Imagine a world where a “witch marrying an ordinary man” creates a life of whimsical normalcy. This captivating premise fueled the beloved television series, “Bewitched,” which graced screens for eight magical seasons between 1964 and 1972. Within this enchanting realm, viewers were introduced to Tabitha, the adorable daughter of the magically gifted Samantha, portrayed by Elizabeth Montgomery, and her mortal husband, Darrin.
The role of Tabitha was shared by fraternal twins, Diane and Erin Murphy, who brought the character’s early years to life. Tabitha, born to a “special” mom, naturally inherited her mother’s magical abilities, often displayed through her signature nose twitch. This charming trait captivated audiences, but also presented her parents with the delightful challenge of teaching her when to refrain from using her superpowers.
Today, the sisters who shared this iconic role have reached the milestone age of 60. Born on June 17, 1964, in Encino, California, Diane and Erin’s journey from child stars to adult life has been filled with diverse experiences. Their mother, a former teacher, dedicated herself to their upbringing, while their father, Dan Murphy, managed Murphy’s College, a business college in Los Angeles.
Initially, the twins’ similar appearance allowed them to alternate in the role of Tabitha. However, as they matured, their distinct features became more apparent. Erin Murphy, reflecting on her time on the show, shared with Fox in 2017, “They had previously shown it in black and white, so the big push of the third season was that the show was going to color and that they were going to focus more on the character of Tabitha. So they were looking for someone who looked like Elizabeth Montgomery and wasn’t afraid of the lights. I auditioned with my fraternal twin sister Diane and we got the part.”