Elizabeth Montgomery

 Elizabeth Montgomery's relationship with her second husband, actor and director William Asher, played a significant role in the success of Bewitched. Their partnership, both personal and professional, was a driving force behind the show’s creation and its ongoing appeal.

When Elizabeth and William Asher married in 1963, Asher was already a seasoned director in Hollywood, known for his work on various TV series. Their collaboration began when Asher was brought in to direct Bewitched, which was still in its early stages of development. The chemistry between Elizabeth, the star, and Asher, the director, was undeniable, and their working relationship became a key element in the show's success. Asher's creative vision helped shape Bewitched into one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1960s, and his ability to direct Elizabeth effectively brought out the charm, wit, and warmth that made her portrayal of Samantha Stephens so memorable.

Asher also helped refine the character of Samantha. Originally, Bewitched was intended to be more of a standard family sitcom, but with Asher's direction, the show took on a unique mix of fantasy, humor, and satire. The idea of a witch trying to lead a "normal" suburban life with her mortal husband was brought to life through the creative input of both Elizabeth and Asher. Their shared vision for the show allowed Elizabeth to infuse Samantha with both a sense of magical wonder and a relatable, down-to-earth quality that resonated with audiences.

Their marriage also helped create a stable environment for Elizabeth during the early years of the show’s production. Asher, who was deeply invested in both his wife’s career and the success of Bewitched, offered her a solid support system as she balanced the demands of being a new mother with the challenges of a demanding television schedule. Together, they made decisions about the direction of the show that benefitted both her character and her personal well-being. For example, Asher was instrumental in ensuring that Elizabeth's character was both strong and independent, defying the typical gender roles of the era and adding depth to the role of Samantha.

However, their marriage did face challenges, and their eventual divorce in 1974 marked a shift in the show's dynamics. Though they were no longer together personally, their professional relationship remained cordial, and Asher continued to work with Elizabeth on the show for a time after their split. Their collaborative spirit was a huge part of what made Bewitched a success, and their ability to separate their personal lives from their professional work helped keep the show running smoothly.

In sum, Elizabeth Montgomery’s relationship with William Asher was instrumental in the success of Bewitched. Asher’s direction and their shared creative vision helped elevate the show beyond a simple sitcom, allowing it to resonate with audiences and endure as a beloved classic. Their partnership, both on and off-screen, provided the foundation for the show's lasting success and helped Elizabeth shape her iconic role as Samantha.