Bewitched / Elizabeth Montgomery

The magic of a television classic

Explore the Bewitched connections of writer/producer/director Herbie J Pilato and his acclaimed books about the beloved TV series and its star. Elizabeth Montgomery, as well as his involvement with the two different Blu-ray releases of the series, the 2005 feature film, and several documentaries related to the show. See his Bewitched credits listed below in full, and then choose which of his Bewitched books, Blu-rays, or DVDs that you’d like from your preferred retailer. [Scroll to the bottom for all shopping links.]

Elizabeth Montgomery in a pastel gown against an orange studio backdrop
Elizabeth Montgomery reigned supreme as Samantha Stephens, 'Queen of the Witches,' on Bewitched, which originally aired on ABC from September 17, 1964, to March 25, 1972 (with reruns until July)
Dick York and Dick Sargent side-by-side portraits
Animated York and Sargent comparison with the top Bewitched title removed
Dick York, left, and Dick Sargent (right) shared the role of mortal advertising man Darrin Stephens, Samantha's one true love.
Restored portrait of Agnes Moorehead
Restored portrait of David White looking into the camera

Agnes Moorehead (top left) portrayed Samantha's feisty supernatural mother, while David White (top right) played Darrin's calculating but dedicated boss, Larry Tate, on a show that featured an assortment of magical and mortal characters and adventures.

Restored Elizabeth Montgomery photo collage
Restored Agnes Moorehead photo collage
Herbie J has dedicated a significant portion of his life and career to chronicling the essence of Bewitched, and the lives and careers of all those associated with the show, in front of and behind the camera.
Herbie J with the Bewitched logo on a blue starry backdrop
Collage of Herbie J Pilato’s Bewitched books, series Blu-ray editions, the 2005 film, documentary and audiobook
Herbie J with two guests in front of a blue tinsel backdrop
Herbie J holding Twitch Upon a Star and The Essential Elizabeth Montgomery
Herbie J with Elizabeth Montgomery’s children

Herbie J has authored, among other Bewitched books, two biographies of Bewitched star Elizabeth Montgomery (center). On the left, he stands with beloved actors Erin Murphy and David Mandel (Bloch/Lawrence), who shared the roles of Samantha and Darrin's magical children, Tabitha and Adam, with their twins Diane Murphy and Greg Mandel (Bloch/Lawrence). On the right, he stands with two of Elizabeth Montgomery's real-life children, Rebecca Asher, and Bill Asher. Their brother Robert Asher (not seen here) was named for Elizabeth's father, actor Robert Montgomery, and Bill was named after his father, Bewitched director/producer William Asher, who was married to Elizabeth from 1963 to 1974.

AMS Studios marquee welcoming Herbie J Pilato
Herbie J with Bill Asher on the documentary set
Herbie J beside the autograph wall at AMS Studios

Center: Herbie J with Bill Asher, son of Elizabeth Montgomery and then-husband/Bewitched director William Asher, on the set of Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitched Life, the acclaimed documentary which Herbie J co-executive produced, co-directed, and co-wrote. Left and right photos: Herbie J is welcomed by AMS Studios in Dallas, TX, where the Elizabeth Montgomery documentary was partially filmed in 2021, and while there, he signed the studio’s “Wall of Fame.”

Herbie J with Chris York
Dick York portrait personally inscribed to Herbie J
Herbie J with three guests at a formal event

In the late 1980s, Herbie J befriended “original Darrin” actor and humanitarian Dick York (center). Years later, Herbie J befriended York’s son, Chris York (left with Herbie J, and right with Paul Petersen of The Donna Reed Show and Stanley Livingston of My Three Sons).

Herbie J Pilato in front of the Bewitched house
Herbie J in a white suit being interviewed in front of the Bewitched house, with the man on the right removed

In 1996, Herbie J was interviewed by Entertainment Tonight in front of the Bewitched house, which was located on the famed Columbia Ranch studio lot (which, sadly, was demolished in recent years)

Herbert J. Pilato’s UCLA Extension grade reports signed by instructor Don Richardson
Herbie J was honored to be taught by Don Richardson, famed director of TV classics like Lost in Space and Bonanza, and former teacher of Elizabeth Montgomery at the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts. A synergy some might call destiny.

Herbie J Pilato’s Bewitched Credits

Executive Producer/Writer/Director
  • Bewitched Blu-ray Box Set, Mill Creek/Imprint Television/Sony (2025)
  • Bewitched cover story, Retro Fan Magazine (March 2024)
  • Bewitched cover story, ReMind Magazine/TV Guide (October 2023)
  • Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitched Life, Reelz Channel (2022)
Consultant/Commentator
  • History of the Sitcom (including Bewitched), CNN (2021)
  • Autopsy: Elizabeth Montgomery, Reelz Channel (2021)
  • MSNBC Headliners & Legends: Elizabeth Montgomery (2000)
  • Bewitched: The E! True Hollywood Story (1999)
  • Bewitched special, Entertainment Tonight (1999)
  • A&E’s Biography of Elizabeth Montgomery (1999)
Script Consultant
  • Nora Ephron’s Bewitched feature film, Sony (April 2004–June 2005)
Writer
  • Profile of Elizabeth Montgomery, Television Academy/Emmys.com (October 2015)
  • Interstitials, Bewitched (remastered), Evolution/Screen Gems (March–April 1999)
Author
  • Bewitched Forever (Summit, 2004/2001; Tapestry Press, 1996)
  • The Bewitched Book (Dell, 1992)
  • The Essential Elizabeth Montgomery: A Guide to Her Magical Performances (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013)
  • Twitch Upon a Star: The Bewitched Life and Career of Elizabeth Montgomery (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012)
  • Dashing, Daring, and Debonair: TV’s Top Male Icons from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s (including profiles of Dick York and Dick Sargent; Rowman & Littlefield, 2016)
  • Glamour, Gidgets & the Girl Next Door: Television’s Iconic Women from the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s (including a profile of Elizabeth Montgomery; Rowman & Littlefield, 2014)

The Bewitched Shop

Standing animated Samantha Stephens in her black witch dress and pointed hat

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