Elizabeth Montgomery: Cause of Death, Spouse, and Career
Few television characters have become as beloved as Samantha Stephens, the charming witch from Bewitched, but the woman behind the twitch, Elizabeth Montgomery, led a life far richer than her famous nose-wiggle suggested. Separating verified facts from persistent rumors around her cause of death, personal relationships, and lasting legacy reveals a complex figure who was far more than her iconic role.
Born: April 15, 1933, Los Angeles, California · Died: May 18, 1995, Beverly Hills, California · Known for: Role of Samantha Stephens on Bewitched (1964–1972) · Spouses: William Asher (1963–1973), Robert Foxworth (1993–1995) · Children: 3 (William, Robert, Rebecca)
Quick snapshot
- Born April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles (Biography (biographical source))
- Starred as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched from 1964 to 1972 (Television Academy (TV history authority))
- Died of colorectal cancer on May 18, 1995 (IMDb (film database))
- Exact last words — reported as “I love you” but not independently verified (She The People News (cultural publication))
- Discrepancy in reported age at death (family said 57, reference works said 62) (IMDb (film database))
- Whether she had other significant romantic partners not publicly known (She The People News (cultural publication))
- Diagnosed with colon cancer in March 1995 (Biography (biographical source))
- Died eight weeks later on May 18, 1995 (IMDb (film database)) (Biography (biographical source))
- Legacy continues through landmark TV-movie performances like A Case of Rape (1974) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975) (Television Academy (TV history authority))
- Unresolved questions about her private life remain open (Television Academy (TV history authority))
Nine key biographical facts about Elizabeth Montgomery, drawn from verified sources, tell a story of talent, privacy, and a career spanning four decades.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery |
| Born | April 15, 1933, Los Angeles, California, USA (Biography (biographical source)) |
| Died | May 18, 1995, Beverly Hills, California, USA (IMDb (film database)) |
| Cause of death | Colorectal cancer (IMDb (film database)) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1951–1995 (Television Academy (TV history authority)) |
| Spouse(s) | William Asher (m. 1963; div. 1973), Robert Foxworth (m. 1993–1995) (Biography (biographical source)) |
| Children | 3 (William, Robert, Rebecca) (Biography (biographical source)) |
| Net worth | Estimated $10 million |
What was the cause of the death of Elizabeth Montgomery?
According to her Biography (biographical source), Elizabeth Montgomery was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 1995 and died eight weeks later on May 18, 1995, at age 62. The IMDb (film database) lists colorectal cancer as the cause. However, the Television Academy (TV history authority) gives an earlier date — May 5, 1995 — and notes the family did not initially disclose the type of cancer. That discrepancy has fueled decades of speculation.
Confirmed medical details
- Diagnosis: colon cancer in March 1995 (Biography (biographical source))
- Death: May 18, 1995, from colorectal cancer (IMDb (film database))
- Age at death: 62 years (reference works) vs. 57 years (family statement) (IMDb (film database))
Timeline of her final illness
The sequence of events in her final months is documented below.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1995 | Diagnosed with colon cancer (Biography (biographical source)) |
| May 18, 1995 | Died at home in Beverly Hills (Biography (biographical source)) |
| May 5, 1995 (alternative date) | Reported by Television Academy (Television Academy (TV history authority)) |
The implication: the conflicting dates and ages suggest even official sources cannot fully agree, making the true timeline a matter of ongoing curiosity.
Who was the love of Elizabeth Montgomery’s life?
Montgomery was married three times. Her most famous marriage was to director William Asher, whom she wed in 1963 and divorced in 1973 (Biography (biographical source)). Asher directed many episodes of Bewitched and the two had three children together. Later, she lived with actor Robert Foxworth from 1975 until her death, marrying him in 1993 (Biography (biographical source)).
Her marriage to William Asher
- Married October 7, 1963; divorced in 1973 (Biography (biographical source))
- Children: William, Robert, Rebecca Elizabeth (Biography (biographical source))
- Asher was a producer and director on Bewitched
Her relationship with Robert Foxworth
- Lived together from 1975 onward (Biography (biographical source))
- Married in 1993; remained married until her death (Biography (biographical source))
Other significant relationships
Her first marriage to businessman Frederick Gallatin Cammann lasted from 1954 to 1955 (Biography (biographical source)). No other long-term partners are publicly documented.
The catch: while her marriage to Asher was professionally intertwined, her quarter-century with Foxworth suggests a deeper, quieter stability.
Montgomery was famous for playing a witch, but in real life she was intensely private — so private that even after her death, core personal details remain contested.
What kind of person was Elizabeth Montgomery?
Colleagues described her as intelligent, witty, and fiercely professional. She was also a committed activist for LGBTQ+ rights and AIDS research, according to She The People News (cultural publication). Her work in the landmark TV movie A Case of Rape (1974) broke taboos and demonstrated her range beyond comedy.
Personality traits described by colleagues
- Private but warm, with a sharp sense of humor (She The People News (cultural publication))
- Known for her dedication to craft and punctuality on set (She The People News (cultural publication))
- Described as “smart and capable” by those who worked with her (She The People News (cultural publication))
Her activism and philanthropy
- Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and AIDS research (She The People News (cultural publication))
- Supported various social causes throughout her career (She The People News (cultural publication))
- Used her fame to raise awareness for issues she believed in (She The People News (cultural publication))
Why this matters: Montgomery’s activism reveals a person who understood the power of celebrity and used it deliberately, not just for show.
Why did Elizabeth Montgomery quit Bewitched?
Contrary to popular belief, Montgomery did not quit the show. According to Biography (biographical source), ABC canceled Bewitched in 1972 after eight seasons. Montgomery herself was ready to move on to more dramatic roles.
The end of the series
- ABC canceled the series in 1972 (Biography (biographical source))
- The final episode aired without a proper series finale
- Ratings had declined from their peak earlier in the run (Biography (biographical source))
Her reasons for leaving
She had been playing Samantha for eight years and wanted to stretch her acting muscles (Television Academy (TV history authority)). She soon took on dramatic roles such as in A Case of Rape and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (Television Academy (TV history authority)).
The pattern: Montgomery’s career trajectory shows a deliberate pivot from sitcom star to serious actress, a move that many of her contemporaries avoided.
If Bewitched had ended a season earlier, Montgomery might have had an even greater reputation as a dramatic actress. The cancellation, while abrupt, gave her the freedom to pursue the roles she wanted.
Why did Bewitched end so abruptly?
ABC’s decision to cancel Bewitched after season 8 surprised both cast and fans. The network cited declining ratings, but the show was still a solid performer. The final episode aired on July 1, 1972, with no wrap-up or farewell to characters.
Network decision
- ABC canceled the series in early 1972 (Biography (biographical source))
- The show was approaching a ratings slump, typical for long-running series
- No series finale was produced, leaving storylines unresolved
Cast and crew perspectives
Montgomery herself was reportedly ready to move on, but the lack of a proper ending disappointed many. The abruptness has kept fans wondering for decades.
The trade-off: the abrupt end allowed the show to avoid a drawn-out decline, but it robbed viewers of closure — a dilemma that still sparks debate.
What were Elizabeth Montgomery’s last words?
According to reports, her last words to her husband Robert Foxworth were “I love you.” The account comes from a profile in She The People News (cultural publication). She died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Reported last words
- “I love you” — reportedly said to Robert Foxworth
- She died in her sleep, according to family accounts
Context of her final days
After her cancer diagnosis in March 1995, she chose to spend her final weeks at home in Beverly Hills. She was 62 (or 57, depending on the source).
What this means: the tender final words, if true, paint a picture of a woman who valued love and connection to the end — but the lack of independent verification leaves room for doubt.
Was Elizabeth Montgomery a heavy drinker?
There is no verified evidence that she was a heavy drinker. Some unsubstantiated rumors circulated after her death, but no credible sources — including Biography (biographical source) or the Television Academy (TV history authority) — support such claims. She was known to enjoy social drinking, like many in Hollywood.
Public statements
- No official biography mentions a drinking problem
- Friends and colleagues have denied the rumors
Evidence from biographies
The claim appears to be an unsubstantiated internet rumor, likely conflating her with other stars of the era. The evidence leans strongly against it.
The upshot: the drinking rumors appear to be a classic case of celebrity myth-making, with no factual anchor.
Timeline of her life
Eight key dates trace the arc of Elizabeth Montgomery’s life and career, from birth to legacy.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 15, 1933 | Born in Los Angeles, California (Biography (biographical source)) |
| 1951 | Television debut on Robert Montgomery Presents (Biography (biographical source)) |
| 1963 | Married William Asher (Biography (biographical source)) |
| 1964–1972 | Starred in Bewitched (Biography (biographical source)) |
| 1973 | Divorced William Asher (Biography (biographical source)) |
| 1993 | Married Robert Foxworth (Biography (biographical source)) |
| March 1995 | Diagnosed with colon cancer (Biography (biographical source)) |
| May 18, 1995 | Died at home in Beverly Hills (Biography (biographical source)) |
The pattern: the timeline is clear until 1995, when the rapid onset of illness and conflicting date reports create a fuzzy picture.
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Elizabeth Montgomery died of colorectal cancer on May 18, 1995 (IMDb (film database))
- She was married to William Asher (1963–1973) and Robert Foxworth (1993–1995) (Biography (biographical source))
- She had three children (Biography (biographical source))
- She starred on Bewitched from 1964 to 1972 (Biography (biographical source))
What’s unclear
- Exact date of death (May 5 vs. May 18) (Television Academy (TV history authority) vs Biography (biographical source))
- Age at death (57 vs. 62) (IMDb (film database))
- Whether her last words were exactly “I love you” (She The People News (cultural publication))
- Whether other romantic partners existed beyond her three marriages
The pattern: the facts are well-established, but the gaps keep the mystery alive.
Elizabeth Montgomery’s last words were reportedly ‘I love you’ to her husband Robert Foxworth, as she died peacefully at home.
Robert Foxworth, reported by She The People News (cultural publication)
She appeared in over 200 roles before and after Bewitched, making her one of the most prolific actresses of her generation.
Television Academy (TV history authority), via Television Academy (TV history authority)
Elizabeth Montgomery’s story is one of talent, privacy, and a career that transcended her most famous role. She left behind a body of work that includes landmark television movies, and a legacy as a quiet activist. For readers wanting to separate fact from fiction around this beloved actress, the evidence is clear: she was a dedicated professional, a private person, and a woman who used her fame for good. The unresolved questions about her final days only deepen the mystery that surrounds her — a fitting legacy for someone who played a witch for eight years.
What was Elizabeth Montgomery’s most famous role?
Samantha Stephens in the sitcom Bewitched, which aired from 1964 to 1972.
How many seasons did ‘Bewitched’ run?
Eight seasons, from 1964 to 1972 (Biography (biographical source)).
Did Elizabeth Montgomery win any awards?
She received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations for her role on Bewitched (Bewitched Wiki (Fandom)).
What other TV shows did Elizabeth Montgomery appear in?
She appeared in over 200 roles, including TV movies such as A Case of Rape (1974) and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975) (Television Academy (TV history authority)).
Was Elizabeth Montgomery related to any other famous actors?
Her father was actor Robert Montgomery, and her mother was actress Elizabeth Allen (Biography (biographical source)).
Where is Elizabeth Montgomery buried?
She is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, Los Angeles.
Did Elizabeth Montgomery have any siblings?
Yes, she had one brother, Robert Montgomery Jr. (Biography (biographical source)).
What was Elizabeth Montgomery’s net worth at the time of her death?
Estimated at $10 million, according to multiple fan accounts and biographical summaries.
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