From enchanting generations with her nose twitch as Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched to appreciating a vibrant, multi-generational fanbase, Erin Murphy continues to embrace the magic of the iconic series, reflecting on its timeless appeal, her close bonds with co-stars like Elizabeth Montgomery, and the show’s accidental feminist themes.
For decades, the name Erin Murphy has been synonymous with a touch of television magic, specifically as Tabitha Stephens, the precocious magical daughter on the beloved sitcom Bewitched. Now 61, Murphy is opening up about the show’s lasting legacy, the fervent devotion of its fanbase, and the unique bonds formed on set during her formative years.
In an October 2025 interview with ReMind Magazine, Murphy shared her heartfelt appreciation for the enduring love fans show for Bewitched. She credits streaming services like Hulu, Roku, and Antenna TV with introducing the series to a whole new audience, fostering a multi-generational appreciation.
“They’re wonderful. They’re very supportive,” Murphy told Parade, which reported on the ReMind interview. “Fans say, ‘I watched the show with my grandma,’ and now they’re sharing it with their kids and grandkids.” This sentiment highlights a rare phenomenon in television history: a show that genuinely connects across age groups, creating shared nostalgic experiences.
The Enduring Spell: Why Bewitched Continues to Captivate
Bewitched, which originally ran for eight seasons until 1972, has maintained a remarkable global presence. Murphy attributes this success to a perfect storm of talent and execution.
- Quality Production: Murphy firmly believes the show “was done right,” citing “great writing, great directing and just an amazing cast.” This dedication to craft is a cornerstone of its longevity.
- Timeless Themes: The premise of a witch, Samantha Stephens (played by Elizabeth Montgomery), navigating mortal life with her husband, Darrin Stephens (Dick York and later Dick Sargent), offered both comedic charm and deeper themes of acceptance and identity.
- Universal Appeal: Murphy notes that the show “translates very well to other countries,” still airing in over 100 nations, often even in primetime slots. Its colorful visuals and magical elements transcend cultural barriers effortlessly.
For fans, this enduring appeal translates into tangible interactions. Murphy often signs a wide array of memorabilia at Bewitched events, from Tabitha dolls and paper dolls to Dell comic books and board games, some even sourced from international collectors. This continuous release of merchandise underscores the show’s unwavering popularity.
Beyond the Screen: Deep Bonds with the Bewitched Family
As a child actor, Erin Murphy’s most formative years were spent on the set of Bewitched. She shared particularly close relationships with her on-screen family, which profoundly shaped her life.
Elizabeth Montgomery: A Second Mother
Elizabeth Montgomery, who portrayed Samantha Stephens, was much more than a co-star to Murphy. In a 2022 interview with Pop Culture, Murphy described Montgomery as “smart and hilarious and beautiful.” She candidly revealed that she feels “in some ways [she is] more like Liz than like [her] own mom,” a testament to the extensive time they spent together during Murphy’s first eight years of life.
The bond extended to Montgomery’s own children—Rebecca Asher, Bill Asher, and Robert Asher—with whom Murphy developed a lifelong friendship, growing up alongside them.
Agnes Moorehead: The Colorful “Grandmamma”
Agnes Moorehead, iconic for her portrayal of Endora, Samantha’s formidable witch mother, was also a cherished figure for Murphy. Far from intimidating, Moorehead was “like my grandma” to Murphy, who called her “Grandmamma.” Murphy fondly recalls Moorehead’s kindness and humor between scenes, drawing cartoons of mice and witches, revealing a warmth that contrasted sharply with Endora’s on-screen persona.
Dick York: A Surrogate Father Through Pain
Murphy also developed a strong connection with Dick York, the original Darrin Stephens. In a 2012 interview with PopEntertainment.com, Murphy shared that York, who suffered from a debilitating back injury, found solace in their interactions. He often confided in her and, as a father himself, appreciated being a “surrogate father” to Murphy on set, which helped him cope with his pain and continue on the show for an additional year before Dick Sargent took over the role.
Behind the Magic: Special Effects and Show Production
Even as a young child, Murphy understood the mechanics of television production. She was fascinated by the special effects that brought the magic of Bewitched to life.
- Work, Not Play: Murphy quickly grasped that being on set was “working,” not playtime. This meant holding still for special effects like character appearances and disappearances.
- Prop Master’s Charm: She particularly enjoyed watching the prop master, “Uncle George” Ballerino, create the show’s fantastical elements.
- The Pea Shooter Problem: Not all effects were enchanting; Murphy admits to disliking the “pea shooter” mechanism used for balloons that popped to reveal messages, finding it unpleasant.
The public, however, often blurred the lines between actress and character. Murphy recounts countless instances of people asking her, “Oh, you’re Tabitha. Can you make this happen?” These interactions, though frequent, were always positive, a reflection of the show’s gentle nature.
A Proto-Feminist Narrative Ahead of its Time
Beyond its comedic charm, Bewitched has been recognized for its inadvertently progressive themes. The premise—a powerful witch striving to conform to mortal expectations to please her husband—offered a subtle commentary on gender roles. This “proto-feminist” approach was likely influenced by producer and director William Asher, Elizabeth Montgomery’s then-husband, who had a history of helming female-driven sitcoms like I Love Lucy and The Patty Duke Show.
Murphy also clarified a long-standing misconception about the show’s conclusion. Bewitched was never cancelled; rather, Elizabeth Montgomery chose not to return for another season, leading to a graceful end to its successful run. This decision surprised many on the cast and crew, who had anticipated another year of production.
Life Beyond Tabitha: Erin Murphy Today
After Bewitched, Murphy transitioned back to a more typical childhood, attending regular school and participating in activities like Girl Scouts. While she missed the daily life on set, she appreciated the opportunity to experience a different kind of normalcy.
Today, Murphy leads a full and busy life. She operates an equestrian center on her ranch, which also serves as a filming location. She has remained connected to the entertainment industry, taking on various hosting and correspondent roles. Looking ahead, Murphy has expressed interest in returning to acting now that her children are older, potentially taking on guest spots in future productions. Her career, according to IMDb, also includes sharing the Tabitha role with her fraternal twin sister, Diane Murphy, in several early Bewitched episodes, though Erin ultimately took on the role solo as their differences in appearance and comfort on set became more pronounced.
For Erin Murphy, being beloved by generations of fans is “kind of awesome.” The show’s continued relevance, even being referenced in modern entertainment discussions about LGBTQ+ representation, underscores its indelible mark on television history. As Bewitched continues to find new audiences through streaming and syndication, the magic of Tabitha, and Erin Murphy’s genuine connection to its legacy, lives on.
