(Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
Rehearsals for the pilot episode of “Bewitched” began on November 22, 1963 — just hours before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
The tragedy was particularly difficult for the show’s star, Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha Stephens), and her husband, the show’s producer, Bill Asher.
“They were friends with JFK,” Herbie J. Pilato, author of “Twitch Upon A Star” and other books about classic television told Fox News.
“Asher produced Kennedy’s birthday bash where Marilyn Monroe sang ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President.’ It was a very hard time for everybody.”
But the show eventually went on.
“Bewitched” aired for eight seasons and 254 episodes on ABC — often beating out the controversial CBS comedy, “All In The Family,” in head-to-head competition.
Montgomery starred as a friendly witch who marries a mortal man (Dick York, later switched to actor Dick Sargent) and attempts to live as a suburban housewife.
Pilato shares with us some secrets you probably don’t know about the spellbinding series:
1. Samantha was originally named Cassandra
Actress Elizabeth Montgomery is shown on the set of the television show "Bewitched," in which she plays the role of Samantha, in 1964. (AP Photo) (AP)
"Elizabeth didn’t like it because she thought it was too connected to the evil witches of Greek mythology," claimed Pilato.
2. The role of Samantha was originally offered to Tammy Grimes
Grimes passed. “She felt like if the character had all this power, why doesn’t she cure all the ills of the world?” said Pilato. “If Tammy had said 'yes,' I don’t think the show would have been as successful.”
3. Before 'Bewitched'
** FILE** Darren McGavin, right, and Elizabeth Montgomery are seen in a scene from the television series "Riverboat" in this Aug. 18, 1959 file photo. McGavin, the husky, tough-talking actor who starred in the TV series "Mike Hammer," played a grouchy dad in the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" and had other strong roles in such films as "The Man with the Golden Arm" and "The Natural," died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006. He was 83. (AP Photo) (AP)
Montgomery made over 200 guest appearances on TV before "Bewitched." She's pictured above with actor Darren McGavin in a scene from the television series "Riverboat."
4. How Sargent really died
Dick Sargent died in 1994 of prostate cancer, not AIDS. “Yes, he was a man who happened to be gay, but that has been a misconception all these years,” said Pilato.
5. A tale of two Darrins
(Mill Creek Entertainment)
Many episodes starring Dick Sargent were remakes of episodes that originally starred Dick York. “Sometimes they took the concept, sometimes you would hear exact dialogue,” said Pilato. “I don’t know why. They didn’t think the show would still be on 50 years later and people would write books about it.”
6. Montgomery wanted out
(Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
“It wasn’t canceled because of low ratings,” Pilato insisted. "'Bewitched' was actually renewed for Seasons 9 and 10, but [she] wanted out. It was at this same time that Montgomery’s marriage to Asher began to unravel. The sitcom came to an end in 1972 and the couple divorced a year after."
FAQs
That is the Christmas episode 'Sisters At Heart' which makes a sweet but powerful statement against racism that even moved the heart of Larry Tate.
Why did Bewitched end so abruptly? ›
The series could have gone on for longer than eight seasons, but its lead shut things down with one demand. Memoirist Peter Ackerman says the TV classic, “Bewitched,” came to an early end after a major demand from star Elizabeth Montgomery.
Did the actors on Bewitched wear their own clothes? ›
She also probably wore it in the real world, too. For context, “Bewitched” lacked a hefty wardrobe budget and often borrowed from its leading ladies' personal wardrobes. Kasey Rodgers, who played Louise Tate, the wife of Darrin's boss, recalled bringing her own clothes to set weekly.
What scene caused Bewitched to be canceled? ›
There was no controversy that ended Bewitched. For some unknown reason, even though the series went from number one in the ratings, to seventy-second by its eighth season, with only a third of its original audience, ABC wanted to renew it.
Who was the first choice for Samantha on Bewitched? ›
The Sargent Dilemma
As fate would have it, Grimes' character on the show was named “Tamantha” — with a “t” — and the actress was ABC's first choice to play Samantha on Bewitched, but she declined.
Was there a lot of drinking on Bewitched? ›
You wouldn't be alone. Characters on Bewitched drank so much, fans created a drinking guide for the show. In the words of Darrin Stephens, “Make it a double, Sam.”
Who smoked on Bewitched in real life? ›
Death. York was a three-pack-a-day smoker for much of his life and often smoked cigarettes on the set of Bewitched; he spent his final years battling emphysema.
What happened to the girl who played Tabitha on Bewitched? ›
Post-Bewitched years
She was an El Toro High School cheerleader and homecoming queen during her senior year. She graduated from El Toro High School in 1981. Murphy has worked as a casting director, makeup artist, fashion stylist, acting teacher, motivational speaker, and stunt double for actress Virginia Madsen.
Was there a spinoff to Bewitched? ›
Tabitha is an American fantasy sitcom and a spin-off of Bewitched that aired on ABC from September 10, 1977, to January 14, 1978.
Did Samantha ever smoke on Bewitched? ›
At 7:22 Samantha can be seen smoking a cigarette; the only time she does so in the show's entire eight years.
as Endora.
Did Samantha and Endora get along? ›
Despite her disapproval, Endora loves Samantha and her grandchildren, Tabitha and Adam, more than anything. Endora is the most frequent houseguest and one of the most loyal members of Samantha's family.
Did actors get along in Bewitched? ›
The cast of the TV series Bewitched had a great working relationship and got along well with each other . Elizabeth Montgomery , who played the lead role of Samantha Stephens , was known for her professionalism and kindness towards her co - stars .
Why was the first Darren from Bewitched fired? ›
York was replaced on the show by Dick Sargent in 1969 when problems stemming from an old back injury, including overdependence on painkillers, forced him to leave. The show continued until 1972.
Why was Darren missing in some of the episodes of Bewitched? ›
The truth, unknown to audiences for years after York left the sitcom, is far less salacious, yet just as mortal as the character Darrin was envisaged for television: injury and addiction were the catalysts that prompted York's departure from Bewitched.
What is the best episode of Bewitched? ›
Favourite 'Bewitched' Episodes
- Bewitched. Episode: Which Witch Is Which? ...
- Bewitched. Episode: The Cat's Meow. ...
- Bewitched. Episode: Driving Is the Only Way to Fly. ...
- Bewitched. Episode: There's No Witch Like an Old Witch. ...
- Bewitched. Episode: Abner Kadabra. ...
- Bewitched. Episode: A Change of Face. ...
- Bewitched. Episode: ...
- Bewitched. Episode:
