When you hear the name Elizabeth Montgomery, what is the first thought that crosses your mind? Like many others, you probably immediately think of her role as Samantha on the TV show, Bewitched.
Even though Elizabeth Montgomery gained fame many years ago, she continues to be a well-known name for many people today. She brought us joy in numerous ways, but sadly, the lovely and gifted actress passed away unexpectedly in 1995.
One of the reasons Elizabeth Montgomery gained such popularity was her natural beauty. While other actresses often rely on makeup and hair stylists to enhance their looks, she managed to shine without any assistance.
Having portrayed Samantha Stevens in the 1960 sitcom, she remained a beloved and talented figure for many years. If she were still with us today, she would be celebrating her 91st birthday; however, her unexpected passing left many in shock.
Born in 1933 to a Broadway actress, it was only fitting that she would pursue a similar path. Her father, Robert Montgomery, was also a well-known actor.
In a 1954 interview, she shared: “Dad tells me I often climbed on his lap after dinner and declared, ‘I’m going to be an actress when I grow up.’ I’m not sure if he encouraged me, but he mentioned that he would humor me and suggested I wait to see what would happen as I grew older.
I’ll be completely honest and admit that my father played a significant role in helping me break into television, and I truly appreciate his support and guidance. He is my toughest critic, yet also a genuine friend and a loving dad.
Elizabeth made her television debut as a teenager, appearing on her father’s show, Robert Montgomery Presents, where she had several roles. She began her Broadway career in 1953 and made her film debut in 1955 with The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell.
She was briefly married to Frederick Gallatin Cammann for a year, but they divorced in 1955. In 1956, she married Gig Young, and their marriage lasted until 1963.
That same year, she met William Asher, a television producer and director. They tied the knot and had three children together.
Bewitched became the highlight of her career, although she also appeared in various other shows, such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Loretta Young Show, The Untouchables, and The Twilight Zone. Bewitched aired for eight seasons from 1964 to 1972.
In a 1965 interview, she remarked: “I never really considered a series because I preferred the idea of selecting a script I liked with a character I felt I could portray for an hour. In a series, you spend every day with one character – and you can only hope it’s one that won’t drive you insane.”
After Bewitched ended, she transitioned to making several made-for-television films. Her credits 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).
She met Robert Foxworth while filming Mrs. Sundance. They remained married until her death, having only wed two years earlier.
Herbie J Pilato, the author of two books about Elizabeth Montgomery, remarked: “Before Jane Seymour, before Lindsay Wagner, and before Valerie Bertinelli, Elizabeth was the original Queen of TV movies; she transitioned from being the queen of witches to the queen of TV films, and it was no longer a challenge to move on from Bewitched.”
Sadly, she endured a lengthy battle with colon cancer and passed away on May 18, 1995. Her family stated she was 57, but many others believe she was actually 62.
At one stage, she even believed she had overcome cancer, but unfortunately, further tests revealed that the cancer had metastasized to her liver. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Beverly Hills, surrounded by her family.
We are grateful for everything she contributed to our lives and the countless memories she has left us with. May she rest in peace.
