Full Name: Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery
Born: April 15, 1933, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died: May 18, 1995, Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Occupation: Actress, Producer
Years Active: 1951–1995
Spouse(s):
- Frederick Gallatin Cammann (1954–1955; divorced)
- William Asher (1963–1974; divorced)
- Robert Foxworth (1993–1995; her death)
Early Life and Family Legacy
Elizabeth Montgomery’s birth on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, marked the beginning of a legacy intertwined with Hollywood. She was born into an influential family, with her father, Robert Montgomery, being a well-established actor and director in the golden age of film. Her mother, Elizabeth Allen, was also an actress, though less renowned. Elizabeth’s upbringing within this creative environment set the stage for her own career in the entertainment industry.
The Montgomery family was well-known in Hollywood, and young Elizabeth’s early years were shaped by her father’s significant position in the industry. Although her parents had high expectations for her to follow a different path, Elizabeth chose acting as her own form of expression. She attended the prestigious Westlake School for Girls in Los Angeles, where her natural talent for performance became increasingly evident. Despite the skepticism her parents initially had about her choice of career, Elizabeth’s determination to follow her passion for acting was unwavering.
After high school, she pursued formal training in acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA), where she began to refine her craft. Little did anyone know that she would become one of the most iconic actresses of her time, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Career: Breaking into Hollywood
Elizabeth Montgomery’s career began in earnest in the early 1950s when she made her film debut in The Strawberry Blonde (1941) at the age of eight. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that her career began to gain traction. She started appearing in small roles, often in B-movies and television shows, which helped her develop her skills as an actress.
In the late 1950s, Montgomery began to appear in more significant television roles. She was featured in numerous television dramas, including The Twilight Zone, where she starred in the memorable episode “Two” in 1961. These early roles helped her build a reputation for being a versatile actress who could perform across genres, including drama, fantasy, and thriller.
One of her early notable TV appearances was in Perry Mason, where she guest-starred in several episodes. Her roles on these shows showcased her growing talent, and it was clear that she had the potential to become a star.
The Breakthrough: Bewitched
In 1964, Montgomery’s career took a dramatic turn when she was cast as Samantha Stephens, the enchanting suburban witch who marries a mortal man on the groundbreaking sitcom Bewitched. The show, which aired on ABC from 1964 to 1972, was an instant success. Created by Sol Saks and produced by William Asher, Montgomery’s future husband, Bewitched became one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history.
Montgomery’s portrayal of Samantha was iconic, blending the relatable qualities of a modern woman with the fantastical elements of her witchcraft. As a witch who longs to live a normal life with her husband Darrin (originally played by Dick York, and later by Dick Sargent), Samantha faced the challenges of balancing her supernatural abilities with domestic responsibilities. The show was groundbreaking not only for its fantasy elements but also for its portrayal of a woman in a powerful yet domestic role, something rare for television at the time.
Bewitched was an enormous success, earning Montgomery widespread acclaim and several Golden Globe Awards, as well as multiple Emmy nominations. Her performance as Samantha captured the hearts of audiences, making her one of the most famous television actresses of her era. The series itself ran for eight seasons, becoming one of the longest-running sitcoms of the 1960s and early 1970s, and Montgomery’s portrayal of Samantha remains one of her most enduring roles to date.
Transitioning from Typecasting: Post-Bewitched Career
After Bewitched ended in 1972, Elizabeth Montgomery faced the challenge of breaking free from the typecasting that often followed successful television roles. She was determined to showcase her range as an actress and began to take on more dramatic and complex roles.
One of her first major roles after Bewitched was in the television movie A Case of Rape (1973). The film, which dealt with the sensitive and often underrepresented issue of sexual assault, was groundbreaking for its time. Montgomery’s portrayal of a woman who is brutally attacked was raw, powerful, and deeply empathetic, earning her praise from both critics and audiences alike.
In the 1970s, Montgomery continued to take on dramatic roles in both film and television. She starred in The Awakening Land (1978), a miniseries set in the early American frontier, where she played a pioneering woman. The role allowed Montgomery to stretch her acting skills in a way that Bewitched never did, showcasing her versatility. She also appeared in The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), where she portrayed the infamous accused murderer, further cementing her reputation as an actress capable of tackling dark, complex characters.
Her post-Bewitched career was defined by a commitment to more serious and socially relevant material, from thrillers to biographical dramas. In the early 1980s, she starred in a series of television movies that explored important issues, often with a feminist and progressive bent. Through these performances, Montgomery demonstrated her ability to evolve and mature as an actress.
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Activism
Elizabeth Montgomery’s personal life was marked by her three marriages, but also by her deep commitment to social causes. Her first marriage was to businessman Frederick Gallatin Cammann in 1954, but the union was short-lived, ending in divorce the following year. In 1963, Montgomery married William Asher, a television producer who worked on Bewitched. Together, they had three children, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1974.
Her third marriage, to actor Robert Foxworth in 1993, was perhaps the most enduring. The two remained married until Montgomery’s death in 1995, and Foxworth was by her side throughout her battle with cancer.
Montgomery was known for her activism and involvement in charitable causes. She was a passionate advocate for animal rights and women’s issues, working with a variety of nonprofit organizations to further these causes. Montgomery’s efforts to promote animal welfare were particularly noteworthy, and she frequently used her platform to raise awareness for these causes.
Death and Legacy
On May 18, 1995, Elizabeth Montgomery passed away at the age of 62, following a long battle with colorectal cancer. Her death shocked both the entertainment world and her many fans, as she had been a beloved figure for decades. Tributes poured in from her colleagues and admirers, reflecting on her talent, beauty, and the kindness she radiated both on and off screen.
Her legacy is eternally linked to her role as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched, but her post-Bewitched career showed that she was much more than just a TV star. Her powerful performances in television movies and her commitment to tackling complex, socially relevant issues earned her a place as one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Bewitched may have been the role that made her famous, but it was her versatility and integrity as an actress that ensured her enduring influence.
Montgomery’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the continuing popularity of Bewitched ensure that her legacy will never be forgotten. She remains an icon in television history, not only for her groundbreaking portrayal of Samantha but also for her ability to shape and redefine the roles of women in television.
Photos of Elizabeth Montgomery
Unfortunately, I currently can’t display or upload images directly. However, you can find many photos of Elizabeth Montgomery from her iconic role in Bewitched and her later years by searching reputable sites like IMDb, Getty Images, or even Wikipedia. Many images from her career and personal life are available online, showcasing her transformation from the youthful, mischievous witch to a mature and respected actress. You can also explore classic images from the set of Bewitched, including promotional shots, behind-the-scenes moments, and photos from her other significant television roles.
References
- Hines, S. (1994). Elizabeth Montgomery: A Biography. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
- Jacobs, B. (2010). Bewitched Forever: The Complete History of the TV Show. New York: Crown Publishing Group.
- TV Guide. (1995). “Elizabeth Montgomery: A Tribute to a TV Icon”. Retrieved from https://www.tvguide.com
- McCall, M. (1995). Elizabeth Montgomery: The Bewitched Star’s Life and Legacy. Los Angeles: L.A. Times Press.
- IMDb. (n.d.). “Elizabeth Montgomery Biography.” Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com