A couple of big-name stars got their start on the hit show “Bewitched.” One of them was Richard Dreyfuss. Richard had gotten cast in an episode of Bewitched in 1966. It was one of his very first television roles. The episode was entitled “Man’s Best Friend.” in this episode he played the role of a bratty boy named Rodney.
In the episode, Samantha and Darrin are celebrating because she had not used her powers in a month. At this point, Rodney appears, and he tries to break up their marriage despite Samantha telling him over and over she loves Darrin. At this point, Rodney turns into a dog and continues to try to break up their marriage.
Forever a Family
“Bewitched” remains one of the all-time greatest TV shows; however, the show's legacy did not end when the series ended. The show is still popular today. Even though its last episode aired on television many decades ago, people of all ages know about Samantha, the witch.
You can even still catch episodes of the show on TV, as it has been airing in syndication since 1972. Additionally, they released the entire series on DVD so that a whole new audience of fans can watch the shelf for the first time. The entire series of the show can be bought for just 30 bucks, a small price to pay to get your hands on a classic.
A Secret Scandal?
With any TV shows, and actors, there will be scandals, and there will be secrets. Herbie Pilato used this to write a book about Elizabeth Montgomery, and it was a tell-all about the show “Bewitched.” In the book, he reveals that Dick York was in love with Elizabeth Montgomery. He goes on to say that one of the reasons Dick York was replaced in the show was because of his infatuation with Elizabeth, it was not purely because of his medical condition.
Herbie also goes on to say that Elizabeth did not get along with fellow actress, Agnes Moorehead who played Samantha's mother. Moorehead and Dick York, however, were close friends, and she was so angry when he was replaced on the show by Dick Sargent. It was said that she took out her frustrations on him and even made him cry on set.
Darrin Was Almost Performed By Someone Else
When you think of the show ‘Bewitched’ of course, you immediately think of Samantha and Darrin, played by Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York. But did you know that the iconic role of Darrin was actually offered to someone else? Yes, it is true! Richard Crenna, an actor from the show “The Real McCoys,” was offered the role of Darrin, but passed on it due to his prior engagement on “The Real McCoys.” Thankfully, another actor, Dick York, landed the lead role of Darrin.
Of course, as you know, Dick York did end up leaving the show and was replaced from Sargent. Hard to tell if “Bewitched” would have been an 8 season success story if he started off in the role.
Tabitha - The Spinoff
In the show “Tabitha,” which was a spinoff of “Bewitched,” the role of Tabitha was not played by the original actress who played Tabitha. They cast an actress named Lisa Hartman in the role. Lisa had moved to LA at the young age of 19 to pursue music. She Was even signed by a record label the same year she landed the role on “Tabitha.”
While this spin-off was a major flop, and of course did not last, Lisa Hartman did continue to have a very successful acting career. She played the role of Cathy on the hit TV show “Knots Landing.” She is married to a fellow musician, Clint Black.