Elizabeth Montgomery Refused To Ever Work With Him Again – Now We Know Why
Elizabeth Montgomery, the beloved star of Bewitched, charmed audiences with her wit, grace, and magical charisma. However, behind the scenes, not everything was as lighthearted as Samantha Stephens’ twitching nose. One particular co-star reportedly caused such tension that Montgomery vowed never to work with him again. Now, decades later, the truth behind their feud has come to light—and it’s more shocking than fans might expect.
The Bewitched Set: A Brewing Storm
Bewitched (1964–1972) was a groundbreaking sitcom that followed the life of a witch married to a mortal man. While the show was a massive success, tensions simmered behind the scenes—particularly between Montgomery and her original co-star, Dick York, who played her mortal husband, Darrin Stephens.
York, though a talented actor, struggled with health issues and addiction, which reportedly led to erratic behavior on set. According to cast and crew members, his struggles sometimes caused delays, frustration, and emotional strain.
The Breaking Point
While Montgomery was known for her professionalism, sources close to the production revealed that York’s unreliability became too much to handle. In his memoir, The Seesaw Girl and Me, York admitted to his struggles with chronic pain and addiction to painkillers, which affected his work.
“There were days when Dick just couldn’t function,” recalled a Bewitched crew member in an interview. “Elizabeth was patient, but after a while, even she had her limits.”
By the show’s fifth season, York’s health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer continue. He was replaced by Dick Sargent, and while the official reason was his back problems, insiders suggested Montgomery had reached her breaking point.
Did Montgomery Really Blacklist York?
Rumors swirled for years that Montgomery refused to work with York again, even after he recovered. While she never publicly confirmed this, multiple reports from Hollywood insiders suggested she was firm about not revisiting their professional relationship.
“Elizabeth was kind, but she didn’t tolerate unprofessionalism,” said actor Bernard Fox (Bewitched’s Dr. Bombay) in a later interview. “She loved the show and wanted it to succeed, so when things got too difficult, she had to make tough calls.”
York himself never blamed Montgomery, acknowledging his own struggles in later years. However, the tension between them became one of Hollywood’s most whispered-about feuds.
How Fans Reacted to the Feud
When news of the behind-the-scenes conflict surfaced, fans were divided. Some sympathized with York’s health struggles, while others understood Montgomery’s stance. Social media reactions today still reflect that divide:
“Dick York was iconic, but addiction is tough on everyone. I don’t blame Liz for moving on.” – @ClassicTVFan (Twitter)
“They should’ve helped him instead of replacing him. So sad.” – @RetroBinge (Reddit)
Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Drama Unfold
For a deeper dive into the Bewitched drama, check out this documentary clip:
“The Real Story Behind Bewitched’s Darrin Switch”
Legacy of the Feud
Despite the tension, Bewitched remains a classic, and Montgomery’s legacy as a TV icon endures. York, who passed away in 1992, was later remembered fondly by fans for his original portrayal of Darrin.
As for Montgomery? She moved on to other successful projects but reportedly remained private about the feud. Whether it was due to personal conflict, professional boundaries, or simply the pressures of Hollywood, one thing is clear—some on-set magic couldn’t fix everything.
Final Thoughts
The real reason Elizabeth Montgomery refused to work with Dick York again wasn’t out of malice but necessity. In an industry where time is money and reliability is key, even the most magical partnerships can crumble under real-world pressures.
What do you think? Was Montgomery justified, or should she have given York another chance? Share your thoughts in the comments!
