Elizabeth Montgomery: The Witch Behind The Screen And Her Real-Life Love Story

By Ridenour

21 Apr 2025

Let’s talk about one of the most iconic TV shows of all time—Bewitched. At its core, it wasn’t just a magical tale of spells and potions; it was a deeply human story about love conquering all. Take away the witchcraft, and what you’re left with is an enduring love story between Samantha Stephens, played by Elizabeth Montgomery, and her mortal husband, Darrin, portrayed by Dick York. Their on-screen chemistry was electric, but what many don’t realize is that Elizabeth’s pursuit of true love mirrored her own personal journey. Before finding happiness with her final partner, she went through three marriages, each teaching her something valuable about love, trust, and commitment.

Childhood Roots of Heartbreak

Elizabeth Montgomery wasn’t just born into fame; she inherited a complicated legacy. Born on April 15, 1933, she grew up in the shadow of her father, Robert Montgomery, a celebrated actor and producer, and her mother, Elizabeth Daniel Bryan, a Broadway actress. From a young age, Elizabeth knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps and pursue acting. But the relationship she had with her father was fraught with tension, shaping her future interactions with men. It’s no secret that childhood experiences often influence adult relationships, and for Elizabeth, her struggles with men stemmed from the complex dynamics she experienced with her dad.

elizabeth-montgomery
Thomas McCartney Collection

Unpacking Elizabeth’s Complicated Past

Pop culture historian Geoffrey Mark, who was close friends with Elizabeth’s third husband, William Asher, sheds light on her emotional baggage. “Elizabeth had a very complicated relationship with her father, which colored her relationships with men most of her life,” he explains. “Part of it stemmed from growing up as the child of a major celebrity. She got her first taste of acting working alongside her dad on Robert Montgomery Presents, but she also witnessed his shortcomings as a husband. Her father wasn’t kind or supportive toward her mother, and Elizabeth carried that resentment into her adult life. No matter which marriage we’re talking about, she didn’t want her father around. She was searching for a partner who wouldn’t be cold or distant like Robert had been. Even Bill Asher admitted, ‘I don’t fully understand why Liz felt so strongly against her father, but it really bothered her to have him around.’”

Read also:
  • Drew Scotts Stunning La Home A Glimpse Into The Life Of A Property Pro
  • Robert Foxworth: A New Chapter

    Elizabeth’s fourth husband, Robert Foxworth, offers another perspective. Speaking to Closer, he shared a revealing anecdote about Elizabeth’s feelings toward her father. In the film The Legend of Lizzie Borden, Elizabeth played the infamous axe-wielding killer. When her father saw the joy in her eyes as she swung the axe, he made a lighthearted comment: “Well, you finally got me.” It’s a moment that speaks volumes about the unresolved tension between father and daughter, yet it also shows how Elizabeth used her craft to process her emotions and heal from her past.

    Please keep scrolling for more insights into Elizabeth Montgomery’s fascinating life.

    'Bewitched' Star Elizabeth Montgomery: Meet Her Four Husbands
    'Bewitched' Star Elizabeth Montgomery: Meet Her Four Husbands
    'Bewitched' Star Elizabeth Montgomery: Meet Her Four Husbands
    Share this post :