The name Elizabeth Montgomery is synonymous with the charming, magical character of Samantha Stephens from Bewitched.
Her portrayal of the nose-twitching witch captivated audiences worldwide and made her a beloved icon. But what many don’t know is that behind her glamorous figure was a woman whose life, though full of fame and success, was tragically cut short. Elizabeth’s untimely death in 1995 left a void in the entertainment world that was never quite filled.
The actress, whose beauty was effortless and whose talent excelled in every role, remains a figure whose legacy continues to inspire both her fans and future generations of actors. Let’s take a closer look at the life of this extraordinary woman and her lasting impact on the world.
When you think of Elizabeth Montgomery, it’s impossible not to think of the charming sparkle that accompanied her character’s signature nose twitch on Bewitched.
The talented actress became a household name and a global sensation in the 1960s, but tragically died unexpectedly in 1995.
We’ve written about many beautiful and talented women at Newsner, but Elizabeth Montgomery really captured my heart right from the start! While many film and TV stars rely on makeup and hair teams to perfect their look, Elizabeth’s natural beauty shined through, making her a joy to watch on Bewitched.
So what happened to Elizabeth Montgomery after her iconic role as Samantha Stephens on the 1960s sitcom?
The beloved actress would have lived to be 90 years old in 2023. Let’s take a look back at her incredible career in film and television before her heartbreaking death in 1995.
Born on April 15, 1933 in Los Angeles, Elizabeth was destined for an acting career thanks to her Broadway actress mother and movie star father. Acting really ran in her veins.
As Elizabeth shared in a 1954 interview with the Los Angeles Times, “Dad says I used to climb on his lap after dinner and say, ‘I’m going to be an actress when I grow up. I’m not sure if he supported me.’ me or not, but he said he would entertain me and tell me to wait and see what happens when I grow up.’
Her father, Robert Montgomery, was a famous actor, and Elizabeth later credited his guidance as helping launch her career. “I’ll be honest and say that my dad helped me quit TV and I’m extremely grateful for his help and guidance. He’s my harshest critic, but he’s also a true friend and a loving parent.”
Elizabeth attended school in California before moving to New York to attend the prestigious Spence School. After graduation, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for three years.
Her television debut came as a child on her father’s show Robert Montgomery Presents, where she continued to perform.
He stars in Bewitched
Elizabeth Montgomery also appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Loretta Young Show, The Untouchables and The Twilight Zone, but it was her iconic role as Samantha Stephens in Bewitched that made her a real household name.
The charming comedy ran for eight successful seasons from 1964 to 1972 and thrust Elizabeth into the limelight. Samantha’s famous nose twitch became legendary and fans everywhere tried to imitate it.
In March 1995, Elizabeth, who had been battling cancer for years and believed to be in remission, fell ill while filming Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan. By the time she sought medical attention, the cancer had already spread to her liver.
Elizabeth died peacefully in her sleep at home in Beverly Hills, surrounded by her husband and three children. A month later, a memorial service was held at Beverly Hills’ Canon Theatre. Jazz musician Herbie Hancock performed and author Dominick Dunne, Elizabeth’s lifelong friend, shared stories about their early days together in New York.
Elizabeth’s ashes were cremated and interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
In a 1992 interview, Elizabeth talked about the number of characters she played during her career. “Everyone has different ‘feels’ which is probably why I made them. I get messages from people who say that one of their favorite aspects of what I’ve done since Bewitched is that they never know what I’m going to do next.”
Elizabeth Montgomery’s legacy remains as vibrant and enchanting as the beloved character she portrayed in Bewitched. Her natural beauty, talent and charm won the hearts of millions around the world, and her influence as an actress continues to inspire years after her death. Although she left us far too soon in 1995, her work, especially as the nosy Samantha Stephens, will always be fondly remembered.
Elizabeth’s career was a testament to her versatility and passion for her craft, and her memory lives on in countless fans who still cherish her performances. As we reflect on her remarkable life and career, we honor her lasting impact on the world of entertainment and the generations she touched with her remarkable talent.