Reading “Twitch Upon A Star :The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery” may satisfy a craving to digest some seasonal mind-candy but this 387 page book is more than that. It’s a provocative story of a complicated woman who lived a life of agency before it was politically convenient.
With sugar-coated prettiness it’s easy to remember Elizabeth Montgomery as her alter-ego, Samantha Stephens, an icon of estrogen-ated, escapist entertainment. But in her short life Elizabeth was also an activist for political and social causes, determined to use her celebrity status and good fortune to advance human-rights.
Distancing herself from the pedigree of Hollywood’s hypocrisy Montgomery rejected the sensibilities of her famous parents, movie star Robert Montgomery and Broadway actress Elizabeth Allen. She opted instead to be a down-to-earth, free-spirit in all things. Politically liberal, committed to leaning into autonomy, Elizabeth fashioned her career and personal life with a mix of convention and courage.
TV movies; The Rules of Marriage, Mrs. Sundance, feature films; A Case of Rape, The Legend of Lizzie Borden, and documentaries; Cover Up, The Panama Deception with other projects of social-significance brought gravitas to the actress’ signature fantasy role in Bewitched.

Bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha of ‘Bewitched’ in Salem, Massachusetts
With Elizabeth Taylor, Elizabeth Montgomery was also an early advocate of supporting those with HIV. Respect for humanity was the star’s only North Star.
Because Montgomery kept her feet on the ground, this book is filled with the ordinary stuff of life. But then again the super-celebrated mother of 3 also had 4 marriages, glittered and littered with unapologetic affairs.
“I hope to continue to live my life so that (my children) will be proud of me. I don’t mean as an actress, but as a mother, and as a human being.” Elizabeth Montgomery 1967 (page 306 “Twitched)
What makes this biography a worthy read is that despite her etherial essence, Elizabeth Montgomery’s passions are relatable. In these days when families suffer from political polarization, women continue to seek work-place parity, and are held to a different standard in psycho-sexual affairs, the advocacy and charitable works of this actress remain inspirationally relevant.
Beloved by generations of fans, the 62 year old wife, mother, actress and activist Elizabeth Montgomery died of colon cancer in her Beverly Hills home on May 18th,1995.
(“Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery” written by ‘Bewitched’ consultant Herbie J. Pilato / Taylor Trade Publishing
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