The Fans Loved Tabitha
While some of the cast members of “Bewitched” were ready for it to end, most notably Elizabeth Montgomery, the fans still wanted more. There was a spinoff created of the show “Bewitched” called “Tabitha.” This show followed Tabitha, Samantha and Darrin’s daughter. It was about her life as an adult. People were really excited about the show; however, it ended up being a big disappointment.
Fans of the show loved the actress who played the role of Tabitha on “Bewitched,” but she was not involved with the spin-off, and they cast a new actress to play the role of Tabitha. For that reason, along with many others, the spin-off did not do well at all.
Three Packs a Day
We shared the fact earlier that the cast of Bewitched were all heavy drinkers and would drink all the time on set. But did you know that most of the stars and even the supporting cast of “Bewitched” were also smokers? It is reported that Elizabeth Montgomery was a chain-smoker and the same goes for Paul Lynde! According to sources, even Dick York smoked three packs of cigarettes a day!
In an interview with actress Erin Murphy who played the daughter Tabitha, she had said she remembered her parents telling her that smoking was bad, but she didn't understand why it was bad since everyone around her at work was doing it nonstop. Definitely confusing for a child.
Women's Rights Supporter
It was pretty common knowledge that Elizabeth Montgomery was a huge supporter of women's right. During the end of filming “Bewitched,” she even stopped wearing a bra to support the women's movement.
She was one of the very first celebrities who openly supported gay rights, and she was a huge advocate to people living with AIDS. She constantly volunteered in Los Angeles for the AIDS project, her support was monumental to the gay rights movement. Her unwavering support was right on time, people at this time did not know much about AIDS, and it was very misunderstood, so she came as a breath of fresh air to enlighten people and help them understand what the disease really was.
Aunt Clara Actress Marion Lorne Collected…What?
Here is a fun fact! You know how Aunt Clara on “Bewitched” is totally obsessed with doorknobs? Well, the actress who played Aunt Clara, Marion Lorne, had an obsession with them in real life! The basis for this funny obsession was based on the actress's real-life hobby!
Marion Lorne had over one thousand antique doorknobs in her personal collection. We mentioned earlier that some of the supporting cast would bring in their own wardrobe and accessories to be used in the show, this was no different for Aunt Clara. She used her own doorknob collection in the show as well!
Darrin Wasn’t The Only Character to Be Swapped
“The Darrin Syndrome” was contagious! The producers were at it again, they did not stop at the replacement of Darrin, they also swapped out Samantha’s neighbor Gladys.
Originally the role of Gladys Kravitz was played by actress Alice Pearce. When Alice left the show, she was replaced by another actress named Sandra Gould. As if they thought nobody would notice, the producers just swapped out these actors without so much of an explanation. It is funny when you think about it! Do you think this would ever fly today? Probably not!