitched, reflecting the intertwining of her work and relationships. Despite public scrutiny, Montgomery maintained close bonds with former co-stars and remained active in civic causes. In later years, she built a stable home life with Foxworth while advocating for artistic and social causes.
Political activism
Montgomery lent her celebrity to feminist movements, gay rights, and anti-war protests, supporting Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 campaign and championing AIDS research in the 1980s. She narrated political documentaries like Cover Up: Behind the Iran Contra Affair (1988) and The Panama Deception (1992), the latter winning an Academy Award. In 1992, she and Dick Sargent served as grand marshals of the Los Angeles Gay Pride Parade.
Charitable work
In her final years, Montgomery volunteered with Learning Ally in Los Angeles, recording audiobooks for the visually impaired and producing public-service announcements. After her death, the organization dedicated its 1995 Record-A-Thon to her memory, and fellow celebrities honored her commitment by participating in charitable projects.
Illness and death
In early 1995, Montgomery was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a struggle she largely kept private. Despite her illness, she continued working and advocating for health awareness until her death on May 18, 1995, in Beverly Hills at age 62. Her passing prompted widespread tributes highlighting both her artistic legacy and compassionate activism.
Legacy
Elizabeth Montgomery’s influence endures through ongoing tributes and scholarly works. A bronze statue of her Bewitched character was unveiled in Salem, Massachusetts in 2005, and she was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008. Biographers continue to explore her dual identity as a comic icon and serious actress, while retrospectives on Bewitched underscore its feminist subtext. Her political and charitable efforts remain an inspiring model for celebrity activism.
Filmography
- Film: The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), Too Much, Too Soon (1958)
- Television: Robert Montgomery Presents (1951), Bewitched (1964–1972), A Case of Rape (1974), The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975)
- Stage credits: Late Love (Broadway debut, 1956)
- Narration work: Cover Up: Behind the Iran Contra Affair (1988), The Panama Deception (1992)
Television coverage
Documentaries chronicling Montgomery’s life include A&E’s Biography episode (1999) and E!’s The True Hollywood Story special Bewitched: The E! True Hollywood Story (1999), illustrating enduring interest in her career and cultural impact.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Montgomery’s remarkable journey from a privileged Hollywood upbringing through an iconic television career and unwavering social activism cements her as a multifaceted pioneer in entertainment history. Her portrayal of Samantha Stephens on Bewitched not only showcased her comedic brilliance but subtly challenged gender norms, inspiring audiences in the US and UK alike.
Transitioning seamlessly into dramatic roles, she confronted serious issues on screen, exemplifying her versatility. Beyond acting, Montgomery’s steadfast support for civil rights, women’s empowerment, and health advocacy reflected a deep commitment to using her platform for good. Today, her influence lives on in retrospectives, memorials, and scholarly works that celebrate both her artistry and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth Montgomery
What made Elizabeth Montgomery a standout figure in television history?
Elizabeth Montgomery captivated audiences worldwide with her role as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched, blending flawless comedic timing with a touch of magic that resonated with viewers and helped the show dominate ratings throughout its run.
What inspired Elizabeth Montgomery to pursue a career in acting?
Growing up as the daughter of prominent Hollywood parents—actor-director Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Bryan Allen she was immersed in the performing arts from an early age, which led her to formal training and an early TV debut alongside her father.
How did her role on Bewitched influence popular culture?
By portraying a modern, independent woman who also happened to be a witch, Montgomery’s Samantha Stephens subtly echoed the era’s emerging conversations about women’s empowerment while establishing a template for fantasy sitcoms that continues to influence television writers today.
In what ways was Elizabeth Montgomery active in political and social causes?
Beyond acting, she lent her voice and celebrity to feminist movements, LGBTQ+ equality initiatives, and AIDS awareness campaigns, even serving as a grand marshal at a major pride parade and narrating hard-hitting political documentaries.
Which awards and honors did Elizabeth Montgomery receive during her career?
Over her five-decade career, she earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her television work, won a prestigious Theater World Award for her Broadway performance, and was later commemorated with a statue and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What are some of Elizabeth Montgomery’s notable projects beyond Bewitched?
After Bewitched, Montgomery made a name for herself in television movies tackling serious social issues—most famously A Case of Rape and The Legend of Lizzie Borden—and also expanded into narration work for documentaries and audiobooks.
How did Elizabeth Montgomery’s personal life intertwine with her career?
Her four marriages including one to Bewitched director William Asher—and her three children were at times reflected in her on-screen life, with two pregnancies written directly into the show’s storyline, illustrating the blend of her professional and private worlds.
What circumstances surrounded Elizabeth Montgomery’s illness and passing?
Diagnosed privately with colorectal cancer in early 1995, she continued to work and advocate for health awareness until her death on May 18, 1995, at age 62, after which colleagues and fans alike paid tribute to both her talent and her humanitarian spirit.
How is Elizabeth Montgomery’s legacy preserved today?
Her legacy lives on through ongoing syndication and streaming of Bewitched, scholarly retrospectives on her work, museum exhibits, and continued recognition of her pioneering blend of entertainment and activism.