Elizabeth Montgomery was not just a talented actress but a true icon who left a lasting impact on the entertainment world. Born into a family with deep connections to show business, Montgomery’s life story was as compelling as the roles she played. Best remembered for her role as Samantha Stephens in the beloved TV sitcom Bewitched, Montgomery’s career spanned multiple decades, and her influence continues to be felt today. This article explores her early life, career highlights, personal life, and the trivia that made her unique.

Early Life and Background: The Foundation of a Star

Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933, in Hollywood, California, to screen actor Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Allen. Growing up in a family steeped in the entertainment industry, it was almost inevitable that Elizabeth would pursue a career in show business.

Her formal education included attending the prestigious Spence School in New York City before she enrolled at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. Montgomery trained rigorously for several years before making her television debut in 1950 on her father’s anthology series Robert Montgomery Presents. During the next decade, she appeared in over 200 live TV broadcasts, quickly earning a reputation as a rising star in the industry.

Despite being born into the limelight, Montgomery was deeply dedicated to her craft. She once remarked, “I guess you could say I’m a TV baby,” reflecting her early immersion into television, a medium that would later shape her career.

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Career Highlights: The Witch Who Stole Our Hearts

Although Elizabeth Montgomery had a number of early film roles, including notable parts in The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955) and Johnny Cool (1963), it was her portrayal of Samantha Stephens in Bewitched (1964–1972) that became her most iconic and beloved role. As Samantha, the charming and relatable witch who tries to live a normal life with her mortal husband, Montgomery captured the hearts of viewers across the world.

The show was revolutionary, blending family sitcom elements with fantasy. What made Bewitched stand out was not only Montgomery’s stellar performance but the way the character of Samantha was crafted. Director William Asher, who was also her second husband, noticed that Montgomery’s nose would twitch when she became nervous, a detail that became Samantha’s signature trait. This seemingly small yet distinctive feature would go on to become one of the most recognizable elements of the show.

Montgomery’s commitment to her role was evident as she was the only cast member to appear in all 254 episodes of Bewitched. Her performance was consistently praised, and the show became a massive success. In the years following Bewitched, Montgomery continued to work in television movies, receiving critical acclaim for roles in films such as A Case of Rape (1974) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975). She was also involved in narrating The Panama Deception (1992), which went on to win an Academy Award.

Though she was most known for Bewitched, Montgomery’s versatility as an actress allowed her to take on diverse roles in various genres, from drama to mystery, always with the same captivating screen presence that made her a household name.

Personal Life: Love, Family, and Tragedy

Elizabeth Montgomery’s personal life was just as eventful as her career. She was married four times, with her most enduring relationship being with actor Robert Foxworth. The couple began living together in 1973 but waited almost twenty years before marrying in 1993, just two years before Montgomery’s death. Foxworth was a loving partner, and their relationship was a stabilizing force in Montgomery’s life.

Her first marriage was to actor Gig Young in 1956, but they divorced in 1963. Soon after, she married director William Asher, with whom she had three children: William Asher Jr. (born in 1964), Robert Asher (born in 1965), and Rebecca Asher (born in 1969). The couple divorced in 1974, but Montgomery and Asher remained close, maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship.

Montgomery’s family was at the center of her world. She often took maternity leave during the filming of Bewitched, returning to work only two months after giving birth. Her strong bond with her children was evident in the way she balanced her demanding career with motherhood, often referring to the challenges of parenting as the “toughest job anyone can have.”

Trademarks and Distinctive Features: The Little Things That Made Her Unique

Elizabeth Montgomery’s acting was defined by subtle yet memorable qualities. Perhaps one of her most famous trademarks was her “nose twitch,” which became a key feature of her character Samantha in Bewitched. This idiosyncratic gesture was not only charming but also became the show’s signature, symbolizing the magic that Samantha often wielded.

Another trademark of Montgomery’s was her distinctive, soft, and mellow voice. Her soothing tone made her a beloved figure on-screen, whether she was portraying the whimsical Samantha or a more dramatic role in TV movies.

Montgomery’s career and public persona were often marked by her warmth and relatability. Fans loved her for her down-to-earth nature, and her effortless grace added to her appeal both on and off-screen.

Trivia: Fascinating Facts About Elizabeth Montgomery

There is so much more to Elizabeth Montgomery’s legacy than just her acting. For instance, a nine-foot bronze statue of her as Samantha Stephens, mounted on her broomstick, resides in Salem, Massachusetts, the town famous for its witch trials. The statue was erected as a tribute to her role and to the town’s connection to witchcraft.

Though she was best known for Bewitched, Montgomery’s career was filled with numerous fascinating details. She played her mischievous cousin, Serena, under the pseudonym “Pandora Spocks” — a playful reference to “Pandora’s Box.” She also provided the voice for a cartoon version of Samantha in The Flintstones episode “Samantha” (1965), showcasing her versatility even in animated form.

In addition to her acting career, Montgomery was an outspoken advocate for gay rights and women’s rights. She participated in the 1992 Los Angeles Gay Pride Parade as a grand marshal, alongside her former Bewitched co-star, Dick Sargent. She was a firm believer in equality and justice, using her fame to support the causes she was passionate about.

Legacy: An Everlasting Influence

Elizabeth Montgomery’s death on May 18, 1995, was a tragic loss to the entertainment world. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer only eight weeks before her passing, she died at the age of 62, though some reports mistakenly listed her as 57. Her death marked the end of an era, but her legacy has continued to live on in the hearts of her fans and through the many tributes to her career.

In 2008, Montgomery was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television, cementing her status as one of TV’s greatest icons.

Her portrayal of Samantha Stephens and her other notable roles have made her a timeless figure in the world of television. Elizabeth Montgomery may have left this world, but the magic of her performances continues to enchant new generations.

Elizabeth Montgomery’s career was as multifaceted as her personal journey. She was not just an actress — she was a pioneer, a mother, and an advocate. With her warmth, charm, and dedication to her craft, she remains an unforgettable part of television history, and her influence will continue to inspire generations of viewers and actors alike.