Early Careers of Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York & More

You haven’t seen the cast of Bewitched until you’ve seen them in their younger days before they became iconic for their roles in the television series that aired from 1964 to 1972. The show follows a mortal advertising executive named Darrin Stephens (Dick York) who marries a beautiful woman, Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), who reveals herself to be a witch. Over time, Darrin learns to live with the whimsicality and unpredictability that comes with Samantha’s magical relatives frequently appearing and disappearing. Their children, too, inherit their mother’s magical prowess.

This exploration of the younger days of the Bewitched cast, through numerous images, gives us a glimpse into the early lives of Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, Agnes Moorehead (who played Samantha’s mother, Endora and was an established actress by then), and Dick Sargent, who later took over the role of Darrin from York. Let’s dig into the memories of these incredible actors.

Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha Stephens) posed for a portrait at her home in Los Angeles, California, in 1966. She was born on April 15, 1933, and started her career on her father Robert Montgomery’s anthology series, Robert Montgomery Presents. Her Broadway debut came in 1956 with Late Love, which won her a Theater World Award. Some films she starred in include Johnny Cool, directed by William Asher, who would later become her husband and play a significant role in the creation of Bewitched. After the show ended in 1972, she ventured into TV movies, featuring in titles such as A Case of Rape (1974) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975). She married four times and passed away on May 18, 1995, from colon cancer.

Her public appearances in the 1950s reflected her budding career, with images showing her at New York’s El Morocco Nightclub in 1950 and dining with her father in 1955. By the 1960s, her style evolved, as seen in her glam studio portraits flaunting elegant dresses and fur coats, before taking the role of Samantha that defined her career.

Dick York (Darrin Stephens) brought humor and warmth to the role of Darrin in the first 156 episodes. Born on September 4, 1928, he began his career in radio at age 15, appeared in numerous instructional films, and starred on Broadway in shows like Bus Stop and Tea and Sympathy. Between 1955 and 1960, he acted in several films but suffered a debilitating back injury while filming They Came to Cordura in 1959, which led to chronic pain. After leaving Bewitched due to his health, York appeared in just two TV shows, Simon & Simon (1983) and Fantasy Island (1984). He passed away from emphysema on February 20, 1992.

York’s early career included roles in the 1955 film My Sister Eileen and the 1957 comedy Operation Mad Ball. One memorable moment from his career was his haunting appearance in the 1960 episode of The Twilight Zone titled “The Purple Testament.” York left an indelible mark on television despite his personal struggles.

Agnes Moorehead (Endora) portrayed Endora with a charming blend of wit and exasperation. Born on December 6, 1900, she pursued performing arts in college, eventually becoming part of Orson Welles’ Mercury Players, which led to her film debut in Citizen Kane. Before Bewitched, she had already established a prolific career in Hollywood, acting in around 60 movies and 24 television appearances, including an episode of The Twilight Zone. Her accolades include two Golden Globes and an Emmy Award. She continued working up until her death from cancer on April 30, 1974.

Moorehead’s early achievements in the entertainment industry are illustrated by her performance alongside Welles in the 1941 classic Citizen Kane and a photo with Jimmy Stewart in the 1949 film The Stratton Story. Her defining role in Bewitched showcased her versatility and commitment to her craft.

Dick Sargent (Darrin Stephens) became the second actor to portray Darrin started from season six until the show ended. Born Richard Stanford Cox on April 19, 1930, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, he majored in drama at Stanford University and appeared in over two dozen plays. He made his film debut in 1954 and had several roles before joining Bewitched. Sargent’s dedication to his craft ensured that he had steady work before and after his stint on the show, appearing in movies and TV shows alike. Sargent came out as gay during National Coming Out Day in 1991 and shared a long-term relationship with Albert Williams. He passed away from prostate cancer on July 8, 1994.

His pre-Bewitched filmography includes roles in Bernardine (1957) and the war comedy Captain Newman, M.D. (1963). Even after playing Darrin, Sargent’s career flourished in various roles across film and television. 

A final look at the cast from the 1972 photo shoot reveals the cherished relationship they had with each other and the audience. Their talents and on-screen magic have left an indelible mark on television history.

In 1972, the entire cast of Bewitched gathered for a final photo shoot as a way of saying goodbye to the television audience after a long run.