When you think of Elizabeth Montgomery, it’s impossible not to remember her famous nose twitch from the hit TV series Bewitched. Montgomery’s portrayal of the charming witch Samantha Stephens turned her into a household name and an international sensation during the 1960s. Sadly, her life and career were cut short when she passed away suddenly in 1995, leaving fans around the world devastated.
Let’s take a look back at the life and legacy of Elizabeth Montgomery and the lasting impact she had on television and film.
A Hollywood Legacy from the Start
Born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, Elizabeth Montgomery seemed destined for stardom. Her father, Robert Montgomery, was a famous actor, and her mother, Elizabeth Allen, was a Broadway performer. With acting in her blood, Elizabeth knew from an early age that she wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps.
In an interview from 1954, Elizabeth shared how she used to tell her father, “I’m going to be an actress when I grow up,” while sitting on his lap. With her father’s guidance and support, Elizabeth began her acting career, eventually landing a spot on her father’s television show, Robert Montgomery Presents, which paved the way for her future success.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Montgomery made her Broadway debut in 1953 with the play Late Love. Her big break came when she starred in The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell in 1955, which showcased her talents to a wider audience. She continued to build her career with appearances on popular TV shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Twilight Zone.
Though she was quickly gaining recognition, Elizabeth’s career skyrocketed in 1964 when she was cast as Samantha Stephens in the supernatural sitcom Bewitched.
Bewitched: The Role That Made Her a Star
Bewitched debuted in 1964 and ran for eight successful seasons. The show was groundbreaking, blending magic and comedy to tell the story of Samantha, a witch trying to live a normal suburban life with her mortal husband. Montgomery’s portrayal of Samantha, with her signature nose twitch, became iconic and endeared her to millions of viewers.
Elizabeth’s charm, wit, and beauty made her the perfect choice for the role, and she quickly became a global phenomenon. Fans everywhere tried to imitate her famous nose twitch, and Montgomery’s natural beauty made her one of the most beloved actresses of the era. In an interview with the Associated Press in 1965, Montgomery admitted that she had reservations about taking on a TV series but was ultimately grateful for the role that would define her career.
“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,” she said.
A New Direction: Life After Bewitched
After Bewitched ended in 1972, Montgomery sought to break away from the role that had made her famous. She deliberately chose roles that were the complete opposite of her cheerful and magical character. She starred in several made-for-television movies, often taking on darker and more dramatic roles.
Among her most notable projects were Mrs. Sundance (1973), A Case of Rape (1974), and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), where she portrayed the infamous ax murderer. These roles helped solidify her status as a versatile actress capable of much more than lighthearted comedy.
Her career continued to flourish, and she remained a fixture on television screens well into the 1990s, starring in films like Black Widow Murders (1993) and Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan (1995).
A Love Life Full of Ups and Downs
Throughout her life, Elizabeth Montgomery experienced her fair share of romance and heartbreak. Her first marriage to Frederick Gallatin Cammann in 1954 lasted only a year. She then married actor Gig Young in 1956, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1963.
While filming the movie Johnny Cool, Montgomery met William Asher, a successful director and TV producer. The two fell in love and were married later that year. Together, they had three children and worked on Bewitched throughout the 1960s. Their marriage lasted until 1973.
In the mid-1970s, Montgomery began a relationship with actor Robert Foxworth, whom she later married in 1993. The two remained together until her untimely death.
The Sudden, Tragic Loss of a Beloved Star
In 1995, Elizabeth Montgomery was still active in her career, but her health took a sudden turn for the worse. During the filming of Deadline for Murder, she began to feel unwell. By the time she sought medical help in March of that year, it was discovered that she had advanced colon cancer. The disease had already spread to her liver, and tragically, there was little that could be done.
On May 18, 1995, Elizabeth Montgomery passed away at her home in Beverly Hills, surrounded by her husband and three children. She was 62 years old. Her sudden death shocked fans and colleagues alike, as many had believed she had beaten the disease.
Following her passing, a memorial service was held at the Canon Theatre in Beverly Hills. Friends and family gathered to pay tribute to the actress who had touched so many lives through her work. Her body was cremated, and her remains were placed at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Elizabeth Montgomery’s Enduring Legacy
Though Elizabeth Montgomery’s life was cut short, her impact on television and film remains undeniable. From her role as Samantha Stephens to her dramatic turns in TV movies, Montgomery left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her beauty, talent, and versatility made her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation.
In a 1992 interview, Elizabeth reflected on her diverse career: “They all have different kinds of ‘feels’ to them and that’s probably one of the reasons why I’ve done them. 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.”
Elizabeth Montgomery was a true star, and though she is no longer with us, her legacy will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
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