Erin Murphy Talks Bewitched Memories: ‘Elizabeth Montgomery Was Like a Mother to Me’

“Bewitched” star Erin Murphy is a grandmother now — but she vividly remembers her childhood spent with the adult actors on the set of the popular 1960s sitcom, gushing, “It was such a fun place to grow up!”

The classic comedy featured Elizabeth Montgomery as gorgeous witch Samantha, who weds advertising man Darrin Stephens, a part played by Dick York and then Dick Sargent. Mere mortal Darrin has to endure Sam’s magical — and annoying — family members, including mom-in-law Endora (Agnes Moorehead). David White plays Darrin’s boss, Larry Tate, while Sandra Gould and Alice Pearce had stints as nosy neighbor Gladys Kravitz.

Baby Tabitha was written into the story in the third season, and Erin shared the role with her twin sister, Diane, before eventually taking over the part full-time.

“The whole thing was fun,” recalls Erin, now 60. “I liked the episodes where there were other kids and animals.”

She formed warm relationships with the stars, remembering, “Elizabeth was very maternal. She would even scold me like a parent. If I was being silly, she’d call me ‘Erin Margaret,’ just like my mom would.”

And acclaimed four-time Oscar nominee, Moorehead “was like a grandmother” to her.

Erin also grew close to both Darrins, starting with York, who had to leave the show in 1969 due to health reasons. “He would read stories to me,” she remembers.

She also got along well with Sargent, noting, “There was definitely a different dynamic. His Darrin seemed angrier — but I have only positive things to say about both of them.”

The child star also had a front-row seat to the onscreen “magic,” low-tech moments created in the days before computer wizardry to make it seem as if items were floating.

“There were people up in the rafters with fishing poles and wires,” confides Erin. “They’d spray the wire with something to make it disappear on screen.”

When a character magically popped into or out of a scene, the others had to freeze. “You’d have to stand perfectly still while that person would walk in or walk out,” Erin recalls. “It was a long process. I remember thinking about it like a game.”

Many former child actors run away from their iconic roles, but Erin embraces her time on “Bewitched” and everything that followed

“My life is great,” she explains. “I have a wonderful family. People seem to still universally love the show. Playing Tabitha has only led to good things.”