Elizabeth Montgomery was an iconic American actress who rose to fame for her portrayal of the lead character on the television sitcom Bewitched. She had a long and successful career in film, television, and stage, and earned multiple awards and accolades for her performances. This article provides a brief overview of her life, career, and personal life.
Early Life
Elizabeth Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933 in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of actor Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Allen. She attended the Spence School in New York City and later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She made her stage debut at the age of 17 in a production of The Women.
Montgomery’s first film role was in the movie The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell in 1955. She also had small roles in films such as Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed? and The Legend of Lizzie Borden.
Acting Career
Montgomery’s big break came in 1964 when she was cast as the lead in the television sitcom Bewitched. She played the role of Samantha Stephens, a witch who married a mortal man. The show was a huge success and ran for eight seasons. Montgomery won five Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Samantha Stephens.
Montgomery also had roles in films such as The Legend of Lizzie Borden and Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed? She also starred in the television movies A Case of Rape and A Killing in a Small Town.
Montgomery also had a successful stage career, appearing in productions of The Glass Menagerie and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She also starred in the Broadway production of Noël Coward’s Private Lives.
Personal Life
Montgomery was married four times. She was first married to Gig Young in 1956, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1963. She then married director William Asher in 1963, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1974. She then married actor Robert Foxworth in 1977, and the marriage lasted until 1992. She then married producer Robert Calhoun in 1993, and the marriage lasted until her death in 1995.
Montgomery had three children with Asher. She was an active supporter of numerous charities and organizations, and was a strong advocate for animal rights.
Elizabeth Montgomery was an iconic American actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She had a long and successful career in film, television, and stage, and earned multiple awards and accolades for her performances. Montgomery also had a successful personal life, being married four times and having three children. Her legacy continues to live on through her numerous films and television shows.