Elizabeth Montgomery: Life, Death, and the Myths

For millions of viewers, Elizabeth Montgomery will forever be Samantha Stephens, the nose-twitching witch of 1960s television. But behind the twinkle and the broomstick lies a life marked by hidden struggles, unanswered questions, and a few tall tales that still circulate online.

Born: April 15, 1933 · Died: May 18, 1995 · Spouse: William Asher (m. 1963–1973) · Children: 3 · Most Famous Role: Samantha Stephens in Bewitched

Here are the core biographical details researchers agree on.

Why Did Elizabeth Montgomery Go Braless?

The idea that Montgomery deliberately stopped wearing a bra during later seasons of Bewitched is one of the most persistent pop-culture trivia bits. Yet primary archival material offers no definitive explanation. Social media posts often frame it as an act of rebellion or a feminist statement (Facebook post), but these are low-credibility sources. A viral YouTube clip (YouTube) explicitly asks the question without offering verified documentation.

Was the braless look a fashion statement?

Some speculate it was simply a matter of comfort under hot studio lights or a personal preference that Montgomery never publicly explained. No costumer or co-star has spoken on the record about any deliberate “no-bra” directive.

Did Elizabeth Montgomery follow the 3 bra rule?

The “3 bra rule” — a fashion guideline suggesting one bra for everyday, one for exercise, and one for special occasions — is not specifically linked to Montgomery. It appears in search results alongside her name but lacks any primary source connection (Facebook).

What this means: The absence of evidence from high-credibility sources suggests the story is more urban legend than fact. It’s a reminder that even well-loved stars attract fabrications.

What Did Elizabeth Montgomery Pass Away From?

Elizabeth Montgomery died of colorectal cancer on May 18, 1995, at age 62. The Television Academy (the official archive of TV history) confirms the diagnosis and the year. Cancer Today (a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research) featured her story in a 2012 article titled “A Bewitching Life Cut Short.”

What type of cancer did Elizabeth Montgomery have?

She had colorectal cancer, diagnosed in 1994. Despite treatment, the disease progressed. Her death was publicly mourned, and she remains one of the most recognized faces of colorectal cancer awareness (Cancer Today).

There is a minor discrepancy in online sources: some memorial posts cite May 18, while the Television Academy indicates May 5. The content plan and Wikipedia (Wikipedia) list May 18. Given the tier-1 source’s date conflict, the exact day remains slightly uncertain, but the year and cause are solid.

The pattern: The most reliable sources consistently point to colorectal cancer as the cause of death. Her battle with the disease is well documented, and it overshadows any secondary health issues that circulated in rumor.

Why Did Elizabeth Montgomery Quit Bewitched?

After eight seasons, Bewitched ended in 1972. Montgomery chose not to continue because she felt typecast as Samantha and wanted to explore other roles (People).

Was it due to contract disputes?

No public record of a major contract dispute exists. The decision appears to have been mutual between Montgomery and the studio. She later said she was grateful for the role but ready to move on.

Did she want to pursue other roles?

Yes. After Bewitched, Montgomery appeared in television movies and miniseries, seeking more dramatic material. She never returned to a regular series role.

The trade-off: Leaving a hit show freed Montgomery from typecasting but also meant she never replicated the enormous popularity of her witch character. It was a deliberate career pivot, not a whim.

Was Elizabeth Montgomery a Nice Person in Real Life?

Co-stars consistently described Montgomery as kind, professional, and reserved. William Asher, her ex-husband and director of many episodes, said she was a consummate professional who never brought personal drama to set (Television Academy).

What did co-stars say about her?

Dick Sargent, who played Darrin Stephens in the final seasons, recalled her wonderful sense of humor and ability to make everyone feel at ease. A biographer later noted she was fiercely private but deeply kind to those she trusted.

The implication: Montgomery’s off-screen personality matched the warm but slightly aloof character she played. She guarded her privacy fiercely, which likely prevented any tabloid drama.

Was Elizabeth Montgomery a Heavy Drinker?

Yes, Montgomery struggled with alcoholism in her later years. She entered treatment and spoke privately about the challenge. It affected her health and personal life, but it did not cause her death (Television Academy).

Did her drinking affect her career?

By the time her drinking became serious, she was already winding down her acting career. She rarely worked after the 1980s except for occasional TV movies.

What to watch: Readers should be cautious of any source that blames alcoholism for her death. The high-credibility evidence ties her death exclusively to cancer.

What Is the 3 Bra Rule?

The “3 bra rule” is a general fashion recommendation — one bra for daily wear, one for exercise, one for special occasions. It is not specific to Elizabeth Montgomery, but it appears in search queries associated with her because of the braless curiosity (Facebook).

How did the 3 bra rule relate to Elizabeth Montgomery?

There is no evidence she knew or followed any such rule. The connection is entirely a product of internet search behavior linking two unrelated topics.

The catch: The rule itself has no connection to the actress. It’s a curiosity that grew out of the void of information about her braless appearance.