Best Of

Elizabeth Montgomery’s sudden death shocked us all

Elizabeth Montgomery. Credit / Getty Images

When you hear the name Elizabeth Montgomery, it’s impossible not to hear the little twinkle that accompanied her character’s nose twitch on Bewitched.

The stunning actress became a household name and global phenomenon in the 1960s – but sadly, she died unexpectedly in 1995.

At Newsner, we have written about many beautiful and talented women – but Elizabeth Montgomery stole my youthful heart right off the bat.

Most movie & TV actors and actresses need makeup and hair stylists to make them look good – Elizabeth did not. She was a natural beauty, and I loved watching her in Bewitched.

So what happened to Elizabeth Montgomery after her run as Samantha Stephens in the popular 1960s sitcom?

In 2024, the talented actress would have celebrated her 91st birthday, but let’s take a look back at her career in film and television before her untimely death in 1995.

Elizabeth Montgomery was born in Los Angeles on April 15, 1933 to a Broadway actress and film star, so acting was in her blood since birth.

“Dad tells me I often climbed on his lap after dinner and remarked, ‘I’m going to be an actress when I grow up.’ I don’t know whether he encouraged me or not, but he told me he would humor me and would tell me to wait and see what happened when I grew up,” Elizabeth said in 1954 interview with the Los Angeles Times.

Her father, Robert Montgomery, was a very popular and acclaimed actor.

”I’ll be real honest and say that Daddy did help me get a break in TV and I’m really grateful for his assistance and guidance. He’s my most severe critic, but also a true friend as well as loving father.”

Elizabeth attended school in California before moving to New York City, where she attended the Spence School. After graduating, she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for three years.

When she was still a teenager, she made her television debut on her father’s show, Robert Montgomery Presents. She continued to make several appearances on his show.

By 1953, Elizabeth had made her Broadway debut starring in Late Love. Two years later in 1955 she appeared in her first film, The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, and then two years later she returned to Broadway.

As her career continued to advance, Elizabeth found love, but it never lasted long.

In 1954 she married Frederick Gallatin Cammann, but the couple divorced a year later. She married Gig Young, an award-winning actor, in 1956, and the two stayed married until they divorced in 1963.

While filming Johnny Cool, Elizabeth met William Asher, a director and TV producer. Not only would he prove to be beneficial to her career, but the two also hit it off romantically.

They married in 1963 and had three children together.

Starring in Bewitched

While Elizabeth Montgomery did star in shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Loretta Young Show, The Untouchables, and The Twilight Zone, perhaps her most well-known role was as the nose-twitching witch Samantha Stephens on Bewitched.

The supernatural comedy, which aired for eight seasons from 1964 to 1972, propelled Elizabeth into the spotlight.

Suddenly she became a household name and everyone was trying to replicate Samantha’s famous nose twitch.

”I’d never thought much about a series because I liked the idea of picking a script I liked with a character I thought I could sustain for an hour. In a series, you live with one character day in and day out – and you only hope it will be one that will not drive you crazy,” Elizabeth told AP in 1965.

She earned five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations during her spell on the show.

Following Bewitched‘s run and the end of her marriage with Asher, Elizabeth went on to star in many made-for-television movies, many which were in stark contrast to her previous role on Bewitched.

She starred in Mrs. Sundance (1973), A Case of Rape (1974), The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), Black Widow Murders (1993), The Corpse Had a Familiar Face (1994), and Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan (1995).

It was during the filming of Mrs. Sundance that she met Robert Foxworth. The two remained together until Elizabeth’s death in 1995, though they didn’t get married until 1993.

“Before Jane Seymour, before Lindsay Wagner and before Valerie Bertinelli, Elizabeth was the first Queen of the TV movies; she went from queen of the witches to queen of the TV movie and it was no longer a struggle to break away from Bewitched,” Herbie J Pilato, author of two books on Elizabeth Montgomery, said.

Unfortunately, her career was cut short when on May 18, 1995 after a long battle with colon cancer.

According to the Los Angeles Times, her family reported she was 57 when she died, though many places listed her birth year as 1933, making her 62 at the time of her death.

The actress had battled the disease for years and had believed she was cancer-free, but while filming Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan, she became ill.

By the time she was able to get checked out in March 1995, it was too late. The cancer had spread to her liver.

American actress Elizabeth Montgomery (1933 – 1995), circa 1965. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Elizabeth died in her sleep at her home in Beverly Hills with her husband and three children by her side. One month after her passing, a memorial was held at the Canon Theatre in Beverly Hills. Famous jazz musician Herbie Hancock played music and the author Dominick Dunne, Elizabeth’s lifelong friend, spoke about their early years of friendship when they lived in New York City.

The Bewitched star had her body cremated at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

On playing a variety of characters throughout her career, Elizabeth said in a 1992 interview:

“They all have different kinds of ‘feels’ to them and that’s probably one of the reasons why I’ve done them. I get letters from people saying one of the things they like best about what I’ve done since ‘Bewitched’ is that they never know what I’m going to do next.”

Looking back at photos from her time on the Bewitched, we are instantly transported to a simpler, more innocent era.

Elizabeth’s playful charm and iconic nose twitch remind us of a time when magic was just a flick away. With each smile, Elizabeth brought warmth and joy to countless families, and her legacy continues to shine brightly today, reminding us of television’s golden age.

“Elizabeth was the least arrogant star I’ve ever met,” Herbie J Pilato, author of Twitch Upon a Star and executive producer of the documentary Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitched Life, told Closer in April 2023. “She channeled that down-to-earthiness into Samantha, and we all loved her.”

Such a naturally gorgeous woman! It’s a shame that she was taken from us way too soon.

Share this post on Facebook if Elizabeth Montgomery was one of your favorite actresses.

Best Of

Pope Francis facing early stages of kidney failure

The Pope has been battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection for weeks.

He is also suffering from early-stage kidney failure amid his treatment.

Now, the Vatican announces that Francis’ condition remains critical.

Had part of his lung removed

Pope Francis, 88, is suffering from bilateral pneumonia. According to the Vatican, the Holy Father’s condition is critical. The news of the pope’s worsening health was announced last Friday.

Since then, he has been hospitalized and he’s currently staying at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. On Sunday, the Holy See Press Office shared an update on the pope’s health, saying that while his condition “remains critical,” he has not had any further respiratory crises since Saturday evening.

The past weekend, he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, made worse by the fact that he had part of one of his lungs removed when he was younger.

Receiving oxygen

The Vatican reports that the pope’s low platelet count remains stable. However, some blood tests show early signs of mild kidney issues, which are currently under control.

”He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with benefit, and his hemoglobin levels have risen,” the report said.

Pope Francis is also receiving oxygen but “remains alert and well-oriented.”

Doctors say his condition is complex, and it will take time for treatments to show results. Because of this, his prognosis remains uncertain. Corriere Della Sera reports that the pope is expected to remain in the hospital for at least another week.

Participated in Holy Mass

Despite his health challenges, the pope participated in a Holy Mass this morning in his hospital apartment on the tenth floor, joined by those caring for him.

The statement was released after Pope Francis shared a message on X, thanking the global Catholic community for their prayers.

”I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” Pope Francis posted on X Sunday and added:

”Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, has led the Catholic Church since 2013 as its first Latin American pope. Known for his humility, focus on social justice, and efforts to reform the Church, he remains a significant spiritual leader for millions worldwide.

We are wishing him strength and a smooth recovery!

Best Of

The length of your finger shows which personality you have

It’s not often that science makes a fun discovery, but recent studies have revealed that our ring finger length may reflect parts of our personality.

Researchers suggest that finger length, specifically the ring finger’s length relative to the index finger, might indicate the amount of testosterone one was exposed to before birth, providing insights into personality traits.

For people whose ring finger is longer than their index finger (Hand “A”), studies associate this with charisma, confidence, and a risk-taking spirit.

These individuals often excel at drawing others in with their natural charm, exuding an energy that’s difficult to resist. This hand type tends to be well-suited for adventurous pursuits or high-energy environments where communication and magnetism shine.

In contrast, if your index finger is longer than your ring finger (Hand “B”), you might fall under the “natural leader” type.

People with this hand type are said to possess traits like calmness, assertiveness, and a natural authority that others tend to follow. These people make excellent mentors and leaders, embodying a presence that others trust and look to for direction. This hand type fits well with careers in leadership, education, or self-help roles, where guidance and level-headedness are essential.

For those with ring and index fingers of nearly equal length (Hand “C”), the study suggests they are peacekeepers and effective communicators.

Known for their balanced and harmonious nature, they’re often drawn to careers that prioritize listening and support, such as counseling or social work. With an aversion to conflict and a calm demeanor, they bring a grounded energy to any situation, often helping others feel at ease.

Of course, finger length alone isn’t a definitive personality indicator. Personality is a complex blend of factors, including genetics, upbringing, and life experiences.

However, hand studies like these can be a fun and playful way to reflect on ourselves and perhaps notice traits in others that we hadn’t considered before. After all, even small details—like the length of our fingers—can serve as starting points for introspection!

Exploring these insights with friends and family can be an entertaining way to see how much finger length actually aligns with observed personalities.

Who knows, you may be surprised by the accuracy or discover hidden traits among those around you!

So next time, take a glance at someone’s hands—it might reveal a side of them you never expected. The study of finger length and personality may be lighthearted, but it’s another example of how science continues to explore the intricate tapestry of human nature.

Best Of

Woman dyes her Great Pyreneese dog bright red so he won’t get stolen

Many dog owners worry about their beloved pets getting stolen. Certain rare and expensive dog breeds can be a serious target for dognapping.

But one woman’s strategy for keeping her dog safe from thieves has generated a lot of buzz and controversy online, with some praising the idea and others questioning the owner’s motives.

Chloe is the owner of a 2-year-old Great Pyreneese dog named Dandy, who has a very unique appearance: he has bright red fur, thanks to pet dye applied by his owner:

@danthebigreddog Damn, Dandy. You’re red!❤️ #clifford #cliffordthebigreddog #bigred #dogsofttiktok #dogmom #dandelion #nostalgia #childrensbooks #funnydog #pawsome ♬ Tasty Carrots by Shou – goalsounds

Her decision to dye Dandy red immediately generated mixed responses on TikTok. Many comments read “poor dog,” wondering if the coloring is healthy, while others have been won over by the dog’s unique looks, comparing him to the character Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Chloe has assured followers that she only uses vegan, pet-safe dye (reportedly Opawz products), and in follow-up videos explained her reasonings for the dog’s dramatic makeover.

@danthebigreddog Reply to @cschubach979 this is for you and anyone else asking why? Because we can! That’s why. 🙂 #cliffordthebigreddog #LevisMusicProject #fyp #cute ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer

She said part of the reason was to “keep him from getting stolen,” as the Great Pyreneese pup is a “rare breed in [her] area.”

Chloe also wrote that Dan seems to enjoy his new shade, as he “loves people and kids” and the red dye apparently makes the dog “more approachable.”

She also said she wanted to “educate others on safe pet dye practices,” and in other videos instructs followers how to dye their own dogs.

Dandy’s TikTok videos — which have amassed 10 million likes and over 318,000 followers on TikTok — have continued to generate debate.

Detractors have questioned Chloe’s intentions, pointing out that the dye would be unlikely to detract would-be dognappers and was just to get attention online.

But supporters have pointed out that Dandy seems to be a happy and well-cared for dog, doesn’t understand what color he is, and that the owner has a right to dye her dog for whatever reason as long as it’s safe and humane.

Dandy’s TikTok, despite its popularity, has been inactive since February. On his Instagram, the most recent post is from July — and it shows Dandy back to his natural fur color, with the dye faded:

Chloe wrote that he “needs a touch up,” and said that he would be “red soon,” and it’s unclear what color Dandy is currently.

But a notable number of the comments urged her not to re-dye the dog, preferring Dandy in his “true colors.”

What do you think of this decision to dye Dandy bright red? Is it a fun way to keep the dog safe from kidnappers, or unnecessary and poor treatment?

Please share this story, and be sure to comment with your thoughts.