Tabitha Tells All: Erin Murphy Opens Up About Fame, Loss, and the Legacy of Bewitched

[TMC]

Welcome back to another episode of Throwback Thursdays on That's Classic!

I chat with the wonderful Erin Murphy, known to millions as Tabitha Stephens from the legendary series Bewitched. After an overwhelming response from you, the fans, we decided to dedicate this entire episode to answering YOUR questions!

Erin doesn’t hold back as she takes us behind the scenes of one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. We dive deep into:

• The Legends: What it was really like working with Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead.
  
• The "Two Darrens": Erin's perspective on working with both Dick York and Dick Sergeant.
  
• Addressing the Rumors: The truth behind cast relationships and the "secret crush" on set.
  
• Childhood in Hollywood: From lunch dates with Johnny Whitaker to navigating life with a "Stage Mom."
  
• The Future: Erin’s thoughts on a Bewitched reboot and her current work in the industry.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of the Stephens family or a lover of classic Hollywood history, this episode is packed with stories you’ve never heard before.

Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.

• 0:00 Introduction
• 0:41 – Erin’s contributions to the show and co-hosting experiences.
• 1:00 – The "That’s Classic" live event that almost happened.
• 1:24 – Meeting through Bob Bergen (The voice of Porky Pig).
• 2:18 – Carrying on the Bewitched legacy and franchise history.
• 4:15 – Did the cast stay in touch after the show?
• 5:58 – First emotions when remembering Elizabeth Montgomery.
• 7:06 – Memories of Agnes Moorehead: "She was like a grandparent."
• 7:42 – A special story about Dick York and his philanthropic heart.
• 10:05 – Working with the zany Paul Lynde.
• 11:27 – Did Erin watch Bewitched as a child?
• 13:09 – The saga of Erin's missing scripts on Ebay.
• 14:41 – Were her real parents anything like the Stephens?
• 15:45 – Stories of Alice Ghostley and Marion Lorne’s doorknob collection.
• 17:47 – Understanding loss as a child actor.
• 18:28 – Current projects: Voiceover work and ADR in the pandemic era.
• 22:25 – Taking fencing lessons from Agnes Moorehead.
• 25:25 – The difference between Dick York and Dick Sargent.
• 27:43 – Why Erin turned down modern Bewitched scripts.
• 30:18 – Favorite episodes: Ice skating and turning girls into butterflies.
• 31:39 – What David White (Larry Tate) was like on set.
• 32:44 – Addressing the rumors: Dick York’s crush on Elizabeth Montgomery.
• 34:22 – Who was most (and least) like their character?
• 36:31 – Visiting Agnes Moorehead’s "1940s Hollywood" mansion.
• 38:03 – Debunking rumors about the show's end in 1974.
• 39:16 – What the Bewitched sets actually looked like.
• 41:07 – The reality of TV magic vs. behind-the-scenes prep.
• 43:35 – Feeling a responsibility to the fans and the franchise.
• 47:15 – Wishing for more "kid-driven" storylines like The Brady Bunch.
• 48:38 – A lunch date with Johnny Whitaker and the "carrot secret."
• 51:08 – The instant bond between former child actors.
• 52:51 – Staying grounded: Growing up with a "Stage Mom" and work ethic.
• 57:29 – How her own children view her fame.

[JamesG]

Erin Murphy on Billy Corgan's Podcast