The Bewitched Life And Career Of Elizabeth Montgomery

Elizabeth Montgomery, the beloved actress who portrayed Samantha Stephens in the popular TV series Bewitched, was one of the most iconic figures in American television history. With her mesmerizing performances and enchanting persona, she left a lasting impact on audiences around the world. In this article, we will delve into the bewitched life and career of Elizabeth Montgomery, exploring her journey from a talented actress to a cultural icon.

Early Life and Family Background

Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of famous actor Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Allen. Growing up in a showbiz family, Elizabeth was exposed to the entertainment industry from an early age, and it was no surprise that she developed a passion for acting.

Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery

by Herbie J. Pilato (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4553 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	472 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Elizabeth's journey into the world of acting began with her debut in her father's television series, Robert Montgomery Presents. She proved her talent and versatility in various roles, leading to her breakthrough performance in the 1956 film The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell, where she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the character Margaret Lansdowne.

Rise to Stardom: Bewitched and Beyond

However, Elizabeth's fame skyrocketed when she took on the beloved role of Samantha Stephens in Bewitched in 1964. The show, which revolved around the life of a suburban witch and her mortal husband, instantly became a hit with viewers and catapulted Elizabeth to superstardom.

Elizabeth's portrayal of Samantha Stephens resonated with audiences due to her natural charm, impeccable comedic timing, and ability to effortlessly switch between a sweet and mischievous persona. Her chemistry with her co-stars, such as Dick York and Agnes Moorehead, further contributed to the tremendous success of the show.

Bewitched ran for eight seasons and received several Emmy nominations, solidifying Elizabeth Montgomery's status as a household name. Despite the immense popularity of the series, she faced challenges in balancing her on-screen image with her desire for more serious and dramatic roles.

Breaking Stereotypes and Political Activism

Elizabeth Montgomery was known for using her platform to address important social issues. She actively participated in the civil rights movement, advocating for equality and racial justice. Her commitment to breaking stereotypes extended to her career choices as well.

After Bewitched ended in 1972, Elizabeth took on a range of diverse roles to showcase her versatility as an actress. She starred in TV movies like A Case of Rape and The Legend of Lizzie Borden, both of which earned her critical acclaim for her powerful performances. She continued to challenge herself by exploring complex characters in films such as The Awakening Land and Mrs. Sundance.

Personal Life and Legacy

Outside of her successful career, Elizabeth Montgomery had a complex personal life. She married four times and had three children. Despite facing personal struggles, she remained a beloved figure among her colleagues and fans alike.

Elizabeth Montgomery's untimely death on May 18, 1995, due to colon cancer, marked the end of an era. Her legacy lives on through her timeless performances, powerful advocacy, and the impact she had on future generations of actresses.

In

Elizabeth Montgomery's bewitched life and career continue to inspire and captivate audiences even decades after her passing. From her spirited portrayal of Samantha Stephens in Bewitched to her commitment to social activism, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond. Elizabeth Montgomery will forever be remembered as a talented actress, a trailblazer, and a true cultural icon.

Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery

by Herbie J. Pilato (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4553 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	472 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Based on author Herbie J Pilato’s exclusive interviews with Elizabeth Montgomery prior to her death in 1995, Twitch Upon a Star includes insider material and commentary from several individuals associated with her remarkable life and career before, during, and after Bewitched, including her classic feature films The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed? (1963), and Johnny Cool (1963).

Two of Montgomery’s many popular TV movies, A Case of Rape (which remains one of the highest-rated TV-movies of all time) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (which will soon be remade as a feature film), were groundbreaking and remain classics. But Twitch Upon a Star also goes behind the scenes to explore Montgomery’s political activism, including her early advocacy for AIDS sufferers and the peace movement; her support for all minorities, including the gay community and the disabled; and her controversial participation as narrator of the1988 feature film documentary Cover-Up and its 1991 Oscar-winning sequel, The Panama Deception (both of which chronicled the Iran/Contra scandal of the 1980s). The book also explores Montgomery's tumultuous relationships with her father, screen legend Robert Montgomery (she was a liberal; he was a staunch conservative), and her four husbands (including actor Gig Young, who later died in a murder/suicide). Through it all—and to family and friends such as fellow performers Ronny Cox, Sally Kemp, and Florence Henderson—she was just Lizzie: down-to-earth and unaffected, just like Samantha, the "witch-with-a-twitch" Stephens, her most famous role.