If you were a fan of classic TV in the sixties and seventies, you’re likely to recall episodes of Bewitched, a beloved sitcom that garnered immense success and numerous prestigious awards.
In the series, Tabitha, a key character, was portrayed not by one but two actresses, twins Diane and Erin Murphy.
What have these two sisters been up to lately?
Child actors have always fascinated me. The demanding nature of acting, especially for children, requires exceptional skills, patience, and talent. Despite the challenges, many young talents have blossomed into renowned stars, including Diane and Erin Murphy, who shone brightly in their roles.
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The premise of a witch marrying a mortal man and opting for a suburban housewife life struck a chord with audiences, making the show immensely popular.
Bewitched – Tabitha Stephens
When Bewitched premiered on September 17, 1964, it quickly rose to prominence, a surprising success for a series inspired by movies like I Married a Witch and Bell, Book and Candle.
The show, aired on ABC, clinched numerous Emmy awards and Golden Globe nominations, solidifying its place as one of the longest-running and most acclaimed sitcoms in television history.
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The charming Samantha, played by Elizabeth Montgomery, was the magical centerpiece of the ’60s sitcom. However, it was the enchanting Tabitha Stephens, the daughter of Samantha and Darrin, who stole hearts with her magical abilities and endearing presence.
In a 1967 interview, Elizabeth revealed that she chose the name Tabitha for the character.
“I loved it for its vintage appeal,” she disclosed, as mentioned in Bewitched: History Book – 50th Anniversary Edition.
“I borrowed the name from Edward Andrews’ daughters, Tabitha and Abigail. … However, in the credits, her name appeared as Tabatha, and unfortunately, it stuck. Every time I see it, I cringe. It grates on my nerves like chalk screeching on a board.”
Erin and Diane Murphy
Tabitha, the cherished on-screen daughter, etched herself in viewers’ memories. But the fact that she was portrayed by two sisters in the initial four seasons and by a total of three different sets of twins may surprise many.
Erin Murphy and her twin sister Diane took turns playing the role, capturing audiences’ affections instantly.
Fast forward, and they are now both adults!
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Arriving on the scene in Encino, California, on June 17, 1964, the twin sisters, Diane and Erin, greeted the world. Being fraternal twins, Diane arrived five minutes ahead of Erin. Despite their non-identical status, they bore such resemblance that they could easily be mistaken for one another.
Their mother, Stephanie, relinquished her teaching career to nurture her newborn twins, while their father, Dan Murphy, the proprietor of a Business School, Murphy’s College, in Los Angeles.
The Division of Tabitha’s Role
The twins swiftly garnered attention as youngsters in North Hollywood, catching the eye of a talent agent keen on signing them.
Erin clinched the coveted role of Tabitha in Bewitched and promptly made her mark on the show.
Recalling the casting process, Erin Murphy recounted to Fox in 2017, “‘Bewitched’ conducted a massive casting call. With the upcoming switch to color for the third season, the focus shifted to Tabitha’s character. They sought a young lookalike of Elizabeth Montgomery, unafraid of the limelight. My twin sister Diane and I tried out and landed the roles.”
Due to child labor laws restricting working hours, Diane also stepped into the Tabitha role alongside Erin.
Both twins portrayed Tabitha in the third and fourth seasons with resounding success.
However, as the sisters began to diverge in appearance during the 4th season, Erin seamlessly assumed the role full-time, leading to the end of Diane’s tenure on the beloved sitcom. Despite this transition, Diane expressed contentment with her time on the show.
Erin Murphy – Tabitha Stephens
“My stint on Bewitched brought me unique and delightful experiences, but I yearned for a more ordinary life. Hence, I bid adieu to the entertainment industry at the age of thirteen,” shared Erin about her decision to step back from acting.
For Erin, the show not only provided professional growth but also fostered significant relationships, notably with Montgomery. Their bond endured until May 1995, when Elizabeth succumbed to colon cancer at 62.
Comparisons to Montgomery are not uncommon, as Erin reflected to ABC, “Many who knew Liz and me well comment on our similarities. Spending 12 hours daily together, I viewed her as a parent figure who guided me. In many ways, I resemble her more than my biological mother, which amuses me.”
While Erin enjoyed the on-set attention, her fondest memories revolve around Agnes Morehead’s dressing room. Morehead, who portrayed Samantha’s mother Endora, passed away in 1974 at 73.
“In hindsight, she was probably my favorite person on the show,” stated Murphy. “I adored her as a grandparent figure. Given my distant relationship with my own out-of-state grandparents, our warm bond was precious. Among her many gestures, she would draw cartoons for me between shoots, sharing tales. Her dressing room, adorned in purple, remains a vivid and cherished memory.”
Tabitha Stephens Today
Erin graced 102 episodes of Bewitched, as per IMDB, spanning six seasons. Meanwhile, Diane returned in less prominent roles in subsequent series.
Post her magical childhood, what did Erin Murphy pursue?
Following her success as the enchanted child, Erin delved into commercials, modeling, and auditions alongside peers like Jodie Foster and Helen Hunt. In 1973, she landed a minor part in Lassie, paving the way for appearances in various TV series and short films. In 2019, she revisited the Tabitha persona in the comedy TV Therapy.
Transitioning into adulthood, Erin flourished as a TV host, correspondent, and motivational speaker for charitable causes.
Life in California
“Entering the alcohol industry was never my envisioned path, but I’ve savored a few fine martinis,” Erin shared in 2014.
At 58, Erin, a mother of six sons aged 17 to 35, has traversed three marriages and currently resides in Los Angeles. To this day, admirers approach her, commending her memorable portrayal as Tabitha in Bewitched.
“Every fan interaction, every mention of my TV work, is gratifying,” Erin told Fox.
“Receiving compliments and engaging with admirers and ‘Bewitched’ enthusiasts is always heartwarming. I appreciate the acknowledgment of my contributions. It’s truly wonderful.”
On the other hand, Diane resides in Santa Barbara, California. Before her departure from showbiz, she appeared in commercials, including one featuring Henry Fonda.
Now 56, she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of California and an M.B.A. in management from Golden Gate University.
UC alumni
Per her LinkedIn profile, Diane has delved into freelance work encompassing medical writing and clinical development for several years.
According to AmoMama, Diane’s serene transition into a freelancing career post her stint on the screens portrays a fulfilling journey of personal and professional growth.
