By Jonah Hoffmann
The sitcom Bewitched still holds a special place in many people’s hearts due to its colorful cast of characters, witty dialogue, and subversion of stereotypes during the civil rights movement. The series originally aired from 1964 to 1972 and is remembered fondly as a supernatural comedy that used over-the-top concepts to explore various social issues by way of metaphor. In particular, many in the LGBTQIA+ community resonated with the queer allegories used to demonstrate the difficulty and frustration felt by titular character Samantha Stephens. The character, played by actress Elizabeth Montgomery, frequently encounters roadblocks while living in a world that is not, and may never truly be, ready for a witch like her.
Numerous episodes feature Samantha and her fellow witches struggling to maintain anonymity and suppress their magic in order to stay “in the closet” and avoid the inherent danger of being “out.” These struggles drive a large portion of the show’s overarching narrative while acknowledging the complications of being different and the complexity of repression. When asked explicitly about her thoughts concerning the show’s unspoken connection to closeted homosexuality, Elizabeth Montgomery herself stated an interview with The Advocate in 1992: “Don’t think that didn’t enter our minds at the time…We talked about it on the set that this was about people not being allowed to be what they really are. If you think about it, Bewitched is about repression in general and all the frustration and trouble it can cause” (Advocate).
Some later episodes showcased Samantha fighting for witches’ rights and the need for equality and acceptance. This television portrayal mirrored Montgomery’s real-life activism. She publicly supported members of the LGBTQIA+ community, attended fundraisers and events, and championed HIV and AIDS research. When friend and former co-star Dick Sargent decided to publicly come out in 1991, she voiced her support for him openly after being a quiet confidant since their friendship began decades earlier. The two would reunite once again in 1992 as co-Marshalls of the Los Angeles Pride Parade.
From an array of queer cast members, to the flamboyance of Endora serving as an inspiration to drag queens, the memorable moments that challenged traditional norms has allowed Bewitched to resonate with queer individuals long-past its original airtime.
While visiting Salem, we encourage you to visit the Samantha Stephens statue located on Essex Street and celebrate the legacy and impact of Bewitched and Elizabeth Montgomery.
Sources
N.A. (1992). The Legend of Liz Montgomery. The Advocate, Issues 607-612. Retrieved
from:
https://books.google.com/books?id=9JEgAQAAMAAJ&q=%22about+repression+in+general+and+all+the+frustration+and+trouble+it+can+cause%22
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/remembering-elizabeth-mon_b_7289652
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/03/gay-secrets-behind-classic-tv-sitcom-bewitched/
Comments are closed here.