Actress Erin Murphy, most renowned for her role as Tabitha Stephens in the iconic sitcom *Bewitched*, has recently disclosed a surprising fact about her time on the show. It’s a revelation that may come as a shock to many fans: she has never actually watched the black-and-white episodes that predate her involvement in the series.
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Murphy, who was cast alongside her twin sister Diane as the charming daughter of Samantha (played by Elizabeth Montgomery) and Darrin (played by Dick York), joined *Bewitched* when she was just 18 months old. Now, at the age of 62, she recounted her experiences while appearing on NPR’s Front Row Classics podcast with host Brandon Davis. The show, which originally aired in 1964, became a staple of American television, known for its mix of comedy and supernatural elements.
During the podcast interview, Erin confessed, “This is something I don’t say often, but I’ve never seen the black-and-white episodes. So I still to this day keep thinking, ‘Oh, I’ll sit down and watch them.’” Despite having viewed snippets over the years, she has never committed to watching any full episodes from the earlier seasons. She joined the cast in season three, which marked a significant transition for the series as it was its first colour season.
Erin further elaborated on her casting, noting that the decision to expand Tabitha’s character came as the show shifted to colour. “Right before the third season, they wanted to expand the role of Tabitha,” she explained, adding, “They had a couple of different sets of twin babies for the early black and white episodes, but then for season three they knew they wanted the character to have a bigger part.” Reflecting on her impact, she quipped, “I brought colour to *Bewitched*.”
The series enjoyed remarkable popularity, running for eight successful seasons on ABC and concluding in March 1972. It featured a renowned ensemble cast, including Montgomery, York, Agnes Moorehead, Dick Sargent, and David White. The show’s whimsical take on a suburban housewife who secretly practises witchcraft captured the hearts of audiences during its original run and continues to hold a special place in television history.
During her time on the programme, Murphy spent a significant portion of her childhood on set, often remarking on the adult-centred environment. She reminisced about her experiences, saying, “I was the only kid there most of the time.” The episodes set in preschool particularly stood out for her. “I loved the episodes where my character went to preschool for a day…I would turn a little girl into a butterfly, and I never went back,” she recalled fondly. These moments provided her with a glimpse of childhood camaraderie, which was otherwise scarce amidst the adult actors on set.
Despite this lack of peer interaction, Murphy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside seasoned adults. “It was the golden era of television and Hollywood,” she stated. “I don’t feel that old, but I can say TV was so new when I was there.” Her remarks reflect a nostalgia for the era in which *Bewitched* was produced, a time marked by groundbreaking changes in the television landscape.
Erin Murphy’s candid reflections on her childhood experiences highlight not only her unique perspective as a child actress but also the ways in which *Bewitched* has continued to resonate with audiences for generations. The show’s influence remains palpable today, underscoring the lasting impact of its characters and stories.
As conversations around *Bewitched* persist, Erin Murphy’s insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the series’ enduring legacy within the annals of television history. Her journey as Tabitha Stephens—filled with magic, laughter, and growth—serves as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling in popular culture.
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