Bewitched Secrets Behind the Scenes

What was the real reason production stopped on the TV show, Bewitched? Mid production it became known that Dick York had a back injury that would make him exit the show. Is that the full story? Did the cast get along? What did they think of each other? What was it like working on the top TV show of its time?
See rare behind the scenes photos and hear first-hand knowledge of stories told to Barry Pintar, who plays “Meryl” on “Bewitched Continues,” as he shares stories told to him by creator/director Bill Asher, leading cast members, and other industry insiders.
Barry’s Note: “One of my big dreams in life had always been to travel back in time and to be on set of Bewitched. Even as a young boy, I marveled at the creation process of this magical show. Being a part of this special made it feel like I was fulfilling that dream. I feel incredibly blessed to have met the people I’ve met and learn the things I learned. It is my sincere hope that you also feel taken back in time - visiting the set of Bewitched, with me!”

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

We need to give Dick York more dignity. He was injured on a movie set, folks! It is tragic. He was pushing up and down a handcar (on railroad track) and the director yelled "cut", and an extra stood up at the same time as York was pushing, if I'm not mistaken - one way or another, it tore muscles in a few area of his back/side. I live with chronic pain and take nothing for it. Believe me, I'm having a very difficult time with life from it. Poor Dick York.

[@Rocky-ry6uw]

I agree and am sorry you have chronic pain as it's horrible. Some days you need to function to do normal chores and have to take what is needed to get things done. Dick York did say in an interview that Bill Asher and someone else came to the hospital and asked him if he wanted to continue on with the show, they gave him a choice but he knew he couldn't do it.

[@Iluthra]

I felt Dick York had better chemistry with Liz Montgomery. I missed him.

[@heidikersey7280]

I agree I love his facial expressions. They were priceless!!

[@ameliadiaz8040]

As a matter of fact, Dick York played the best Darrin Stephens ever on Bewitched.

[@amahra100]

Yeah, I stopped watching when they brought in Sargent. He just wasn't funny or believable.

[@falcon6415]

Dick york had a very serious back injury which caused him alot of pain thats how he got addicted to pills if your gonna talk about the man than tell all the facts. Dick york was the best darrin and the funniest on the show great actor and a great show the entire cast was great on of television best shows !!

[@jackvannote]

Thanks for pointing that out the account here is a cheap shot borderline hatchet job that Dick York didn't deserve. That's not quite the way it was as I've heard it, and I too have been in the business over 40 years and know behind the scenes aspects also. Lets just put it this way. His friend Ms Moorehead would not be pleased by this account of Mr. York travails thst were not of his own making. Best, Jack A.S VanNote President JAV Communcative Enterprises A Multimedia Firm with interests in Film Television and Video Productions

[@erickanew]

Yeah I'm watching all of the Bewitched shows now. I stopped on season 6. I don't like the ones without York

[@johnny-becker]

The irony is, sort of, 9 out of 10 people like York as the character of Darrin rather than Sergeant.

[@mervyngreene6687]

I clearly liked York the best. Sargeant didn't seem as "everyman" as York.

[@jazzquebec2847]

Yeah, it's true. Me too, I prefered York even he wasn't really pretty. Sergeant had a side of facial expressions -although it was his natural look because he was the same in interviews - but it was annoying to see him mimic for too long on the show.

[@carriepraytor4443]

Im one of them.

[@m.asquino7403]

To me Sargent looked stiff around Samantha. We found out later why

[@grandpa7278]

He was a co-star on a hit show, six years, other guy just lucked out. Sweet Jesus, it's not a drug problem if the man is in pain. Jesus wept ...show was never the same, should've ended.

[@MedicOnTheMove1]

Dick York had suffered a horrible back injury from working on a film years earlier. I imagine he took the painkillers just to be able to walk and obviously they didn't always work. I agree he may have been addicted, but back injuries are seriously awful and that was the reason behind the pills.

[@quotemenot7520]

Dick York while working on the film, 'They came to Cordura' suffered a permanent disabling back injury while propelling a handcar. For the duration of his part in Bewitched, he took painkillers in order to do the scenes and the set was built with slanted walls for him to lean on in between scenes. York battled on despite the debilitating pain and it was not the pills but the excruciating pain he was in that made it difficult for him to film. People hear he was addicted to painkillers but most do not know why. He did everything he could and body permitting to shoot all his scenes, but when it became to much, and Bill asked him "Do you want to quit" ? Dick reluctantly said yes. Huge respect to the man for doing as much as he did with such a bad condition. Thanks for the memories Dick.

[@melissajarnigan2116]

Finally, some truth, thank you!

[@quotemenot7520]

@@melissajarnigan2116 Appreciate that thanks Melissa.

[@angiemalone1856]

If you research why dick york left he got so sick, physically sick he had to leave. IIRC he had seizures.

[@doritahenriques3641]

I wasn't aware of that, bless him. 🙏 Am sure he's up in heaven, pain free now, looking down and enjoying the fact that so many people, all ages, are still loving his and all included ❤️ hard work ❤️ And thank you, whoever you are out there, for giving us that bit of information 😀 xxx

[@quotemenot7520]

@@doritahenriques3641 Yes that back injury effectively ruined his acting career. Towards the end of his stay in Bewitched and being replaced by Dick Sargent, he does a lot of standing still and lying down. He was so good at masking the pain as he was in agony most of the time. Be nice if he has been reunited with all the cast members and having a pain free time. God bless Dick York

[@jrbrook76]

You were quick to hone in on Dick York’s drug taking but left out completely that he suffered chronic back pain from an injury on the set of They Came to Cordura that tore his back muscles. An injury that at the time couldn’t be repaired well and he was in constant discomfort, but when on the set for many hours discomfort turned to agony. You didn’t mention any injury at all just the drugs, which kinda doesn’t support your “I don’t like to gossip” disclaimer. You picked and chose whatever made your stories juiciest, so maybe some are fooled but this is one detail that clearly was left out for dramatic effect. Not very kind.

[@Angie-GoneSoon]

I agree... It wasn't that he was hooked on pain pills.. he was in pain.. I understand about back pain, as I live with it myself.. I understand very well what Dick York went through with constant pain. You hear a lot these days about drug addicts, and drug dependencies, but they fail to understand what led those people to be dependent on pain pills.. This man should have done his homework, and found out what Mr. York went through before he judged him!

[@markkent4295]

@@Angie-GoneSoon So much disinformation about opiates. It is a complex issue, but many simply judge. The media isn't doing their part to educate the public, but with officials and numerous medical professionals in the dark too, this will continue.

[@stevendenton4965]

I just think this guy had something against Dick York and that's probably the reason he went straight to his pill addiction without mentioning his back injury.

[@wolfhound1452]

Steven Denton he also has something against Agnes Moorehead.

[@michaelmckenna6464]

A Michaelis He also described Elizabeth Montgomery as being a little stand-offish. Coworkers described her personality as being very much like her Samantha character.

[@leighgate2]

Why wouldn’t you mention that Dick York became addicted to painkillers because he was prescribed them for an extremely painful back problem. Unfortunately, Dick Sergeant could never fill Dick York’s shoes. The show was never the same after Dick York left.

[@katluann]

I said exactly same thing and my doctor always tells me at that level of chronic pain he doesn’t even weigh in the addiction factor because it’s life long. He just makes sure patient takes as he prescribes! It’s called managing pain which I didn’t hear the speaker mention once!

[@iwantthe80sback59]

Dick York’s back pain was agonizing. He worked through it many times more than not. Addict should never be associated with his name.

[@mandrake...]

Elizabeth Montgomery is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. And her wardrobe in the series was incredible. 💯😍

[@daleunderwood1471]

@eric sosa qqqqqq

[@hernandelavegacantante]

0000000

[@lorimiller4301]

I just read that she never ever spoke to Dick York after he left the Show injured. No matter how we look on the outside it's far more important that we are kind and nice on the inside.

[@KUKUMAIL]

Yes...she was a great beauty at that time...👍👍👍👍👍

[@susieturk1]

@@lorimiller4301 it's because he banned her from doing witchcraft.

[@susantegner3741]

I'm glad to see so many people coming to Dick York's defense. That poor man must have been in excruciating pain, yet he was brilliant. Shame on you for not telling the whole story. Elizabeth Montgomery was stunning. May they both RIP.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

There's no RIP for the wicked, people who encourage the occult and satanism. That's what witchcraft is. If you spend your life serving the devil, you'll burn in hell on Judgment Day. No one will be resting in a lake of fire. 🔥 targer.ca

[@eloiseockert6561]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 Why are you watching this then? Tho6s is not a show of Satanism it is/was a comedy show.

[@eccremocarpusscaber5159]

Floogelhornzzz I’m praying for your enlightenment.

[@alissaapplebey5859]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 so you're saying that enjoying a comedy TV show will put me in hell?? You don't know what my relationship to God is like.. and its my own and God's own business. So stop trolling everyone

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

@@eloiseockert6561: Yeah, that makes sense. It was a comedy show normalizing satanism. Witchcraft/the occult is satanic and Bewitched was promoting witchcraft. In one scene I remember, she actually put a pentagram under a dog's paw. Pentagrams, point up or point down, are symbols of occult religion and every false religion under the sun was invented by Satan in order to deceive and keep people from learning how to be saved. He's trying to drag people to hell with him. Harry Potter movies and books are viewed the same way. All that witchcraft, casting spells, performing blood sacrifices, etc. is all designed to corrupt kids' morals and get them involved in the occult. That's satanism. And why do I watch TV shows? For entertainment. But I have a solid theological grounding and moral compass so that I am not deceived by what I see. I grew up around people at school who would swear, but I never imitated them. I found swearing repugnant. You ever watched Friends or Seinfeld or Oprah? Everyone is sleeping around, having sex outside of marriage, the sin of fornication. On Friends they're constantly taking the Lord's name in vain. Everyone knows Oprah is living in sin with Steadman. Plus, she promotes the occult, spiritualism/witchcraft, sycomantiums (to communicate with demonic spirits who pretend to be souls of the dead), the New Age, and the sins of Sodom (the gay lifestyle) when she knows full well that God kills people for that if they refuse to repent. Jude 7. Then she calls herself a Christian. Yeah, I can detect B.S. a mile away. I'm not deceived by her nonsense. And she's been known to make satanic, Illuminati hand signals. I've listened to plenty satanic rock bands like the Crüe, Kiss, Iron Maiden without getting involved in the occult. The Crüe with their pentagrams and drug abuse. (Read The Dirt.) Kiss with their whoremongering. Maiden with their occultic symbols on Powerslave. Rhiannon by the Mac (Welsh witch) without getting involved in witchcraft like Nicks. King Crimson without worshipping Satan. I've read Lavey without becoming involved in satanism. I've listened to the Doors and Jefferson Airplane without taking LSD. I can see, hear or read things that promote sin without getting involved in the sin. I've watched Buffy, Vampire Diaries and read Salem's Lot without wanting to become a vampire. I've watched Bewitched since I was very young just for entertainment. That doesn't mean I buy into what they're promoting. I know what evil is. And I know not to practice it just like Lot lived in Sodom but knew not to practice or approve of sodomy. Jude 7, Rev. 21:8, 1 Cor. 6:9, 10. CatholicNewWorldOrder.com (read the 2nd part of this online booklet to see an exposé on spiritualism, the occult.)

[@danmasters1568]

What Barry Pintar failed to mention, is that Dick York was NOT a junkie. He made it look like Dick was "partying" with pain pills and was just unreliable and that's just not true. He had suffered a terrible back injury during the filming of a movie in 1959 and was trying to cope with chronic and excruciating back pain.

[@Engelhafen]

Dick York will always be the real Darrin

[@SciFiGirl007]

Team Darren 1

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

Much better than his bland, milquetoast replacement.

[@01dukegirl]

I feel the same way!!

[@okjoe5561]

Dick York seriously injured his back in an accident on a movie called "They Came to Cordura". Not a very good film but you could see York looked horrible near the end. He never recovered.

[@luvvinlovelock7254]

Im so Glad that Dick York was the first one to start because if it would have been Dick Sergeant I don't think the show would have lasted as long as it did.

[@mervyngreene6687]

I thought that the first choice for Darren was Richard Crenna from the "Real McCoys." I also thought that Elizabeth Montgomery was the second choice. I thought that they wanted Tammy Grimes. And she declined because she was pregnant with Amanda Plummer.

[@jazzquebec2847]

It would have been interesting with Richard Crenna for Darrin but Tammy Grimes playing Samantha, charm and beauty would not have been there.@@mervyngreene6687

[@stanloretta92]

@@mervyngreene6687 Richard Crenna was not the first choice. According to William Asher, who cast the pilot, Dick York was always his first choice. Not Dick Sargent, not Richard Crenna, though they were the final three. Tammy Grimes was first for the main character named "Cassandra" at the time, but she turned it down to appear in "High Spirits."

[@mervyngreene6687]

@@stanloretta92 Thanks for the info. I guess that it is not unusual that there are so many different "narratives" about a show this iconic. We are lucky that William Asher was kind enough to set the record clear. Although, I think that there are still some unfortunate stories about why Dick York left. I had always heard that his chronic back pain made it impossible to continue. I really don't like the recent, snide drug addiction innuendos. I love learning more about some of the recurring guest stars. Marion Lorn and Alice Ghostley were wonderful actresses. What do we know about the other "aunts?" Finally, I thought it was cool how the part of Serena was credited to "Pandora Sparks." We all knew that Montgomery played both roles, but it was a sign of the underlying playfulness of the show. This was in contrast to what we saw with Dick Van Dyke ("Mary Poppins"), and even Barbara Eden ("I Dream of Genie").

[@dovbarleib3256]

I never ever sit in judgement of people who need to take pain killers because of pain. People who live their lives without pain should develop some empathy for people in pain because of no fault of their own.

[@joannross8412]

Poor man he hurt his back on a movie set... lifting a car

[@rnntexas]

And they didn’t just give hydrocodone back then either! They gave out drugs that had serious side effects, including Quaaludes!

[@karenkramer3760]

@@joannross8412 I heard he fell off a horse

[@joannross8412]

@@karenkramer3760 oh wow... i thought he lifted a horse... ok thanks for setting it straight

[@marksamuelsen2750]

I’m a 69yo disabled veteran and loved this show. You did a great job telling the story of Bewitched. Thank you

[@Deputy-Seraph]

Thankyou for your service, sir. Peace be with you.

[@bzakie2]

Why did you not mention Dick York’s back problem? Also the fact that he and his wife worked tirelessly for the homeless right up until he died. He was on oxygen and dying but continued to try to raise money and do everything he could to improve the lives of down and out people. I interviewed him and he was a lovely guy.

[@SciFiGirl007]

Thanks. Yes, from interviews I’ve seen he was a humble, genuinely nice human being. He did do work for the homeless and lived solely on a pension from screen actors guild. I believe the pension was about $600/month.

[@danaj50]

Yes thank you very much!

[@chrisreeves1547]

amen.

[@dennishalford5763]

@@danaj50 I find this a very strange video! He purposely did not mention Dick York's back injury. Why would someone do this?!

[@LorenEpperson]

Yes He Was I Will Never Question That The Only Reason Dick Sargent Got The Part Of Darren Stephens When Dick York Was Forced To Leave Was Because 1.Either Personal Friend Of William Asher Elizabeth Montgomery's Husband At Time 2 Just Happened To Be Waiting On Wings Because Agnes Moorehead Who Played Endora Couldn't Get Along with Him Her And Dick York Were Friends

[@soulaesthete8563]

Very interesting behind the scenes on a great TV series. It should have been noted, however, that Dick York's addiction was the result of severe back pain from an injury he suffered years before Bewitched.

[@vividwatch47]

It was during filming of "They Came To Codura".

[@karenbougher1219]

paul lind should have been on that show more .he was hysterical

[@cliftongreene5318]

@Karen Boucher: My favorite was Dr Bombay who also was Col Krittenden on Hogan's Heroes. However, the best 60s sitcom guest star, by far, was Don Rickles. Any appearance by him was the best episode of that particular sitcom. On I Dream of Jeannie he exclaims, "Who the hell are you, some crazy cocktail waitress!"

[@allanprimeau7864]

I heard that Dick York hurt his back and couldn't be helped medically at the time. He got hooked to pain killers. This should have been included.

[@shayward6787]

It was made very clear.

[@mervyngreene6687]

@@shayward6787 I think this guy implies that York had an addiction problem. I think that was unfair.

[@Hummingbird-ns1fp]

@@shayward6787 only in the comments though.

[@susanfeldmiller3844]

You totally left out Dick York's back injury. You made it sound like he was just a drug addict. Not fair at all.

[@MissStacie-XO]

The whole of bewitched is just so comforting. I’m 34 now and I have loved the show since I was little. I love how timeless bewitched is, it’s loved by so many generations. I also like I Dream Of Jeanie. They will never make tv like this ever again. It’s just so magical.

[@williamwilliams293]

She was my first HOLLYWOOD crush. I’m 64 now and still think she was one of the most beautiful ladies I’ve ever seen.

[@rogergomez1]

for me you can add barbera eden and lynda Carter .... hubba hubba

[@rnntexas]

In discussing Dick York’s pain pill addiction, it would have been perhaps a bit more fair to his legacy to address the reason for their need, initially. He sustained a serious back injury on a previous project, just prior to “Bewitched” and surgery was not the option as we know it is today. Additionally, the medications provided were nothing at all like what they provide now. My own dad was given drugs for his back in the 70’s they wouldn’t dare prescribe today. It became an issue of take the medication and deal with the insane effects, or try to deal with, what could be, excruciating pain, making it impossible to work. At least that is how it was with my dad, on his really bad days. He couldn’t walk, couldn’t sit, and couldn’t focus. As kids, we once had to get him onto a sheet and literally drag him across the floor to his room because he couldn’t walk due to pain. I remember that clearly to this day. So perhaps a footnote or editing to include this info would be appropriate, so that it would not seem as if he became addicted after starting taking them for the effects. Just saying....

[@davincibarnette]

I agree. I am very annoyed at his recap in omitting THE REASON that EVERYONE KNOWS at this time.

[@davincibarnette]

He says, he doesn't like gossip, but that's not what I'm getting. Once mis-thing gets started she can't stop. AND he has completely omitted his stint as a kid warlock on the original show & that horrible Bewitched Continued KZbin series he tried to do a while back (Look it up). ALLLLL I'm getting is aging, failed, actor, trying to get some hits on KZbin. NEXT.

[@stanloretta92]

@@davincibarnette He didn't play Merle the boy warlock in the original show. Craig Hundley did.

[@Rocky-ry6uw]

People that never experienced chronic pain every day, debilitating pain should not put Dick York down for taking pain meds. He did what he had to and if he didn't take any pain meds, it could have caused him a heart condition being in agony. I know someone who tried to not take them but in the end you do what you need to.

[@marisafernandez3397]

You failed to.mention the reason Dick York was addicted to pain pills was from a serious back injury he acquired on a movie set prior to being cast in Bewitched. An injury that he really never recovered from.

[@nolagirl2458]

Yes he injured his back on the set of Bonanza

[@jonrmang]

Thank You for sharing the history that you have known. I was fortunate enough to have met Elizabeth Montgomery and told her how much I liked her playing her Samantha character and she was extremely gracious and sweet to me a very classy lady. Oh and I asked for her autograph and she took the time to draw a cat to the left of writing, " Happines Always Elizabeth Montgomery" As much as I had been a fan of hers before meeting her I was a major fan after the encounter.

[@mydozer]

For me, the show ended with Dick York. Thanks for sharing!

[@byronharkey9166]

Dick york was very very good in Bewitched!

[@SciFiGirl007]

Team Darren #1

[@laramccully3272]

I am the biggest Bewitched fan. I watch it over and over, as it comforts me. 1. York was the only Darren worth watching. He had chemistry with Elizabeth. 2. Agnes was a noble professional, who had compassion and high standards. Apparently, a foreign concept to people in Hollywood.

[@melissajarnigan2116]

What I don’t like about his speech and explanation with Dick York, is how he left out a big reason as to WHY he was lead to the addiction with pain pills. He had terrible back pain and had to have help moving around the set near, at some times during the show. They even had to build a prop or a wall for him to lean on at times because he was in so much pain. It wasn’t solely because of his addiction. Put some RESPECT on that mans name! Dick York was a KING!

[@Robert08010]

It does raise the question though... did he have real pain or did he get addicted to pain pills and use the back issues as an excuse to indulge? Its kinka like the chicken or the egg thing. Which really came first? I have an acquaintance who claims to have the same thing as Dick York had, a degenerative something in his back, and my acquaintance is completely dominated by access to his pain meds. He literally moved back to the state he had just moved away from because the new state would not give him the same dosage of pain meds. Could he survive and function on less? He did for 6 months. So YES, he could survive and function on less. But he still moved back to a state he didn't want to be in.

[@rogerrousco2921]

Maybe he didn't know as much as he claimed

[@melissajarnigan2116]

@@Robert08010 dick was rich, he didn’t need an excuse for anything, money takes Care of that. He was a very humble man who yes, he got very addicted to pills and when he got clean at one time, the pain was STILL there. Of course, the pain would still be there when you truly do have medical problems. I know for 100% fact the pain was there, why else would they have to build props for him to lean on while on set? He wouldn’t fake that. So to solve your chicken and egg confusion- dicks pain led him to get on pain pails badly, then the smoking two packs a day is what ultimately killed him in the end.

[@melissajarnigan2116]

@@rogerrousco2921 looks to be that way.

[@Robert08010]

@@melissajarnigan2116 "didn't need an excuse for anything." LOL. How old are you? No disrespect intended but that is a very young persons view of the world. As you get older you will find more than 75% of what you do is based on what you can convince yourself you deserve or need or whatever. It is seldom as simple as "well he can afford it." Ego is nearly always involved in some way.

[@juliec605]

I read Dick York used pain killers for a reason, a very bad back injury.

[@jonelson4737]

Yes, he did have a bad back injury when filming another movie. He did mention that part, but he said he didn't want to say anything negative, but speak the truth.

[@iwillstom]

Seems unfair that Dick York in particular got no residual benefit from the show. It’s a shame no one intervened on his behalf when he was ill.

[@Rocky-ry6uw]

I thought the same. I read that his agent didn't realize Dick still would do smaller parts and commercials but when he didn't get any calls, he couldn't afford to live in Hollywood with no income. There is a good interview with him on a link to Wikipedia if it's still available.

[@NMS1805]

Dick York had hurt his back..and was in a lot of pain during his time on Bewitched... I think once or twice he had siezures on the set too..he had to be on painkillers because there was no other way... I missed him in seasons 6-8 ☹️☹️

[@snappinturtlefly]

Thank you for saying that! There still isn't anything people can do for pain. We have to take what's available and make the best of it.

[@mjcjjcc7]

Dick York didn’t have problems with pain pills until after his back injury. He bowed out because of the injury. It just kept getting more and more debilitating.

[@meloniraburn3280]

Yes! Always heard he was in slot of pain

[@v.a.4041]

Dick York was my favorite,he was great as Darrin 🌹

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur !!

[@Jerry-xs1uz]

THANK YOU 😊

[@janetharperbeam9704]

You didn't tell them why Dick York was on pain pills. He had excruciating back pain. In all fairness to him you should set the record straight.

[@pamlatham2762]

Dick York was the BEST Darin!

[@perrybarton]

Zero mention of the back injury, years prior, that caused Dick York to be ON pain pills in the first place.

[@nolagirl2458]

He hurt his back on the TV show Bonanza. Dick, York, and Elizabeth Montgomery had chemistry something you really didn’t see with Dick Sargent.

[@Traveltheme706]

@@nolagirl2458 Not on Bonanza was on a movie he was filming with a railcar where he was lifting another actor up and threw his back out

[@perrybarton]

@@Traveltheme706 Right.

[@didibolter9362]

"Bewitched was a feel good, happy, innocent show". My brother and I would walk home from elementary school every day to have lunch with mom. Mom would always have our lunch waiting for us and the 3 of us would watch Bewitched and eat our Bologna sandwiches, potato chips and drink root beer pop together, that was so magical, absolutely the best!! I'll never forget! Thank you mom, love you 😍😚😙 and I miss you 😭😢!

[@jcfra420]

Agnes Moorehead was approached way before the shopping thing. She straight up turned the role down, she didn't think it would go anywhere. Then she met Elisabeth by accident (or maybe Elisabeth set it up she was relentless in getting the actors she wanted) at the dept store. She introduced herself, told Agnes how much of a fan she was, and was so sweet, Agnes said she HAD to join the show. The rest as they say, is history.

[@stevendenton4965]

I was waiting for this guy to give the reason Dick York was hooked on pain pills. The man had a serious back injury while doing a western. I read years ago that he would sometimes stand up against a board to relieve his pain while on the set. Why would you leave that part out? Unless of course, you didnt like him which I think is the reason!

[@roslynporter7462]

Yes, I thought that was quite unfair to not explain why! I suffer from chronic insane pain 24x7 and completely understand Dick York 's situation back then Peace and Blessings 💖 👼

[@gingerelvira6587]

Right, I searched the movie listed where he was hurt. I saw the hand propelled train cart in which he was hurt.

[@Navygrl58]

I think it’s unfair of you not to tell the whole story of why Dick York had a problem with narcotics it’s important to mention that he was addicted to pain medication because he suffered from severe back pain which can become intolerable and turning to prescription pain pills can easily cause addiction, and sorry but the second Darrin just never had the charisma that York had, I just couldn’t warm up to him after seeing how great Dick York was in the role of Darrin. God rest his soul.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

God rests the souls of those who promote witchcraft? Hmmm . . . 🤔

[@Navygrl58]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 Can you explain that more in detail? Never heard that before about Dick York.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

@@Navygrl58: Well, he was on a show that was about, and promoted, witchcraft. _Bewitched._ God forbids the practice of witchcraft and the occult. It's from Satan, and in biblical days God would order that witches be taken out and stoned to death. "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." Why would He then "rest the soul" of people who made it a career to promote it? Or, more absurdly, take them to heaven? All the people involved in this show are in big trouble at the end. 🔥 Rev. 21:8.

[@Navygrl58]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 I too as a Christian believe in God and in the justice of God, but I also believe in the mercy of God. You seem to be passing judgement on people you know nothing about except the acting they did in a tv show. How do you know what their personal lives were like outside the set and that these people didn’t repent of whatever sins they had on their souls before they died , just like you and I hope to have time to do because none of us is without sin my friend? You have no right to assume that they’re in hell when you don’t know what their relationship was with God at the end of their lives. Don’t be so quick to play God.

[@suzeaa]

I can't believe it wasn't mentioned that the reason Dick York was on pain pills is because he severely hurt his back (during a movie scene he was in where he and another actor were on a train trolley) and it never healed. Also not mentioned is that Agnes was very religious and kept a Bible on the set. And the Revere on the horse was set in Salem, Massachusetts, when Darren and Samantha vacationed there, so that was in a hotel, not at the house.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

Agnes was a Bible believer?! The Bible _forbids_ witchcraft in no uncertain terms! "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."

[@skeeterradar]

the most bewitching thing of all was Liz's beauty, she was mesmerizing. I remember as a kid loving the show and our family faithfully watched it every week, but we really lost interest once Dick York left, the new Darrin was not at all likeable and even though he and Liz were good friends in real life, the chemistry between them onscreen was flat.

[@vickiebunch3072]

I still watch that show today and still love it! Sometimes I crave those simple times.

[@aatronetti5547]

Agnes wasn’t a Diva. She was a professional.

[@suzannerinato8725]

Absolutely and an outstanding actress.

[@davidarkinian2393]

My understanding was that he horribly hurt his back and had chronic back pain hence the pills! says it right here: While filming the movie They Came to Cordura (1959) with Gary Cooper and Rita Hayworth, he suffered a permanent, disabling . In own words, "Gary Cooper and I were propelling a handcar carrying several 'wounded' men down [the] railroad track. ... not immediately end his career. But eventually.....

[@markkent4295]

I wish that he would have discussed Gladys Kravitz and the two different actors that portrayed her. She was actually a big part of the show, a brilliant comic...she was hilarious! Both actors that portrayed her were, Alice Pearce and Sandra Gould. Alice Pearce was the first Gladys, and was diagnosed with terminal cancer before Bewitched started in 1964, reportedly a fact that she hid from the producers. Toward the end of the show's second season, Pearce passed away from ovarian cancer at age 48...(1917-1966) Sandra Gould was then recast as Gladys. I loved them both. George Tobias played her husband, Abner Kravitz.

[@BB-sr7ou]

The entire time you're speaking about Dick York's addiction issues you fail to mention his debilitating back problems that initiated his painkiller use. The crew had to build the poor guy a "leaning wall", so he could relieve his back pain between takes. The man could barely walk. Surely, out of all the "famous" people you spoke with at least one of them had to have mentioned this to you. Too bad you didn't.

[@lillyvba7635]

Exactly! Thanks for pointing that out

[@chrisreeves1547]

Sir......... you did not share the real reason ( a phrase from your title) why Dick York found himself in the awful position of addiction to pain pills. The (real reason) being he was in an accident while filming a movie that left him with DEBILITATING back pain. Pain changes everything. He was not trying to alter his state of being; he was trying to survive unbearable pain. Where is your truth and compassion? Not in your analysis.

[@crazyhorse5163]

Agnes Moorehead is excellent.

[@2vacuumboy]

I met Liz in her own home in 1980 when I was 12; my moms friend was Lizs long term governest , I also met Lizs daughter Rebecca

[@harperstacey9604]

What did Rebecca do for a living?

[@SWLinPHX]

It was her pregnancy with Rebecca that resulted in Adam on the show.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

@@harperstacey9604: Probably homework. 📚

[@lindakilbride6755]

Let us remember that Agnes Moorehead was a seasoned, wonderful and professional actress. She knew what she was doing, and I take offence to anyone saying differently.

[@rikidik5352]

Yea it sounded like she was picked up at the make-up counter..either way I Freaking Loved Her !!!

[@stacynels4]

I do not believe you have been in the industry as long as you brag about otherwise you would have known the truth that Dick York had a previous back injury why he took pain pills he's not a pill Popper but that's all that was available to him at that time the pain and the prescription eventually sidelined Dick York the most popular of the two Darren's RIP ❤️

[@tan_ya_]

This!

[@sunnyskies4628]

Agnes Moorehead if anyone was going to be a diva....earned the right. She was a wonderful movie star. Her credits are endless!!!! She was the perfect Andorra!! The show burned out wayyyyyyy before last season.

[@gingerelvira6587]

I agree, as most TV sit coms, these shows run Out of ideas within a couple years. like Gilligans island.

[@joesinkovits6591]

Right! The show burned out when Sargent was brought in to replace Dick York, which never worked. Sargent’s Darrin was so unlikeable that I stopped watching the show, despite my respect for Miss Montgomery and 5he others. I have the whole series on DVD, but don’t run the Sargent episodes.

[@avonlady93]

Agreed about Agnes Moorehead. Not really believing this guy's story about how she was chosen for the role. Found standing at the cosmetic counter? As if no one in the production knew that she was "...the recipient of such accolades as a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for four Academy Awards." She was THE best and most respected actor in that entire series. Whoever this narrator is he sure didn't do his homework. As for that script, those show up in auctions all the time so not sure I even believe that story.

[@scouser19a]

@@joesinkovits6591 I totally agree 👍

[@deborahstrickland4624]

Dick York deserves better than the way you described his situation, not quite the way I've always heard/read about him.

[@voiceover-impressionist]

Dick York will always be the only Darren I care to watch.

[@lightninseed]

Dick York had severe chronic back pain. I'm sure he was on very strong pain medication and yes that may be a problem. But his first problem was chronic pain. Let's not forget that.

[@doctordarcy8385]

Yeah, I thought he had a bad back injury that he had to manage :\ Poor man.

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

And the way he got injured is TRAGIC!!

[@rayjohnson4741]

Dick York was a great actor get it straight

[@sixflagsshowspast9616]

The Bewitched house was also the house of Dr. Bellows on I Dream of Jeannie. The episode was season 2 ep: 20. Titled, "One of our bottles is missing". Also,Agnes Moorehead,turned down the roll and she ran into Elizabeth in a department store. Liz told her that she had requested Agnes because she really liked her work. Agnes said that she immediately change her mind because Liz was so nice to her. My favorite episode was when Sarena and uncle Author lost their powers and had to get mortal jobs.

[@priscillasmith9259]

Thank you! I'm going to check this out!💖

[@quicklykay]

One of my favorite scenes was when Endora was menacing Darren (Dick York,) in his office downtown. His office was on a top floor, in a skyscraper, and had very large picture windows. Darren got so mad at Endora that he pointed to the big window & told her to “GET OUT!”

[@FrankIsAlwaysRight]

There is no secret...she is gorgeous

[@sugeeg2439]

Dick York was amazing playing the Darren character. Feel bad he wasn't able to continue to play the rest of the seasons.

[@janetlieb2507]

Yes. Best Darren. Wish he could have been with the,show,all the,way through

[@cavallogianni]

This was truly a magical show I loved it. ❤️

[@brianbork19]

Bewitched was not based on " bell,book&candle. It was based on a movie called " I married a witch".

[@nonaurbiz1111]

It's a shame you didn't preface the Dick York pain pill problem to the western he was in where a bad back injury got him on those things in the first place.

[@roskill3]

I am still watching over and over again because it is still a good and funny show

[@CoCoGardner]

Loved the way Barry Pintar told the story it was natural, no cue cards, no fill in , I learned so much in 33 min. I also grew up watching the show

[@Engelhafen]

That’s irresponsible to go into Mr York’s addiction without stating why he got there. Dick was not a drug user until he was injured on set and tried to cope with the pain. He was taking medications prescribed by doctors not illicit street drugs - big difference.

[@picantesworld7723]

Yeah he was dealing with back pain.

[@OurHumbleLife]

I came here to say the exact same thing! Why would he not mention this?! He made out like he had a drug problem by making bad choices!

[@SciFiGirl007]

Agree 100%. The narrator somehow managed to leave out the part about York breaking his back and being treated for chronic pain back when opioid usage was not well studied. The narrator says he doesn’t want to talk smack...then goes on to talk smack. I won’t watch anymore KZbins by this guy.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Dick York was NOT injured on set. He was injured on a Movie set he had done way before 'Bewitched.' As D.Y aged his pain became worse & worse.

[@chrisreeves1547]

Amen!

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

I didn't want this to end!! VERY well presented and clearly well researched!

[@bpintar]

Thank you SO much for nice compliment. Much appreciated!

[@johnwalker3044]

There can be no doubt, Elizabeth Montgomery was a very classy lady and a very good actress in her own right. When people pass away it is very easy to forget just how talented they really were in real life. Lizzie has certainly left her mark !!

[@rikidik5352]

If that was unscripted you should do more you seemed like a real person telling a real story, I Loved it.... 😊 Thanks

[@beverlywaits7663]

Dick York Had a Sever Back injury did you know that!🤔🙏🏾

[@ellove370]

@Beverly Waits he doesn't seem to mention why Mr. York might have developed his addiction to pain pills. I feel it's misleading of the host not to mention Mr. York suffered from a back injury hence the pain pills.

[@jubalcalif9100]

@@ellove370 I totally agree ! It does the late Mr York no favors by only referring to his "addiction to pain pills" but not explaining WHY he took those pills. My gosh, the poor man was often in truly excruciating pain !

[@linda8485]

In all fairness, Elizabeth begged Bill Asher to take a break, take some time for her and he says that it's his biggest regret that he continued to work instead. Also Dick York took pain pills because he had seriously injured his back prior to going to work on Bewitched. Always two sides to every story unfortunately you only heard Bill's side.

[@LadyNightwish]

I think he didnt mentioned because it would be worst for Dick York's images since, some said he hide the max as he could his back pains and the cast only discovered later around the 2 nd season, so it would make him look dishonest for intentionally hiding his injuries, as well he must not know with detail if that was truth or not, if the directors and producers knew his healthy condition since the beginning, if they dont, so better not mention if you dont have sure about it

[@Veon_Ray]

@@LadyNightwish Not at all. The cast and crew all knew, they even made things to prop him up and support his back. He did interviews speaking on his back injury, which happened while filming another project, so we the fans all knew as well. So there was never anything dishonest about Dick York and his severe back injury...this asshole in this video is the dishonest one.

[@eloiseockert6561]

@@LadyNightwish The same yhing with the original Gladys Kravits Alice Pear e. She aced the sudition but knew sje had cancer and never said snything. It ess just coming into work with extreme weight loss that she had to let them know.

[@Jenjen-qc5eq]

Didn't mention Dick York's back injury to hide the fact that he was treated cruely.

[@mardrettekemp7182]

So interesting. Loved Bewitched! Dick York and Agnes Morehead had the best chemistry.

[@DonWinslow-cn7zx]

Yes, I read that Agnes Moorehead was very upset when Dick York was replaced.

[@decmagnet2072]

I disagree that Dick York was addicted to drugs. He had injured himself in a previous show. He ended up with chronic back problems so yes he was on meds but he didn’t abuse them like this guy makes him out to be. The first Darrin. Is the best Darrin in my opinion.

[@ArcadiaOccult]

He was doing a western movie and he fell off I believe it was a wagon and injured his back badly. It's not like he was in the dressing room shooting up heroin for gods sake, he was in chronic pain.

[@slab6046]

I always thought he left due to cancer?

[@slab6046]

He died from emphysema

[@grchis]

Yes, Dick York did become addicted due to his injury; this has been discussed by other actors and in bewitched book, shame on this narrative

[@eloiseockert6561]

Dick York was in extreme pain. He did utilize pills for his pain but he was a 3 pack a day cigarette smoker which did not help him but this is life. Everything was so sad in the end but he did what he could to stays Independent ss possible...

[@katrinascreationscrafting]

I'm a little confused. You're saying that Agnes Moorehead hadn't considered television until Bewitched? She guest starred on several televisions shows prior to Bewitched, including The Twilight Zone, Alcoa Theater and Rawhide. Before that, she was in quite a few movies, theater and radio.

[@wvgirl5000]

I'm a little late to the show but what he said was, "there were several rumors and this was one of them" referring to EM finding her in a department store and offering her the part. I have seen Agnes Moorehead in a lot of movies and shows and she was around way before Bewitched was ever thought of.

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

She didn’t want to do a SERIES. She had no problem doing guest appearances on various shows.

[@StephanieMT]

Make it look like Elizabeth just gave up on her relationship and ran away with another man. When her husband was constantly having affairs.

[@judymcfarland9834]

I love Bewitched so very much, I even watched the reruns now!!🥰❤❤

[@chrisjeffries2322]

Thanks for taking us behind the scenes, I have always enjoyed Bewitched.

[@jethrobodineus]

OMG! This was the best unscripted, behind the scenes, explanations of what actually occurred on and off the set of the Bewitched storylines then I can ever recall! Pintar gives what seems like actual and believable accounts of the actors, sets, characters and scenes!

[@bpintar]

Hey thank you for that kind comment. I really appreciate it

[@Veon_Ray]

"gives what seems like actual and believable accounts..." Yet realistically, far from it!

[@Karin-]

I have the first 5 series on DVD. The reason I didn't get the remainder is because I didn't like Dick Sargent. The man was dreadful and couldn't act. Dick York, for me, is and always will be the only Darrin. It seems Agnes Moorhead wasn't keen on Sargent either. Just so sad that Dick York had that horrible back injury and how things turned out for him. The poor man deserved better. With interviews I have watched over the years, I would suggest that Bill Asher, a bit of the time, was talking out of his rear end

[@LorenEpperson]

Agnes Moorehead Was Sad To See Dick York Go She Get Along With Dick York They Became. Friends But She Couldn't Get Along With Dick Sargent

[@cbsundance]

Agreed!

[@mollypitcher9380]

@@LorenEppersonas prickly as Agnes was, maybe she was the type who always rooted for the underdog.

[@MrGlenn7710]

Excellent! I like the way he told this story..it didnt seem scripted, just straight from the heart and the love and admiration for the show.💯

[@mylowsparkofhigh-heeledboy779]

I grew up watching Bewitched and remember waiting in anticipation for the show to air. My childhood and adolescence were turbulent, to say the least, and Bewitched was always there to make my worst day better. This show was my favorite and gave me such comfort and enjoyment that I am eternally grateful to Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, Agnes Morehead, ,Marion Lorne MacDougal, Paul Lynde, Maurice Herbert Evans, David White, Erin Margaret Murphy, and all of the other cast. Samantha was a wonderful role model. She was always wise, level headed, kind, hopeful, understanding, intelligent, intuitive, gorgeous and compassionate. I still watch the reruns and enjoy the episodes as much as I did back then, only now with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude.

[@reggiebenson9172]

Elizabeth Montgomery was one of the gorgeous classy women of the day, right up there with Eva Gabor and Agent 99 (Get Smart). Not like the trash we have today ‘twerking’ their crotches all over the stage.

[@lindakilbride6755]

Dear D.Lite., I am glad you are now grown up and out of the turbulence. I also enjoyed Bewitched for the same reason you did, but I missed a lot of episodes due to my stays in hospital. I'm thrilled the entire 8 seasons are being aired again. I was actually embarrassed about it until I read your comment. THANK you!

[@chachavenus8343]

This guy for such a "fan" should've given the back story on Dick York's back injury and his chronic pain which led to his need for pain pills. Maybe he should've had some empathy like Agnes Morehead did.

[@Robert08010]

He certainly was a better Darren than Dick Sargent.

[@shac9131]

@@Robert08010 I don't enjoy watching Dick S in episodes. He clashes with comedy. Whereas York was perfect for the show

[@Robert08010]

@@shac9131 I think the biggest mistake they made was allowing second Darren to be more aggressive with Endora and the rest of Sam's family. First-Darren's fears made his reactions funny. Second Darren just got annoyed or angry and that killed most of the comedy.

[@shac9131]

@@Robert08010 Probably because he isn't funny and doesn't belong in comedy. I bet the show would have failed if was the only Darren

[@dennishalford5763]

@@shac9131 It very well could have! The chemistry between her and Sergeant just was not there as it was between her and Dick York! You could tell from day one they were madly in love ♥ and this helped the show tremendously!

[@cjgia4898]

Wasn't Dick York injured seriously on a movie set!? He had a reason to take pain meds. Back injuries can be devastating and debilitating and often are. Shame on you for calling his real dependance on pain medication (which is different) Addiction. There is still an epidemic hiding under the pandemic. Please take time to understand it.

[@mettethomsen2965]

Yeah. He had chronic pain problem and he had to take pills, so of course he would be dependent on them!

[@dadada70pp]

Exactly that was I thinking too🤔

[@kathygoodman6159]

He was seriously injured in a car accident if I remember correctly. The poor guy was in so much pain that he had a leaning board that he used between scenes. This guy is such a fake if he didn't know that. It definitely wasn't just an addiction to pills like this guy says. I don't know who he is, but he is a hack.

[@Rick-mx5kh]

He was injured on the set of "They Came to Cordura" while filming a scene with Gary Cooper on a railroad handcar. This schmuck makes it sound like Dick York was just a junkie.

[@mettethomsen2965]

@@Rick-mx5kh Exactly! Had me so angry when I heard how he spoke of him!

[@tammihunter5913]

"Bewitched" was my all time favorite show as a kid and I still love it. They don't make shows like that anymore. "I Dream of Jeannie" was right up there too. Great writing and acting. Clean. Funny stuff.

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

This has the warmest memories because it was on during my childhood 9 years old. Plus the fact that my loving parents are dead makes me yurn for these days even more. I was the same age as Billy Mumy at the time.

[@Escort201]

I love the show Bewitched as a kid. The special effects for that time were great. This guy though should have either written a script or not done this at all. He was so busy telling them about what he knew and saying to prove that I know what I'm talking about. In some cases he didn't. Dick York had a back injury and became addicted to pain pills. It took him many years to beat his addiction. But when he did he did try to go back to acting however by then he had emphysema. Which is what he died from. And Elizabeth Montgomery did have an affair which ended the series. If you read the Wikipedia version it did not seem like she was a real faithful person. However no one knows what went on behind closed doors. Including this guy apparently.

[@davidcrowther5455]

You never touched on Mrs. Kravitz (Alice Pearce). She actually knew she had cancer before starting the role. Two actresses received posthumous Emmys from the show- Pearce and Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara). Elizabeth Montgomery's second husband was actor Gig Young. Erin Murphy (Tabitha) says everyone in the cast smoked and drank (a lot) except her. Two trivia notes: David White (Tate) lost a son in the Lockerbie plane bombing. George Tobias (Abner) died in 1980 and the hearse holding his body was carjacked before his burial (they got his body back) ABNER!!!!

[@brianw9129]

ABNER! Oh, my, I didn't see that coming, and I laughed and laughed and laughed.

[@curtischildress9580]

You're right about both those talented actresses winning Emmy awards after they died. I'd heard that actress Rita Shaw auditioned for Aunt Clara but then went on to play the housekeeper in The Ghost & Mrs. Muir.

[@tamimartens1569]

This is cool, I like the non scripted description of your memories.

[@morgancalvi6675]

I don't really think the ratings dropped because of more caustic shows coming in. It was Dick Sargent. He was too different and...the chemistry Dick York and Samantha had...just wasn't there.

[@24gmj2010]

I'm sorry sir, but you are gossiping about Dick York because you didn't mention the cause for his use of the pain pills. He severely injured is back on another project that led to his use of the pain pills and reduced his work schedule.

[@crystalheart9]

I thought due to his back injury he had terrible back pain and had to use pain pills to be able to work. I think he had a lot of pain and became addicted to the pills he had to take. I feel they are being unfair to him. He was the best Darin and I wish he could have continued on the show. It was a shock and disappointment when he was replaced. Dick Sargent was a good actor but he just didn't have he energy and funny facial expressions Dick York had.

[@dennishalford5763]

@@crystalheart9 Dick Sergeant wasn't even close to being as wonderful in the role as Dick York was! He had no charisma on camera, and there was no chemistry between him and Elizabeth Montgomery, as there was between her and Dick York.

[@crystalheart9]

@@dennishalford5763 I completely agree I just didn't want to be too critical. I thought Dick Sergeant was so bland in the part I can't watch any episodes with him in it. They didn't even seem like husband and wife like you said.

[@dennishalford5763]

@@crystalheart9 I cannot believe that Bill Asher had originally wanted to cast him as Darrin. Thank Goodness Dick Sergeant was not able to accept at the time. It would not have been nearly as good a show with him as it was with Dick York. And what a shame that Alice Pearce, the original Gladys Kravitz, passed away. That was the funniest woman I have ever seen! She could recite The Pledge of Allegiance and have you in stitches laughing! Elizabeth Montgomery herself said she preferred Alice Pearce's interpretation of Gladys over Sandra Gould's.

[@crystalheart9]

@@dennishalford5763 I had read that too that Dick Sergeant was the first choice but he was busy on another show. Dick York was so perfect and wish he had been well enough to complete the show. Gladys Kravitz with that very funny Alice Pearce had me in stitches. She was fantastic wasn't she. Her replacement wasn't as good I have to agree.

[@RJS1974]

Dick York was a true gifted comedic actor. He was funny. Whereas Dick Sergeant was more a straight man (no pun intended) and was pretty formulaic in his acting technique. One can imagine Dick York doing improv but not Dick Sergeant.

[@howtubeable]

Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery had on-screen chemistry, regardless of how they felt about each other in real life. Yes, they made a great couple.

[@sharonholt4687]

I agree. I would often find myself laughing hard at things Dick York did but I thought Dick Sergant was very boring as Darren. 👎

[@SWLinPHX]

@@howtubeable yet Montgomery and Sargent were actually friends off set.

[@Stevebaby123]

This is really lacking. You only have part of Dick York’s story. Any basic fan knows more than this guy.

[@kristencarlbon4561]

Dick York just wasn’t popping pills for the fun of it he ripped every single muscle in his back doing a scene on another show he was agony.

[@luditebreaker5065]

I am happy to know that agnes Moore was exactly like endora , I expect nothing less from her.

[@lilyr.8520]

Loved! The first Darrin, Dick York

[@VomBethel]

I grew up watching this series. This video provided so much information as to how things started with the series, and how it progressed to the end. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights!

[@victoriasmith815]

Why not mention that mr York had a back injury?

[@carolynfoster1541]

From what I've heard, he was barely able to walk d/t serious pain.