Elizabeth Montgomery starred as Samantha Stephens, the charming, good-hearted witch at the center of the classic ABC sitcom Bewitched (1964–1972). She played the role across all 254 episodes, making her one of television's most iconic leading ladies of the era.
Montgomery portrayed Samantha as a powerful witch who marries a mortal advertising executive named Darrin Stephens (first played by Dick York, later by Dick Sargent). Samantha tries to live a normal suburban housewife life, often promising to give up magic at her husband’s request, but she frequently uses her powers (with a signature nose twitch) to fix problems caused by her eccentric witch family, meddling mother Endora (Agnes Moorehead), or everyday chaos.
Her performance stood out for its perfect blend of warmth and relatability. Montgomery made Samantha feel like a loving wife and mother who was down-to-earth despite her supernatural abilities. She brought charisma, physical comedy, and emotional depth, turning what could have been a gimmicky fantasy show into a heartfelt domestic comedy.
She also played Samantha’s flamboyant, mischievous cousin Serena (starting in season 2), often credited under the pseudonym “Pandora Spocks” to keep the dual role a fun secret for viewers. Many people didn’t realize it was the same actress due to the stark personality contrast.
One of the show’s most memorable elements was Samantha’s way of casting spells: a quick twitch of her nose (accompanied by a sparkling sound effect and visual effects). Montgomery actually came up with this herself, her husband and the show’s producer/director, William Asher, noticed her natural habit of twitching her upper lip when impatient and suggested incorporating it. In reality, it was often a subtle upper-lip movement combined with clever editing, camera tricks, and sound cues to create the illusion of the nose moving independently. She reportedly grew tired of repeating it over the years, but it became one of TV’s most enduring visual gags.
The role earned Montgomery five Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1966–1970) and multiple Golden Globe nominations. Bewitched was a massive hit, topping ratings for several seasons and remaining a beloved classic for its mix of fantasy, humor, and family dynamics.






























