Elizabeth Montgomery’s departure from “Bewitched” was deeply influenced by her personal life and the challenges she faced. By the mid-1970s, Montgomery was ready for a change. The show’s demanding schedule and her desire for new opportunities played a significant role in her decision. Additionally, she was navigating a complex and tumultuous period in her personal life, including her second marriage to actor William Asher, who was also the show’s producer.
Montgomery’s dissatisfaction with the creative direction of “Bewitched” further fueled her decision to leave. Despite the show’s immense popularity and her iconic role as Samantha Stephens, she wanted to explore other acting opportunities and was concerned about being typecast in her beloved character. The show had also begun to experience a decline in viewership, which contributed to the sense that it was time for a change.
Another key factor was Montgomery’s commitment to her family and her desire to focus on her personal life. The intense production schedule of “Bewitched” left her with limited time for her family and personal interests, leading her to seek a better balance between her professional and personal lives.
Ultimately, Montgomery’s decision to leave “Bewitched” was a blend of professional ambition and personal necessity. She wanted to redefine her career and have more control over her life, stepping away from the character that had defined her for so long. Despite leaving the show, her legacy as Samantha Stephens endures, and her career continued to flourish in new and diverse roles.
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