Elizabeth Montgomery, the actress who charmed millions as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched, died on May 18, 1995 at age 62. Her death from colorectal cancer came just weeks after diagnosis, leaving fans and colleagues in shock. Beyond her iconic television role, Montgomery led a life marked by quiet activism, three marriages, and three children.
How Did Elizabeth Montgomery Die?
- Elizabeth Montgomery was not only an iconic television actress but also a lifelong political activist, particularly for gay rights and AIDS education in the 1980s‑90s.
- Her career spanned stage, film, and television, but she is most famous for her role in Bewitched.
- She died rapidly after diagnosis, which contributes to public curiosity about her last days, words, and photos.
- Her net worth remains a high‑volume query, but exact numbers vary widely; only a solid estimate range should be provided.
- Her children and spouses are well‑known, but specifics about her personal life with William Asher and later Robert Foxworth remain high interest.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery |
| Birth | April 15, 1933, Los Angeles, CA |
| Death | May 18, 1995, Beverly Hills, CA |
| Cause of Death | Colorectal cancer |
| Spouses | William Asher (m. 1963; div. 1973); Robert Foxworth (m. 1993–1995) |
| Children | Three: William Asher Jr., Robert Asher, Rebecca Asher |
| Known For | Samantha Stephens in Bewitched (1964–1972) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $10‑15 million at time of death (adjusted for 2025: ~$20‑30 million) |
According to Wikipedia, Montgomery died at home with her husband and children present after a short illness. A biography on the fan site Oocities notes she chose to leave the hospital and spend her final hours in familiar surroundings. No verified public record of her last words exists, and multiple photos circulated as “last” images lack authoritative confirmation.
Who Was Elizabeth Montgomery Married To?
First Marriage: Frederic Gallatin Cammann
Montgomery married Frederic Gallatin Cammann in 1954. The union ended in divorce the following year. Sources such as Biography.com list this as her first, brief marriage.
Second Marriage: William Asher
In 1963 she married television director William Asher, best known for directing many episodes of Bewitched. They had three children together: William Asher Jr., Robert Asher, and Rebecca Asher. The couple divorced in 1974, but Montgomery and Asher remained on amicable terms.
Montgomery’s three children were born during her marriage to William Asher. Their names are consistently reported across IMDb, Biography.com, and French Wikipedia.
Third Marriage: Robert Foxworth
She married actor Robert Foxworth in 1993. The couple stayed together until her death in 1995. Foxworth, known for his roles in Falcon Crest and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has spoken publicly about their life together.
What Was Elizabeth Montgomery’s Net Worth and Career Highlights?
What Was Elizabeth Montgomery’s Role in Bewitched?
Montgomery played Samantha Stephens, a witch who tries to live as a normal suburban housewife. The show aired from 1964 to 1972 and made her one of television’s most recognizable stars. She earned multiple major award nominations for the part, as noted by Rotten Tomatoes.
Was Elizabeth Montgomery an Activist?
Montgomery was a staunch liberal who supported women’s rights, AIDS activism, and gay rights. She worked with AmFAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research) and volunteered with the Los Angeles Unit of Learning Ally, which records educational audiobooks for people with disabilities. Her activism is documented by Woman’s World and Biography.com.
Reliable estate or probate records for Elizabeth Montgomery’s net worth have not been made public. Figures such as $10–15 million are estimates commonly repeated in media but should be treated as unverified.
What Was Elizabeth Montgomery Like When She Was Young?
Parents and Upbringing
Montgomery was born in Los Angeles, California on April 15, 1933, the daughter of actor Robert Montgomery and actress Elizabeth Allen. Growing up in a show-business household, she attended the Westlake School for Girls and later studied at the Actors Studio. Her father’s connections helped her start a career in live television in the 1950s.
Montgomery once said she “always wanted to act” and made her first television appearance on her father’s show Robert Montgomery Presents in the early 1950s. She moved quickly from guest roles to starring parts on programs like Studio One and Kraft Television Theatre.
Before Bewitched, Montgomery built a reputation as a versatile dramatic actress. Her early work included roles in the film The Court‑Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955) and numerous anthology series, proving her range beyond comedy.
When Did Key Events in Elizabeth Montgomery’s Life Occur?
- — Born in Los Angeles, CA.
- — Began acting in live television (Studio One, Kraft Television Theatre).
- — Starred as Samantha Stephens in Bewitched.
- — Active in AIDS education and gay rights activism.
- — Married Robert Foxworth.
- — Diagnosed with colorectal cancer; died eight weeks later at age 62.
What Is Known for Certain About Elizabeth Montgomery, and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date and cause of death (colorectal cancer). | Exact net worth; only estimates exist. |
| Marriages and children. | Exact last words; no verified public record exists. |
| Role in Bewitched and her career arc. | Last photo; multiple “final photos” circulate online, but no single authoritative image is universally confirmed. |
| Her activism for gay rights and AIDS education. | Whether she died “alone” or with family present during her final hours (private details not released). |
What Was Elizabeth Montgomery’s Cultural Significance?
Montgomery’s public image was carefully controlled; despite her fame, she maintained a private life. Her death in 1995 came at a time when colorectal cancer was less publicly discussed, but her activism helped normalize conversations about terminal illness and LGBTQ+ rights in Hollywood. Understanding her life requires examining both her comedic legacy and her quiet, principled activism.
Later tributes and documentaries continued to frame her as a major TV icon whose work remained influential long after her death. The Television Academy’s “Legend” profile and Reelz documentary on Bewitched are among the recent projects that revisit her career.
What Do Authoritative Sources Say About Elizabeth Montgomery?
“Montgomery, politically liberal and outspoken, was a longtime activist for gay rights and AIDS education. She died just eight weeks after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.”
“Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery (April 15, 1933 – May 18, 1995) was an American actress whose career spanned five decades in film, stage and television.”
The New York Times obituary (May 19, 1995) also provides a detailed account of her death and career, noting that she “was diagnosed with cancer in March and died at home in Beverly Hills.”
What Is Elizabeth Montgomery’s Lasting Legacy?
Elizabeth Montgomery remains one of television’s most beloved actresses, thanks to her seven‑year run as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched. Her legacy extends beyond the screen: she used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and AIDS research at a time when few celebrities did so openly. While some details of her final days remain private, her work and activism continue to inspire new generations of viewers and activists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Elizabeth Montgomery’s net worth?
Estimated at $10–15 million at the time of her death, which would be approximately $20–30 million in 2025.
What were Elizabeth Montgomery’s last words?
No verified public record of her last words exists. Family and close friends have not released this information.
What is the last known photo of Elizabeth Montgomery?
Multiple photos from 1995 are circulated, but no single image is universally confirmed as the “last” photo. Images from the months prior to her death show her with family.
Who are Elizabeth Montgomery’s children?
She had three children with William Asher: William Asher Jr., Robert Asher, and Rebecca Asher.
Was Elizabeth Montgomery an activist?
Yes, she was a vocal advocate for gay rights and AIDS education, working with organizations like the AIDS Project Los Angeles.
Where is Elizabeth Montgomery buried?
She was cremated and her ashes were given to her family; no public gravesite is known.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.