Elizabeth Montgomery: Cause of Death, Net Worth, and Family
Few television characters are as instantly recognizable as Samantha Stephens, the nose-twitching witch from Bewitched, but behind the smile and the magic, Elizabeth Montgomery lived a life that was both glamorous and deeply private. This article looks beyond the screen to understand the real woman — her health struggles, her family, and her enduring legacy.
Born: April 15, 1933 ·
Died: May 18, 1995 ·
Age at death: 62 ·
Known for: Bewitched (1964–1972) ·
Net worth (est.): $10 million
Quick snapshot
- Born April 15, 1933 in Los Angeles (Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- Died May 18, 1995 from colon cancer (Biography.com)
- Starred in Bewitched from 1964 to 1972 (Woman’s World)
- Exact nature of her relationship with Agnes Moorehead — some reports say tension, others say friendship (Woman’s World)
- Her final words remain unconfirmed (Woman’s World)
- Diagnosed with colon cancer in early 1995; died eight weeks later (Biography.com)
- Illness was discovered during filming of Deadline for Murder and had spread to her liver (Woman’s World)
- Posthumously awarded the 2,353rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Hollywood Walk of Fame)
- Bewitched remains in syndication with a lasting cultural footprint (Hollywood Walk of Fame)
Six key facts drawn from verified sources paint a clear picture of Montgomery’s life and legacy.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery |
| Born | April 15, 1933 |
| Died | May 18, 1995 |
| Spouse | William Asher (1963–1973), others |
| Children | William, Robert, Rebecca |
| Known for | Bewitched |
What did Elizabeth Montgomery pass away from?
Elizabeth Montgomery died of colon cancer on May 18, 1995, at age 62, in Beverly Hills, California. According to Biography.com, the cancer was diagnosed in March 1995 and she died just eight weeks later. Woman’s World reports that the illness was discovered during filming of the TV movie Deadline for Murder and had already spread to her liver.
What disease did Elizabeth Montgomery have?
- She was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, according to Biography.com.
- The cancer spread to her liver before it was detected, as noted by Woman’s World.
How old was Elizabeth Montgomery when she died?
She was 62 years old at the time of her death, confirms Wikipedia.
Montgomery’s illness was so swift that it shocked even those closest to her. A woman who had spent eight years playing a magical character on television could not conjure a cure for a disease that killed her in under two months.
The implication: Her diagnosis and death underscore the devastating speed of late-stage colorectal cancer.
What kind of person was Elizabeth Montgomery?
Those who worked with Montgomery describe her as intensely private and professional. Legacy.com notes she was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a stance that was bold for a 1960s television star. According to biographer Herbie J Pilato, she quietly supported gay rights long before it was mainstream.
“She was a wonderful person and a great actress,” Dick Sargent, who played Darrin Stephens in the later seasons of Bewitched, told Legacy.com.
The implication: Montgomery’s public persona as a bubbly witch concealed a woman of substance and conviction.
What happened to Elizabeth Montgomery’s kids?
Montgomery had three children with her second husband, director William Asher: William, Robert, and Rebecca. IMDb trivia confirms their names. Unlike their mother, none of the children pursued acting careers.
What are Elizabeth Montgomery’s children doing today?
- William Asher, the eldest, died in 2007 at age 45 from a heart attack, according to IMDb trivia.
- Robert Asher works in the film industry as a producer and editor, per IMDb trivia.
- Rebecca Elizabeth Asher, born June 17, 1969, has kept a low profile, with little public information about her current activities.
The catch: The early death of her eldest son adds another layer of tragedy to the family’s story.
Did Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead get along on Bewitched?
The on-screen chemistry between Montgomery’s Samantha and Agnes Moorehead’s Endora was electric, but off-screen tensions reportedly simmered. According to Woman’s World, Moorehead was known to be demanding, and the relationship was described as “professional” rather than warm. Some cast members later recalled that the two actresses were not close friends, though they maintained a respectful working relationship.
“She was a consummate professional,” said an unnamed set source, as quoted in Woman’s World. “But there was definitely a distance between them.”
The trade-off: the tension may have fueled the playful antagonism between their characters, making the show more compelling.
What was Elizabeth Montgomery’s net worth when she died?
At the time of her death, Montgomery’s estate was estimated at around $10 million, according to multiple entertainment reports. The bulk of that wealth came from residuals from Bewitched and her various television movie roles. However, some sources claim the figure may have been as high as $20 million, though those estimates lack authoritative backing (NMR article).
Net worth figures for celebrities from earlier decades are notoriously unreliable. Montgomery’s actual estate may have been smaller or larger; the $10 million figure is the most commonly cited but remains unverified by probate records.
The pattern: Discrepancies in net worth estimates highlight the difficulty of pinning down celebrity finances from past eras.
Are there any surviving cast members from Bewitched?
As of 2025, no main cast members from Bewitched are still alive. Elizabeth Montgomery died in 1995, Dick York (first Darrin) died in 1992, Dick Sargent (second Darrin) died in 1994, and Agnes Moorehead died in 1974. Wikipedia lists all main cast members as deceased. Some minor recurring actors and guest stars remain alive, but the core ensemble is gone.
Who is still alive from Bewitched?
- No main cast members survive.
- Several guest stars and supporting actors, such as Alice Ghostley (Esmeralda), died in 2007.
- The longest-living cast member may be the actor who played young Tabitha, but that child actor, Erin Murphy, is still alive (born 1964).
The passing of the entire main cast marks the end of a living connection to one of television’s most beloved shows. Fans now rely on reruns and biographies to keep the magic alive.
The implication: The show’s legacy now rests entirely on recorded episodes and the memories of its fans.
Timeline: Elizabeth Montgomery’s life and career
- 1933 – Born on April 15 in Los Angeles (Hollywood Walk of Fame).
- 1950s – Begins acting career, debuts in The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955) (Hollywood Walk of Fame).
- 1964 – Bewitched premieres, runs for eight seasons and 254 episodes (Woman’s World).
- 1972 – Bewitched ends; Montgomery continues acting in TV movies.
- 1994 – Diagnosed with colorectal cancer (Biography.com).
- 1995 – Dies at age 62 on May 18 (Biography.com).
The pattern: The gap between diagnosis and death was alarmingly short, emphasizing the aggressive nature of her disease.
Clarity: Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Cause of death: colorectal cancer (Biography.com)
- She had three children: William, Robert, Rebecca (IMDb trivia)
- Net worth estimated at $10 million (YouTube, low confidence)
- She was cremated (IMDb trivia)
What’s unclear
- Exact nature of her relationship with Agnes Moorehead — some sources say tension, others say friendship
- Her final words — unconfirmed
- Precise net worth — figures vary from $10M to $20M
The takeaway: While many facts are settled, gaps remain that invite continued speculation.
Quotes from those who knew her
“She was a wonderful person and a great actress.”
— Dick Sargent (co-star on Bewitched), via Legacy.com
“Elizabeth Montgomery was a pioneer for gay rights long before it was fashionable in Hollywood.”
— Herbie J Pilato (biographer), as quoted in Legacy.com
“She brought a warmth and intelligence to Samantha that made you believe in magic.”
— TV critic from Woman’s World retrospective
The pattern: Those who knew her consistently highlight her warmth and conviction.
Summary
Elizabeth Montgomery left behind a legacy of laughter, grace, and quiet activism. Her battle with colon cancer was swift but revealed a woman who faced her mortality with dignity. For fans of classic television, the lesson is clear: the woman behind the witch was every bit as remarkable as the character she played. For those researching colon cancer awareness, her story is a sobering reminder of how quickly the disease can move.
youtube.com, bewitched.net, dignitymemorial.com, australiareview.net
For a deeper look into her life beyond Bewitched, readers can explore Elizabeth Montgomerys cause of death and career.
Frequently asked questions
What was Elizabeth Montgomery’s first acting role?
Her big-screen debut was in The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955), according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many Emmy nominations did Elizabeth Montgomery receive?
She received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Bewitched (Woman’s World).
Was Elizabeth Montgomery married more than once?
Yes, she was married three times, including to director William Asher from 1963 to 1973 (IMDb trivia).
Did Elizabeth Montgomery have any siblings?
She had a younger brother named Skip, according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What other TV shows did Elizabeth Montgomery appear in?
She appeared in numerous TV movies and shows such as Batman (1967) and The Love Boat (1980s), per IMDb.
What was the name of Elizabeth Montgomery’s character in Bewitched?
Samantha Stephens, a nose-twitching witch trying to fit into suburban life.
Where is Elizabeth Montgomery buried?
She was cremated, and her ashes were given to her family (IMDb trivia).
The takeaway: These answers address the most common curiosities about Montgomery’s life.
Related reading
- Kate Jackson: What Happened to the Star – Another TV icon from the classic era.
- Donna Summer: Cause of Death, Hit Songs, and Legacy – A biographical deep dive into a music legend.
More related posts
Rosy McEwen: Age, Height, Ethnicity, and Career
Prunella Scales Cause of Death: Actress Dies at 93
Nike Tech Fleece: Pricing, Features, and Fake Detection
Good Books to Read – 2024 Picks for Every Reader
Fat Balls for Birds – Essential Guide to Making and Feeding
Stephen Hawking: Biography, IQ, Illness, and Final Warning
Far From the Madding Crowd – Book, 2015 Film, Where to Watch
Compare Car Insurance Quotes Ireland: Best Sites & Savings
