This actress rose to fame for her role in “Bewitched,” where her big blue eyes and blonde locks made her an endearing character. Today, social media users are stunned to see she still looks as “stunning as ever” decades later.
“Bewitched” was a popular sitcom that charmed viewers in the 1960s, following the lives of a witch and her mortal husband. Among the show’s most memorable cast was the child star behind the character Tabitha Stephens.
The young star and the cast of “Bewitched” circa 1966. | Source: Getty Images
Years after the show ended, the actress surprised her fans with her appearance at 60, proving that some stars never lose their shine. Take a look at how she looks now and her surprising journey over the years, including leaving Hollywood for motherhood.
The actress on the set of “Bewitched” circa 1968. | Source: Getty Images
A Hollywood Star’s Magical Rise to Fame
The enchanting world of 1960s television introduced countless beloved characters, but one show that stood out for its charm and humor was “Bewitched.” Among the magical antics of witches and mortals, a young star quickly captured viewers’ hearts.
At just three years old, the Hollywood actress was cast as the charming and mischievous Tabitha Stephens, sharing the screen with legends like Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead.
Elizabeth Montgomery and the child actress, circa 1966. | Source: Getty Images
For the early part of the series, she shared the role with her twin sister, but the character solely became hers as the two grew. The Hollywood star appeared in over 100 episodes, remaining with “Bewitched” until it ended in 1972.
By the time the series concluded, she had already become one of Hollywood’s most recognized child actors. Despite her success, she didn’t limit herself to just one show. Beyond “Bewitched,” she also worked on numerous commercials, including a detergent ad with Ronald Reagan.
Competing against other young stars such as Helen Hunt and Jodie Foster at auditions, the child actress frequently outshined them. However, when the actress turned 8, she returned to life as a normal California kid.
Instead of joining the cast of “The Waltons” and “Fantasy Island,” she enjoyed Girl Scouts camp and landed a spot on the cheerleading squad. Over time, she distanced herself from the business, moving to Orange County and only returning to Los Angeles for guaranteed jobs.
“It wasn’t difficult for me. I continued acting and actually turned down jobs. I had a pretty easy transition away from it. I think a lot of it is in some ways I walked away from the business before maybe the business kicked me out,” the actress revealed.
A New Chapter – Motherhood and Family Life
As the magic of her child star days faded, the actress embraced a new role that would be just as life-changing — that of a devoted mother. Her first marriage to Terry Rogers in 1984 marked the beginning of this chapter.
They moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she adapted to a life far from the glitz of Hollywood, taking on various jobs, including working as a stunt double and a karaoke hostess.
During their marriage, they had two sons, Jason and Grant, but after five years, the couple divorced. This change led the actress back to California to raise her boys.
Four years after her first divorce, she married rock musician Eric Eden, and the couple welcomed a son, Clark. However, their relationship would not last, and in 1998, they divorced, prompting the actress to return to her California roots once again.
She later said “I do” for the third time to Darren Dunckel two months after meeting him in 1998. Together, they have welcomed three sons, and the actress found herself caring for a bustling household of six children.
The “Bewitched” star and Darren Dunckel at the TV Land Awards on March 2, 2003, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s a crazy but fun lifestyle,” the actress said of life with her boys. “People always ask me if I’m Mormon. I only have one sister, and I grew up thinking ‘The Brady Bunch’ was the greatest show, so I always did want a big family. But ideally, I always wanted one boy and one girl, so maybe if I’d had a girl in there, I might have stopped at three or sooner, but I wouldn’t change anything,” she added.
Erin Murphy, her husband Darren Dunckel and their dog Zuma at the Pooch Hotel Hollywood Grand Opening on May 3, 2012, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
She has frequently spoken about how much she enjoyed motherhood and prioritized family over any potential return to Hollywood.
Erin Murphy and husband Darren Dunckel attend Oxygen’s “The World According To Paris” premiere party on May 17, 2011, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her hiatus allowed her to be there for her children, ensuring they were raised in a loving and supportive environment, much like the one her mother had created during the actress’s childhood.
The famous actress with her son Parker at the CURE Autism Now 4th Annual Walk Now to help find a cure for autism on April 22, 2006, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
“Scripts are sent to me all the time, and I haven’t seen anything good enough to have me gone for 12 hours a day,” she revealed. However, the “Bewitched” star did stay busy over the years. The actress took on significant charity work and became an advocate for autism awareness, prompted by her son’s diagnosis.
“I was involved with autism charities before Parker was born and then obviously once he was diagnosed, I put that as my focus. I go to board meetings [and] I volunteer. I speak at events. I think it’s important to be there for other parents who have questions,” the “Bewitched” star said.
She added, “I’ve always volunteered. I have a strong belief that you need to give back. I’m really lucky for the life I have and the opportunities I’ve had.”
As for her six children showing signs of following in her famous footsteps, the actress admitted, “So far no. […] I always said that if any of my kids were interested, I would encourage and help them and guide them. But no one ever showed an interest, so I kind of think parents should support whatever their kid’s passion is.”
A Bewitching Beauty at 60
This beloved actress is none other than Erin Murphy, the former child star who brought Tabitha Stephens to life on “Bewitched.” Now 60, Murphy continues to captivate the public.
In September, she celebrated the 60th anniversary of the iconic series on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Want to feel old? ‘Bewitched’ premiered 60 years ago today, September 17, 1964. AND little Tabitha (Me!) is 60 years old!”
In late October, she took to Instagram to share a stunning snap of herself, sparking a flood of admiration as social media users marveled at her beauty.
“Still stunning as ever 🔥🔥🔥,” one person commented. Another typed, “Gorgeous.” A third shared the same sentiment, “Absolutely gorgeous!!”
Today, Murphy is a mother of six and a proud grandmother. Asked if her grandchildren watched “Bewitched,” the actress revealed, “You know what’s funny? Not a lot. I feel weird. I’ve always felt like it’s a little self-centered to sit down and watch yourself.”
Actress Erin Murphy bonding with her grandchildren posted on September 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/erinmurphybewitched
However, she added, “So if it happens to be on, I’ll let them watch. Last summer, I had two of my grandkids stay with me for the summer, so I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll put it on.’ And they loved it, so.”
Murphy recently marked her grandson Liam’s birthday by sharing a photo collage on Instagram, capturing moments from his life.
She expressed her love in the caption, saying his smile “brightens any room” and shared a touching compliment she received: that she’s “the nicest person” Liam knows. She added her excitement for “a lifetime of fun adventures” and closed with, “I love you to the moon and back. ❤️”
In June, Murphy announced that her family would be growing, revealing on social media that another grandchild was on the way. She posted photos from the baby shower, showing family members gathered to celebrate.
She captioned, “What a wonderful day surrounded by family and love. So excited for our newest family member,” adding that family competitiveness was on display as they played games.
By October, the family welcomed the new addition, and Murphy shared a photo of herself feeding her newborn granddaughter, whose face was covered with an emoji.
Alongside the photo, she wrote, “For the last 2 weeks, I’ve been keeping the most wonderful secret! I have a brand new granddaughter! Welcome to the family, Sage. You’re SO loved and we’re going to have so many wonderful adventures. ❤️”
It’s clear Murphy is embracing her role as a grandmother with boundless joy and pride. Ever the devoted mom, she even jokes that “Labor Day” is her “own personal holiday” after raising six children!
Erin Murphy’s journey, from beloved child star to devoted mother and now grandmother, weaves a beautiful tapestry, rich with family, laughter, and love beyond the Hollywood spotlight.
Though she left acting behind, her legacy as little Tabitha Stephens remains timeless, a cherished icon that fans continue to adore. Now at 60, Murphy’s charm shines as brightly as ever, proving that while the roles may change, her star power is truly forever.
