David White: The Heart Of 'Bewitched' You May Have Overlooked

When you think about the classic TV sitcom Bewitched, certain names immediately pop into your head—Elizabeth Montgomery as the enchanting Samantha Stephens, Dick York as her ever-patient mortal husband Darrin, Agnes Moorehead as the formidable Endora, and even Paul Lynde with his hilarious Uncle Arthur. But let’s not forget a guy who deserves just as much love: David White. Playing Darrin’s boss, Larry Tate, David White appeared in an impressive 191 out of the 254 episodes produced. That’s a lot of screen time, folks! Yet somehow, he doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.

David White on Playing Larry Tate: The Honest Man Behind the Role

In a revealing interview with Herbie J. Pilato, the author of The Essential Elizabeth Montgomery: A Guide to Her Magical Performances and Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery, David White opened up about his role as Larry Tate. He explained, “I think I landed the part because I’m an honest man, and that’s where Larry and I diverge. Larry was a bit of a two-faced character, whereas I pride myself on integrity. In many ways, Larry lacked the depth of values that I personally hold dear. To play Larry, I had to tone down my own personality. Larry was an insecure man, brilliant in some areas, but not others. He was smart enough to hire people like Darrin, who had skills he didn’t possess. It was all about balance and understanding the dynamics of the workplace.”

Herbie J. Pilato’s Insight: David White’s Legacy in 'Bewitched'

Herbie J. Pilato shared his insights in an exclusive interview, saying, “David White was truly beloved by both Elizabeth Montgomery and her husband, Bill Asher, the show’s producer. They often praised his comic timing, calling it ‘quicksilver.’ Despite the mutual admiration, David sometimes felt overlooked by Bill Asher. For instance, David believed his name should have been included in the opening credits of the show, either before or after Agnes Moorehead’s as Endora. This issue was eventually resolved in the final seasons, but it was something David had hoped for from the very beginning. It’s a testament to how much he cared about the show and his role in it.”

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David White’s Journey: From Denver to Broadway and Beyond

David White was born on April 4, 1916, in Denver, Colorado. His family later moved to Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where he spent much of his childhood. He went on to graduate from Los Angeles City College and honed his acting skills at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse and the Cleveland Play House. His career took a dramatic turn when he joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II. After the war, David made his Broadway debut in the 1949 play Leaf and Bough. His theatrical journey continued with roles in The Birdcage (1950), The Pink Elephant (1953), A Roomful of Roses (1955), and Romanoff and Juliet (1957). Each role added depth to his repertoire and prepared him for the iconic part of Larry Tate in Bewitched.

For more fascinating details about David White and the magic of Bewitched, keep scrolling!