Elizabeth Montgomery: The Enchanting Life Beyond The Screen

Remember the iconic twitch of her nose? Elizabeth Montgomery, the queen of witches on Bewitched, cast a spell not just on her character, Samantha Stephens, but on audiences worldwide. But there was more to this enchanting star than meets the eye. As Herbie J. Pilato, author of Twitch Upon a Star and executive producer of the documentary Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitched Life, puts it, “Elizabeth was the least arrogant star I’ve ever met. She had this incredible down-to-earth quality that she channeled into Samantha, and it’s what made her so beloved.”

A Star Born Under the Spotlight

Elizabeth Montgomery didn’t just stumble into the world of acting; she was born into it. Her father, Robert Montgomery, was a celebrated movie star, and her mother, Elizabeth Allen, was a renowned Broadway actress who sacrificed her career to support her husband. However, Robert wasn’t thrilled about his daughter following in their footsteps. “He never wanted Elizabeth to become an actress,” Pilato explains. But that didn’t stop her. Determined to carve her own path, Elizabeth enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. She even persuaded her dad to cast her in his TV show, Robert Montgomery Presents, in 1951. Yet, Robert remained a tough critic, often sending her notes critiquing her performances. “Even when she was receiving accolades on Broadway, his feedback was harsh,” Pilato reveals.

Seeking Approval: Marrying for Love or Obligation?

Elizabeth’s quest for her father’s approval led her down a rocky path in her personal life. In 1954, she tied the knot with Frederick Cammann, a wealthy, handsome New Yorker who seemed to tick all the boxes for Robert’s approval. “Fred was everything Robert wanted for his daughter,” Pilato says. “But Elizabeth had other dreams. She wanted to be a star, and Fred wanted a traditional wife. It was a clash of aspirations that doomed their marriage from the start.”

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A Complicated Love Life

After her divorce, Elizabeth’s relationships continued to reflect her strained bond with her father. In 1955, she married Gig Young, an older actor known for his volatile behavior and alcoholism. “It was almost like she was rebelling against her dad by marrying someone so different from what he’d approve of,” Pilato explains. “But eventually, she realized the abuse was too much to bear and ended the marriage.” Despite these challenges, Elizabeth’s career flourished. She earned her first of nine Emmy nominations in 1961 for her role in The Untouchables. It was during the filming of Johnny Cool in 1963 that she met William Asher, the director who became her third husband and the father of her three children. Together, they created Bewitched, a show that became both a professional triumph and a personal haven for Elizabeth. “She loved every minute of being on set,” Pilato recalls. “It was truly a labor of love.”

Using Her Fame for Good

As Samantha Stephens, Elizabeth promoted a message of acceptance and love, and off-screen, she carried that mission forward. “She was one of the first actresses to advocate for those affected by AIDS,” Pilato shares. “This aligns perfectly with the anti-prejudice themes of Bewitched. Samantha and Darrin’s love transcended their differences, and Elizabeth believed in spreading that same message in real life.”

A Heartbroken but Resilient Spirit

Unfortunately, Elizabeth’s personal life continued to face trials. “William’s affair shattered her heart,” Pilato reveals. “It was a tough blow, and not long after, both the show and their marriage came to an end.” But Elizabeth’s resilience shone through. By the time she met her fourth husband, actor Robert Foxworth, she had healed and found happiness once again. Their union was a joyful one, lasting until Elizabeth’s untimely death from colon cancer in 1995 at the age of 62.

Despite her struggles, Elizabeth’s kindness and warmth left an indelible mark on those around her. “Robert’s children adored her, and so did Elizabeth’s own kids,” Pilato fondly remembers. “Even her father, who had been so critical, came around in the end. There was no hate, just love.”