An otherworldly creature—like a witch—falling in love with an ordinary man and trying to live the life of a typical suburban housewife? Now that’s a story I’d tune in for. Well, guess what? That’s exactly the premise of the classic TV series Bewitched, which charmed audiences for eight magical seasons from 1964 to 1972. If you haven’t seen it yet, it might be time to give this vintage gem a watch!
One of the show’s most beloved characters, little Tabitha, was brought to life by twin sisters Diane and Erin Murphy, who took turns playing the role.
Adorable Tabitha was the firstborn daughter of the enchanting witch Samantha—brilliantly portrayed by Elizabeth Montgomery—and her mortal husband, Darrin. With a magical mom like Samantha, it was no surprise that little Tabitha began displaying her own witchy powers at an early age. Her signature nose twitch became an iconic and lovable trait that captured the hearts of viewers everywhere. But with great power comes… parental headaches! Teaching Tabitha when not to use her spells often proved to be quite the challenge for her well-meaning mom and dad.
Today, the twin sisters who shared the iconic role of Tabitha are celebrating their 60th birthday! Born on June 17, 1964, in Encino, California, Diane and Erin Murphy have come a long way since their days on Bewitched. When they were born, their mom, a former teacher, decided to leave her career to focus on raising them. Meanwhile, their dad, Dan Murphy, ran his own business college, Murphy’s College, in Los Angeles.
Diane and Erin Murphy are fraternal twins, and while they don’t look much alike today, they were nearly indistinguishable as children, which made them perfect for sharing the role of Tabitha. When reflecting on how they landed the iconic part, Erin shared a fun tidbit during an interview with Fox in 2017:
“They had previously aired Bewitched in black and white, but with the third season, they were making the big switch to color. They also wanted to put more focus on Tabitha’s character. So, they were looking for someone who resembled Elizabeth Montgomery and wasn’t afraid of the spotlight. I auditioned alongside my twin sister Diane, and we landed the role.”
By the time season four rolled around, Erin took over the role of Tabitha, as the girls had grown and no longer resembled each other as closely. Being a part of Bewitched was a unique experience for both sisters, especially Erin. She fondly remembered her time on set, surrounded by so many famous actors and actresses, many of whom she remained close with long after the show ended.
“I absolutely loved working on Bewitched—it gave me some incredibly unique and wonderful experiences. But eventually, I wanted a more ‘normal’ life, so I decided to step away from the entertainment industry when I was thirteen,” Erin shared.
Erin’s bond with her TV mom, Elizabeth Montgomery, was also special. The two stayed close friends until Elizabeth’s passing in May 1995 from colorectal cancer at the age of 62.
Reflecting on their close relationship, Erin told ABC, “A lot of people who knew Liz well, and who knew me, would tell me how much I’m like her. And I think it’s because we spent so much time together—12 hours a day growing up. I looked to her as a second parent, and she’d give me advice like one. In a lot of ways, I’m more like her than my own mom, which I always find hilarious.”
Erin also fondly remembered spending a lot of time in the dressing room of Agnes Moorehead, who played Endora, Tabitha’s glamorous and mysterious maternal grandmother. Reflecting on their bond, Erin shared, “She was probably my favorite person on the show, looking back.”
“I loved her like a grandparent. My own grandparents lived in other states, so I didn’t get to see them much, and she didn’t have grandchildren. We formed a really special and loving relationship. She’d do sweet things like draw little cartoons for me between scenes and tell me stories. I adored going into her dressing room—it was all purple, and I thought she was the most colorful, most beautiful person.”
Fast forward to today, and Erin has stayed busy and thriving. After Bewitched wrapped up, she took on a few minor TV roles and appeared in commercials. In 2017, she reprised her role as Tabitha in the comedy short TV Therapy.
But Erin is more than just an actress. She’s now a motivational speaker and businesswoman. Her company, Erin Murphy Knits, sells beautiful alpaca knitwear that she crafts herself. Additionally, she’s the founder of Slim Chillers, which creates popular frozen vodka martini ice pops—loved all around the world!
“I never really thought I’d end up in the alcohol business, but I’ve certainly enjoyed a few good martinis in my time,” Erin Murphy, now living in California, quipped in a 2014 interview.
Erin has been married three times and is the proud mother of six sons, ranging in age from 17 to 35. Despite her many accomplishments, she still feels a special connection to her Bewitched fans. Erin is always flattered when people recognize her as Tabitha, and she’s grateful when fans share their appreciation for her portrayal of the young witch.
“I think it’s incredibly kind, and I’m always happy to pose for pictures, chat with fans, and answer questions about Bewitched,” she shared with Fox. “I’m so thankful that people still appreciate what I did. It’s awesome!”
In September, Erin marked the 60th anniversary of the iconic Bewitched series with a nostalgic post on X, saying, “Want to feel old? Bewitched debuted 60 years ago today, September 17, 1964. AND little Tabitha (me!) is 60 years old!”
When asked if her grandchildren watch the show that made her famous, Erin had a humorous take. “You know what’s funny? Not a lot. I feel weird about it. I’ve always thought it’s a bit self-centered to sit down and watch myself.”
Diane, meanwhile, calls Santa Barbara home. According to her LinkedIn page, she’s self-employed, focusing on medical writing and clinical development. Diane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, as well as an M.B.A. in Management from Golden Gate University.
Beyond her professional work, Diane is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the Associate Executive Director of Shelter Services for Women, an organization dedicated to providing shelter and support to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, Diane sits on the Board of Directors for the Greater Santa Barbara Community Association, which awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in the area.
The role of Tabitha is nothing short of iconic. It has left a lasting impression on generations of viewers, becoming a beloved character that continues to resonate with fans who grew up watching the show.