The classic television series Bewitched, which aired from 1964 to 1972, remains one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. It followed the whimsical and often humorous life of Samantha, a kind-hearted witch who marries a regular, non-magical man named Darrin. Their attempts to balance supernatural powers with normal suburban life provided endless entertainment for viewers of all ages.
One of the standout characters in the series was their daughter, Tabitha, who inherited her mother’s magical abilities. Her presence added a new layer of charm and mischief to the show, especially as her powers began to develop at a young age. Watching a child navigate her magical instincts while trying to be “normal” added warmth and humor to the storyline.
Interestingly, the role of Tabitha was played by twins—Diane and Erin Murphy. Because of child labor laws limiting the amount of time a young actor could spend on set, the twins would alternate in the role. This approach was common in television during that era and helped producers meet filming deadlines without overworking the child actors.
Both girls were born in 1964, making them the perfect age to begin acting when the series introduced Tabitha. As the show progressed and the character’s role expanded, Erin eventually became the sole actress to portray Tabitha from season four onward. Her sweet and expressive portrayal made her a fan favorite.
Though she loved her time on Bewitched, Erin Murphy decided to step away from acting when she turned 13. She wanted to experience a more traditional adolescence, away from the pressures and spotlight of Hollywood. Leaving acting gave her a chance to explore life from a different perspective.
Despite leaving the industry, Erin remained in touch with her former castmates. She had a particularly close relationship with Elizabeth Montgomery, who played her on-screen mother, Samantha. Elizabeth’s death in 1995 deeply affected Erin, who still speaks warmly about their bond. She also held a deep admiration for Agnes Moorehead, the actress who played her magical grandmother Endora, calling her a friend and mentor.
Today, Erin has carved out a successful career as a TV host, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. She has launched several businesses, including Erin Murphy Knits and Slim Chillers, showcasing her creative and business-minded spirit. Outside of work, she leads a busy family life as the proud mother of six sons.
Even with her many roles in life—mother, businesswoman, speaker—Erin continues to embrace her Bewitched legacy. She frequently attends fan conventions and enjoys interacting with those who loved the show. Her willingness to connect with fans has helped keep the memory of Bewitched alive across generations.
As for Diane Murphy, she chose a very different path from her twin. Rather than continue in showbiz, Diane pursued a career in medical writing. She is also actively involved in nonprofit work, focusing on organizations that support women’s health and LGBTQ+ rights. Her contributions behind the scenes reflect a passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
The character of Tabitha remains one of television’s most iconic children. Through the performances of Erin and Diane Murphy, audiences were introduced to a magical little girl whose story went beyond spells and potions—it was about family, love, and growing up different. The role left a lasting impact on pop culture and continues to bring joy to longtime fans.