Elizabeth Montgomery's Husbands: Unveiling Her Complex Love Story

**Elizabeth Montgomery, the iconic actress best known for her enchanting portrayal of Samantha Stephens in the beloved television series *Bewitched*, captivated audiences with her charm and magical nose twitch. While her on-screen persona as a loving wife navigating a magical domestic life was seemingly straightforward, the reality of Elizabeth Montgomery's husbands and her personal relationships was far more intricate and, at times, tumultuous.** Her life off-screen was a journey through four marriages, each bringing its own set of challenges, joys, and heartbreaks, painting a picture of a woman searching for lasting love amidst the glare of Hollywood fame. Beyond the magical facade of *Bewitched*, Elizabeth Montgomery's life was a testament to her enduring spirit and her relentless pursuit of happiness and connection. Her relationships, often under public scrutiny, reveal a deeply human story of love, loss, and the quest for emotional fulfillment. This article delves into the lives of the men who shared Elizabeth Montgomery's heart, exploring the dynamics of each marriage and shedding light on the personal journey of one of television's most unforgettable stars.

Elizabeth Montgomery: A Brief Biography

Elizabeth Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933, into a prominent Hollywood family. Her mother was actress Elizabeth Allen, and her father was the renowned film star of the 1930s and '40s, Robert Montgomery. Following in her parents' footsteps, Elizabeth pursued acting, a path that would lead her to immense success but also to a complex personal life. Her career began in earnest when she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. In 1951, she convinced her father to book her on his television show, *Robert Montgomery Presents*, marking her first television appearance. This early start showcased her undeniable talent, which would later earn her five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, primarily for her iconic role as Samantha Stephens on *Bewitched*. Elizabeth Montgomery had a ton of success on TV, becoming a household name and a beloved figure in American pop culture.

Personal Data: Elizabeth Montgomery

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery
Born	April 15, 1933
Died	May 18, 1995 (aged 62)
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Place of Death	Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Parents	Robert Montgomery (father), Elizabeth Allen (mother)
Occupation	Actress
Spouses	Frederic Gallatin Cammann (m. 1954; div. 1955) Gig Young (m. 1956; div. 1963) William Asher (m. 1963; div. 1973) Robert Foxworth (m. 1993; died 1995)
Children	William Allen Asher, Robert Deverell Asher, Rebecca Elizabeth Asher (with William Asher)
Notable Role	Samantha Stephens in *Bewitched*

The Early Years and Her Familial Influences

Elizabeth Montgomery's upbringing was steeped in the world of show business, a double-edged sword that provided both opportunities and complex personal dynamics. Her father, Robert Montgomery, was a major film star, and her mother, Elizabeth Allen, was a Broadway actress. This environment undoubtedly shaped her career aspirations, but it also cast a long shadow over her personal life. Some speculate that her complicated relationship with her father, Robert Montgomery, profoundly influenced her romantic choices. Rumors circulated that he resented Elizabeth due to her achieving more success than he had, particularly with *Bewitched*. This alleged resentment created a void in Elizabeth's life. On some level, she desperately wanted to find the love and attention that she didn’t receive from her father. This emotional yearning may have driven her through multiple marriages, each an attempt to find the unconditional love and acceptance she craved. Her dating history and relationships were a reflection of this deeper search for connection and validation.

First Marriage: Frederic Gallatin Cammann – A Socialite Beginning

Elizabeth Montgomery's first husband was New York socialite Frederic Gallatin Cammann. Their marriage was brief, lasting just over a year. The New York Daily News reported on August 11, 1955, that "actress Elizabeth Montgomery was back at work today after winning a Nevada divorce from New York TV producer Frederic Gallatin Cammann." This quick end to her first union set a pattern for some of her subsequent relationships, indicating a woman unafraid to move on when a partnership wasn't fulfilling. Griffin Dunne, who was her former babysitter and later a notable actor and director, once recalled a moment when Elizabeth Montgomery had some surprising comments about her former husband, Frederic Gallatin Cammann. While the exact comments are not detailed in the provided data, this anecdote suggests that even years later, her first marriage remained a topic of reflection, perhaps hinting at the lessons learned or the lingering impressions from that early experience. Frederic Gallatin Cammann, as you already know, is the former husband of Elizabeth Montgomery, marking the initial chapter in her complex marital history.

Second Marriage: Gig Young – The Struggle with Addiction

Marriage number two for Elizabeth Montgomery was to actor Gig Young. The two wed in 1956 and were divorced by 1963. This marriage, lasting seven years, was significantly longer than her first but was plagued by serious issues. Much of their problems centered around Young’s increasing dependency on alcohol and his reportedly being bipolar. Elizabeth Montgomery with her second husband, actor Gig Young, faced considerable challenges. The struggles with addiction and mental health issues within the marriage created an unstable environment, ultimately leading to their separation. This period in Elizabeth's life highlights her resilience in the face of personal adversity, as she navigated a difficult relationship while simultaneously building her burgeoning acting career. The emotional toll of this marriage undoubtedly shaped her approach to future relationships, making her more discerning and perhaps more cautious in her pursuit of love.

Third Marriage: William Asher – The Bewitched Era and Beyond

Elizabeth Montgomery's third husband was William Asher. This marriage was arguably the most significant in terms of her career and personal life, as it coincided with her most iconic role. The two were married for ten years, from 1963 to 1973. Montgomery met Asher on the set of the 1963 TV movie, *Johnny Cool*, which she starred in, and he directed. As detailed in Herbie J. Pilato's biography, *Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery*, Asher and Montgomery were attracted to each other at the time, but neither of them were emotionally available, having just come out of separations with other celebrities.

A Magical Collaboration and Family Life

Their professional collaboration blossomed into a personal one, leading to their marriage and the creation of *Bewitched*. Asher, a talented director and producer, played a crucial role in shaping the series that would define Elizabeth Montgomery's career. *Bewitched*, of course, cast Elizabeth Montgomery as witch Samantha Stephens, with Dick York (and later Dick Sargent) as her mortal husband Darrin. On the surface, it was a typical domestic comedy, but when you add Samantha’s abilities and the couple’s interactions with her family filled with witches and warlocks — well, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It was during this period that Elizabeth Montgomery's husband, William Asher, first noticed her nose twitch — and convinced her to use it in *Bewitched*, a detail that became synonymous with her character. Montgomery and Asher had three children: Willy, Robert, and Rebecca Elizabeth. Their family life grew alongside the success of *Bewitched*, creating a seemingly idyllic picture of a Hollywood power couple balancing career and family. This period marked a peak in both her professional achievements and her personal life, as she embraced motherhood and continued to deliver captivating performances.

The Unraveling of a Hollywood Marriage

Despite their shared success and family, Montgomery and Asher sadly ended their marriage in 1974. The reasons for their separation were complex. Asher grew busy with directing and producing, while his wife became unhappy. The demands of their respective careers, coupled with the intense scrutiny of being a famous couple, likely contributed to the strain. Some reports suggest that Elizabeth Montgomery had an affair on the set of a project, which may have been a symptom of deeper issues within the marriage. This period of her life underscores the challenges of maintaining personal relationships in the demanding world of entertainment, where long hours and constant travel can take a toll on even the strongest bonds. The end of this ten-year marriage marked another significant turning point in Elizabeth Montgomery's quest for a lasting partnership.

Fourth Marriage: Robert Foxworth – A Lasting Connection

Elizabeth Montgomery's fourth husband, Robert Foxworth, was with her until she died in 1995. Their relationship was unique in that they had lived together for 20 years before marrying. Foxworth was married to actress Elizabeth Montgomery from 1993 until her death in 1995. This long period of cohabitation before formalizing their union suggests a deep, enduring bond built on companionship and mutual respect, rather than the immediate pressures often associated with celebrity marriages.

Two Decades of Love Before Tying the Knot

Their decision to marry after two decades together speaks volumes about the nature of their relationship. It indicates a partnership that prioritized connection and shared life experiences over traditional marital timelines. For Elizabeth Montgomery, this final marriage seemed to offer the stability and profound connection she had sought throughout her life. Robert Foxworth provided her with a loving and supportive presence during her later years, a testament to their strong bond. It was a relationship that weathered the test of time, culminating in a formal commitment that lasted until her passing. Foxworth has since been married to the former Stacey Thomas since August 2, 1998, continuing his life after Elizabeth.

A Final Farewell

Elizabeth Montgomery died on May 18, 1995, at the age of 62. She died in her Beverly Hills home surrounded by her husband and children. At the time of her death, Montgomery's age is listed as 57, with April 15, 1938, as her birth date, according to the California Department of Health Services, Sacramento. However, other reliable sources, including biographical accounts, confirm her birth year as 1933, making her 62 at the time of her passing. This detail highlights the occasional discrepancies found in public records versus more thoroughly researched biographies, but the core fact remains: Elizabeth Montgomery spent her final moments surrounded by the love of her family, including her devoted husband, Robert Foxworth.

The Enduring Legacy of Elizabeth Montgomery

Elizabeth Montgomery's life was a fascinating blend of professional triumph and personal complexities. She got married four times in her life, each marriage a chapter in her ongoing search for love and belonging. From her early, brief union with Frederic Gallatin Cammann to the challenging years with Gig Young, the productive yet ultimately dissolved partnership with William Asher, and finally, the enduring love with Robert Foxworth, Elizabeth Montgomery's husbands played significant roles in her journey. Her story is a reminder that even those who achieve immense public success face profound personal challenges. Her quest for love, possibly influenced by her relationship with her father, resonates with many. The actress was known for her talent, resilience, and captivating presence, both on and off screen. Elizabeth Montgomery's legacy extends beyond her magical nose twitch; it encompasses a rich, multifaceted life of a woman who bravely navigated the complexities of fame, family, and the enduring human desire for connection. We hope this deep dive into Elizabeth Montgomery's husbands and her personal life has offered you a clearer understanding of the woman behind the iconic character. What aspects of Elizabeth Montgomery's life or career do you find most compelling? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below, and consider exploring other articles on our site for more insights into the lives of Hollywood's legendary figures.