Entertainment | Nostalgia | TV
Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.
We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.
If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing [emailprotected].
The former child star has tried out a lot of different careers.
By Lia Beck
January 18, 2023
By Lia Beck
January 18, 2023
Child stars get to experience movie and TV-making magic, but in the case of this former kid actor, her first role was magical in more ways than one. Erin Murphy starred on Bewitched as Tabitha, the magical daughter of witch Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) and her mortal husband Darrin Stephens (Dick York, then Dick Sargent). Murphy joined the family sitcom when she was only two years old and remained until the series ended in 1972, when she was eight.
In the time since Bewitched ended, Murphy has done a little more acting but has also tried out many other careers in the entertainment business and beyond. Read on to find out more about the now 58-year-old star.
She started her Bewitched gig with her sister by her side.
Murphy joined Bewitched during its third season and initially shared the role of Tabitha with her twin sister, Diane Murphy. But, after 18 episodes, Murphy began playing the role by herself, because she and Diane were not identical. "My sister and I are fraternal twins, and they were only auditioning twins for the part of Tabitha because twins can work more hours," Murphy told Studio 10 in 2020. "As soon as they hired us, they realized that we really don't look that much alike." Murphy explained that while she loved being in the spotlight, Diane never liked being on set and would often cry.
She turned down roles after the show ended.
The year after Bewitched concluded, Murphy appeared on a 1973 episode of Lassie. Then, in 1979, she was in a movie titled Deadly Fighters. After that, she took time off from acting onscreen before returning in the early 2010s. More recent roles have included the series The Comeback Kids, about former child stars, and an episode of Youthful Daze.
In a 2020 interview with Closer, Murphy explained, "I've been able to continue in the business and say no to a lot of stuff and occasionally do things for fun. I was offered jobs right afterBewitchedand I turned them down. I went to Girl Scout camp instead of doing a part onThe Waltons. So I kind of walked away from the business." She added, "I haven't had an acting agent in years, even though I still do a few acting jobs every year. I do a lot of theater now. I've done a bunch of webseries and pilots, basically as favors to friends."
RELATED:Judy Norton Played Mary Ellen on The Waltons. See Her Now at 63.
She's remained in the industry, however.
Aside from acting, Murphy has stayed in the entertainment business by appearing on reality and game shows. She's been on Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling, RuPaul's Drag U, and in 2021 appeared on the revival of To Tell the Truth. She has worked in other aspects of the industry, too. In 2015, ABC News reported that Murphy had worked as a makeup artist, in production, and as a stunt double for actors Melissa Leo and Virginia Madsen.
On top of that, the former child star co-owns the company Slim Chillers, which makes alcoholic popsicles and, according to ABC News, has sold knitwear that she makes from alpaca wool.
For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
She has a large family.
Murphy has been married three times and has six children. "Parents could kind of impose their choices about everything on their kids, or you can see what the kids are really interested in and encourage them to live their lives," she told Closer. "That's what I do. I have six boys who are as different as six people could be, and they're all amazing."One of Murphy's sons has autism, and she's become an advocate for those living with the disorder.
She loves that she was a child star.
In the interview with Closer, Murphy said that she is "an eternally optimistic person" and she's grateful for all of the positive things that came from her being on Bewitched as a kid.
"I've traveled around the world. I had a house on the beach in Malibu. I've had so many great opportunities and actually know people likeCarol Burnett," she told the magazine. "When she gets up and talks at the Golden Globes that everybody's watching, I'm thinking, 'I knowher!' I've just [had] amazing life experiences that are only because I was a kid actor. You can look at the long, hard hours, or you can look at all the positives. And for me, there are so many more positives than negatives."
As for whether any more Bewitchedis in her future, Murphy told Fox News in 2022 that she would be supportive of a reboot under the right conditions. "If they ever did a great script, and it had all the right people behind it, good casting director, all that, I would be open to the idea," she said. She didn't indicate, however, if she'd be interested in acting in such a show herself.
Lia Beck
Lia Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to Best Life, she has written for Refinery29, Bustle, Hello Giggles, InStyle, and more.Read more
Filed Under
1970s• Celebrities• Entertainment• News
Read This Next
The 50 Most Popular TV Shows of All Time
According to a YouGov poll, these are Americans' favorite TV series.
November 4, 2020
10 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.
March 21, 2017
Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.
November 15, 2016
Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.
October 31, 2016
Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?
October 23, 2016
The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.
February 23, 2017
George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.
February 10, 2017
Celebrate Spring with These 15 Instagram Goddesses
Nothing heats up social media quite like sunshine.
April 6, 2017
Latest News
Wellness
6 Matcha Benefits You Should Know About
Dietitians share the pros of this tasty tea.
Smarter Living
"Tornado Alley" Is Spreading
These regions are now at risk.
Smarter Living
Costco Is Recalling Cheese Slices
They may be contaminated with plastic.
Wellness
Bird Flu Could Start Spreading Between Humans
An expert explains the "very high likelihood."
Wellness
Brooke Shields' Workout to Reduce Belly Fat
She says it's "harder to stay in shape" at 59.
Travel
Best Cruises for Singles Looking for Romance
Find love on the high seas with these voyages.
Read This Next
The 50 Most Popular TV Shows of All Time
According to a YouGov poll, these are Americans' favorite TV series.
November 4, 2020
10 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.
March 21, 2017
Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.
November 15, 2016
Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road.
April 3, 2017
Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.
October 31, 2016
Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?
October 23, 2016
Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016
The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.
February 23, 2017
George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.
February 10, 2017
Celebrate Spring with These 15 Instagram Goddesses
Nothing heats up social media quite like sunshine.
April 6, 2017