Bewitched wasn’t just a sitcom; it was pure TV magic. From Samantha’s iconic nose twitch to the show’s quirky spells and famous guest stars, it left a lasting mark on pop culture. Here are 28 fun and surprising facts about the classic series that fans (and even non-fans) will love.
Samantha’s Twitching Nose Was Real
Elizabeth Montgomery actually had a nervous tic, which became the iconic nose twitch for Samantha. She could “turn on” the magic instantly hundreds of times during filming.
Elizabeth Montgomery Played Two Characters
Montgomery suggested playing her cousin Serena, a mischievous party girl, alongside Samantha. Serena was credited as the pseudonym “Pandora Spocks,” fooling fans for years.
Darrin Was Recast Without Explanation
Dick York was replaced by Dick Sargent in season six. The show never explained the change, though ratings briefly dipped.
Dick York’s Injury Ended His Role
York suffered a severe back injury while filming They Came to Cordura. Pain and medication forced him to leave Bewitched.
Elizabeth Montgomery Was Pregnant During Filming
Montgomery’s pregnancies were disguised with loose clothing and later written into the series, introducing Tabitha and Adam to the Stephens family.
The Name “Tabitha” Came From a Friend’s Family
Montgomery suggested the old-fashioned name for Samantha’s daughter after seeing it in the family of actor Edward Andrews.
Agnes Moorehead Chose “Endora”
Moorehead, already a Hollywood legend, came up with her character’s name after meeting Montgomery and impressing producers with her personality.
Supporting Actors Wore Their Own Clothes
Actors like Kasey Rogers and Marion Lorne brought personal clothing to set. Wardrobe staff pressed and cleaned items, giving the show a unique, authentic feel.
The Color Green Was Everywhere
From carpets to accents and Montgomery’s frequent wardrobe choices, green appears throughout the show, a nod to witchy folklore and Samantha’s mesmerizing eyes.
Most “Magic” Was Done By Stagehands
There were no CGI effects in the ’60s. Fast-moving sets, invisible wires, and clever camera tricks created the illusion of spells and levitation.
Theme Song Originally Had Lyrics
Lyrics were written but never used in the opening credits. Steve Lawrence and Peggy Lee later recorded vocal versions.
Alice Pearce Played Gladys While Battling Cancer
Pearce was terminally ill with ovarian cancer during her run as the nosy neighbor. She passed away in 1966 and posthumously won an Emmy.
Marion Lorne Collected Doorknobs
Aunt Clara’s quirky obsession with doorknobs mirrored Lorne’s real-life collection of over 1,000 antique pieces.
Samantha’s Alter Ego Received Fan Mail
Elizabeth Montgomery’s “twin cousin” Serena, credited as Pandora Spocks, received actual fan letters addressed to the pseudonym.
Marcia Brady Made Cameos
Before The Brady Bunch, Maureen McCormick appeared in two episodes as different characters, including a magically altered Endora lookalike.
The Stephens’ House Still Exists
The exterior shots were filmed at Warner Bros. Ranch Studios. While it isn’t open for tours, the set remains iconic in TV history.
Creator Sol Saks Was Inspired by Movies
The pilot drew inspiration from I Married a Witch and Bell, Book and Candle, both Columbia Pictures films.
Tammy Grimes Was the Original Choice for Samantha
Screen Gems first wanted Grimes for the role, but she rejected it, saying the character should use her powers to solve bigger problems than household chores.
Richard Crenna Almost Played Darrin
Crenna turned down the role, leaving Dick York to become the first Darrin.
Elizabeth Montgomery Discovered Moorehead at a Store
Montgomery met Moorehead in shops one day and exclaimed, “I found mother!” leading to her casting as Endora.
Alice Pearce’s Undershot Jaw Shaped Her Roles
A childhood accident stunted Pearce’s jaw growth, steering her toward comedic roles like Gladys Kravitz.
Larry Tate’s Son Was Named After the Actor’s Real Son
David White, who played Larry Tate, had a son named Jonathan, which he requested for the show. Tragically, his son died in the Lockerbie disaster.
Stagehands Created Clothing “Changes”
For sudden costume swaps, actors’ shoes were anchored on set while they dashed backstage to change outfits, ensuring continuity.
Elizabeth Montgomery Wore Her Own Wardrobe
Budget limitations meant Montgomery sometimes picked Samantha’s clothing from her own closet.
Endora’s Feud With Darrin Didn’t Exist Off-Screen
Agnes Moorehead and both Darrins shared friendly relationships, proving TV drama didn’t reflect reality.
Most Special Effects Could Burn You
Bernard Fox, who played Dr. Bombay, reported minor burns from pyrotechnics used to pop characters into scenes.
Opening Titles Were Influenced by Sponsors
Chevrolet, Quaker Oats, and Oscar Mayer occasionally influenced tweaks in the opening graphics to highlight products.
Bewitched Outlasted Other Fantasy Shows
While I Dream of Jeannie, The Addams Family, and The Munsters had shorter runs, Bewitched aired for eight seasons, becoming a lasting pop culture phenomenon.
