For millions, the name Tabitha Stephens instantly conjures images of a charming little witch, capable of powerful magic with a mere twitch of her nose. That adorable toddler who enchanted audiences on the classic 1960s sitcom, *Bewitched*, was brought to life by Erin Murphy, a child star whose early career defined an era. Now, as she celebrates her 61st birthday, fans often wonder about the woman behind the magic, curious to discover what life has been like for the iconic little girl who once shared the screen with witches and mortals alike.
Erin Murphy’s journey extends far beyond the enchanting world of Darrin and Samantha. Her life, much like a well-spun spell, has unfolded with unexpected twists and turns, showcasing a remarkable ability to reinvent herself while staying connected to her roots. From a busy career in show business that encompassed acting, hosting, and even wrestling, to her personal life as a mother and advocate, Murphy has embraced every chapter with enthusiasm and grace.
We embark on a fascinating exploration into the diverse facets of Erin Murphy’s life, tracing her path from her unforgettable role on *Bewitched* to her current endeavors as a successful entrepreneur, dedicated advocate, and beloved public figure. Prepare to be enchanted once more as we uncover the incredible story of what Little Tabitha Stephens looks like now.
1. The Enchanted Childhood: Becoming Tabitha Stephens
Erin Margaret Murphy was born on June 17, 1964, in Encino, California, and was merely two years old when she stepped onto the set of *Bewitched*. From the moment she joined the cast in the show’s third season in 1966, she quickly became a fan favorite. Initially, she shared the iconic role of Tabitha Stephens, the magical daughter of Samantha and Darrin, with her fraternal twin sister, Diane, appearing together in 18 episodes during the first season.
As the twins grew older, their appearances began to diverge, leading producers to make a pivotal decision for the sake of continuity. Ultimately, Erin took over the role exclusively, remaining as Tabitha for the rest of the series. She appeared in a remarkable 103 episodes until the show’s final original episode in 1972, solidifying her place as one of television’s most recognizable child stars.
For a young child, the *Bewitched* set was an extraordinary and exciting environment in which to grow up. Murphy fondly recalled that the atmosphere was consistently fun, often featuring animals like elephants and monkeys present on set. Such unique experiences made her childhood anything but ordinary, creating a backdrop of magic both on and off screen.
Despite her tender age during filming, Erin Murphy remembers the production process with striking clarity. Specific moments, such as what was served for lunch or various behind-the-scenes conversations, remain fresh in her mind, offering a glimpse into her vivid childhood memories. These recollections highlight the profound impact the show had on her early development and perceptions.
Looking back on her formative years, Erin Murphy considers herself incredibly fortunate to have been an integral part of a show that continues to be cherished by audiences decades later. Her gratitude for her early years in Hollywood is evident, as she often explains that it is the only childhood she truly remembers, one she still believes she lucked into.
2. Life After Magic: The Post-Bewitched Transition
After eight successful seasons, *Bewitched* came to an abrupt and unexpected conclusion in 1972. The cast, including young Erin, had been informed that the show was renewed for two more seasons and believed they would return after a brief hiatus. However, during that break, they received a letter informing them that the beloved series would not continue.
This sudden cancellation came as a surprise to many, especially for Erin Murphy, who was only eight years old at the time. Behind the scenes, the show’s leading lady, Elizabeth Montgomery, was reportedly eager to transition into new roles, seeking different creative challenges beyond her iconic character. Her marriage to *Bewitched* director William Asher was also concluding, a factor that may have influenced her decision to move on from the series.
Without its star actress, the series could not realistically continue. For the young actress, the show’s ending meant an immediate shift in her daily routine and a newfound freedom. While she deeply loved working on set and cherished her experiences, she also expressed excitement about finally being able to participate in activities she had previously missed out on due to her demanding filming schedule.
Erin later recalled how, instead of immediately pursuing more acting roles, she embraced a more typical childhood by attending Girl Scout camp, among other activities. Unlike some child stars who struggle with the transition away from the entertainment industry, Murphy found her adjustment smooth and positive. Though she was offered other roles, she chose to turn them down, preferring to step back from the spotlight and enjoy a conventional upbringing.
3. From Cheerleader to Model: Teenage Years and Early Ventures
Following her departure from the demanding world of child acting, Erin Murphy embraced a more conventional upbringing, dedicating herself to school and experiencing the joys of a typical teenage life. During her high school years, she excelled, becoming a cheerleader and proudly being crowned homecoming queen. Her time at El Toro High School culminated in her graduation in 1981, marking a significant milestone away from the glare of television cameras.
After graduating, Murphy began to explore various avenues, showcasing an early willingness to diversify her career. She made occasional guest appearances on television shows, including an episode of *Lassie* in 1973. Beyond acting, her engaging personality and photogenic qualities led her to appear in over 100 commercials, becoming a recognizable face in advertising campaigns nationwide.
Her versatility extended into the world of fashion as well. Murphy successfully modeled for Hang Ten swimwear, demonstrating her ability to transition seamlessly from acting roles to the demanding field of modeling. These early post-*Bewitched* ventures laid the groundwork for a career that would consistently defy easy categorization.
These diverse experiences in her teenage years and early twenties proved that Erin Murphy was not content to be defined solely by her past as a child star. She actively sought out new challenges and opportunities, demonstrating a proactive approach to building a fulfilling life and career outside the shadow of her famous television role, always eager to try something new.
4. Behind the Scenes & Beyond the Screen: Unexpected Professional Hats
As an adult, Erin Murphy continued to explore an impressive array of professional paths, often venturing behind the scenes and taking on roles that highlighted her multifaceted talents. She worked as a casting director, utilizing her extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry to help shape new productions. This role allowed her to contribute to the creative process from a fresh perspective, away from the spotlight.
Her creative skills also extended into the fields of beauty and fashion. Murphy honed her expertise as a makeup artist and later as a fashion stylist, demonstrating an eye for aesthetics and a passion for helping others look and feel their best. These roles showcased her practical artistic talents and her ability to adapt to different professional environments within the broader entertainment and lifestyle sectors.
Beyond her technical and creative roles, Erin Murphy also dedicated her time to teaching and mentoring. She worked as an acting teacher, sharing her invaluable experiences and insights with aspiring performers, drawing from her own childhood spent on a professional set. This commitment to nurturing new talent speaks volumes about her enduring connection to the craft.
Perhaps one of her most surprising professional hats was that of a stunt double for acclaimed actress Virginia Madsen. This physically demanding role required courage and precision, further illustrating Murphy’s readiness to embrace unexpected challenges and her determination to experience diverse facets of the entertainment industry. This impressive versatility truly set her apart.
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5. Crafting a Business Empire: From Alpaca Wear to Spiked Pops
Erin Murphy’s entrepreneurial spirit truly began to shine as she ventured into the world of business, launching and co-owning companies that reflected her unique interests and an eye for market trends. One of her notable ventures was Erin Murphy Knits, a company dedicated to offering hand-knit, eco-friendly alpaca wear. This brand highlighted her passion for sustainable fashion and unique materials.
Her commitment to this venture was evident, and in January 2012, *OK!* magazine featured Murphy in a photo spread, showcasing her with two of her alpacas on her picturesque ranch in Bell Canyon, California. The article provided a charming glimpse into her life away from the hustle of Hollywood, blending her love for animals with her entrepreneurial endeavors in a truly personal way.
Later, Murphy further expanded her business portfolio by becoming the co-owner of Slim Chillers, a company that has gained recognition for its innovative products. Since 2014, Slim Chillers has specialized in creating low-calorie frozen vodka martini pops, tapping into the adult beverage market with a fun and refreshing concept. This venture demonstrates her ability to identify and capitalize on contemporary lifestyle trends.
Her involvement with Slim Chillers highlights her continued acumen for business and her willingness to evolve with consumer demands. From cozy alpaca knits to trendy spiked ice pops, Murphy’s entrepreneurial journey underscores her dynamic personality and her capacity to succeed in diverse and competitive industries. She genuinely enjoys the process of building and promoting brands.
6. A Fixture on Reality TV: Diverse On-Screen Adventures
Erin Murphy has maintained a consistent presence in front of the camera, not just through acting, but by embracing the vibrant world of reality television and various hosting roles. She has served as a television host and correspondent for several prominent networks and platforms, including TVLand, Fox Reality Channel, TVGasm.com, and E!. Her accessible and engaging style made her a natural fit for these roles, offering viewers insightful and entertaining content.
Her experience also extended to more specialized on-air roles, such as serving as the moderator for Allergan Medical. Additionally, Murphy became a familiar face as an infomercial host, promoting products like the Ab Shark for Thane, the Bun Shaper for Emson, and the SomaTrac Inversion Table. These appearances demonstrated her ability to connect with audiences and effectively communicate product benefits, showcasing her enduring appeal.
Murphy’s adventurous spirit led her to participate in a surprising array of reality competition shows and game show appearances. In December 2006, she appeared as one of the 12 “strangers” on the NBC game show *Identity*. The following year, she was featured on CNN Headline News as a “Celebrity With a Cause,” where she discussed her important work with autism-related charities, merging her public profile with her advocacy efforts.
Her foray into competitive reality television also included being a celebrity judge on *Danny Bonaduce’s I Know My Kid’s a Star* reality show contest for young actors in 2008. The same year, she appeared with Bob Saget on *1 vs. 100*. Showing an extraordinary range, Murphy also starred on CMT’s *Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling* series, where celebrities trained as professional wrestlers, adopting the formidable ring name Mistress of Mayhem (aka M.O.M.). Later, she was a contestant in the celebrity finale of season one of *RuPaul’s Drag U*, further demonstrating her willingness to embrace new and exciting challenges on screen.
7. A Passionate Voice for Autism Awareness
Beyond the glitz of Hollywood and the demands of entrepreneurship, Erin Murphy has channeled her energy into a cause close to her heart: autism awareness. Her profound dedication to this vital issue stems from a deeply personal place, as one of her six sons, Parker, lives with the disorder. This personal connection transformed her already generous spirit into a powerful force for advocacy, giving a public voice to countless families facing similar journeys.
Even before Parker’s diagnosis, Murphy had a long history of working with children’s charities, demonstrating a compassionate commitment to young lives. After her son’s diagnosis, her focus sharpened, guiding her efforts toward specific initiatives. She plunged herself into the world of autism advocacy, regularly attending board meetings, volunteering her time, and passionately speaking at events to empower and guide other parents navigating the complexities of autism.
Her platform as a former child star provides a unique reach, which she leverages to spread awareness. She frequently posts about Parker and the critical importance of supporting children with autism, fostering community and understanding. One particularly heartwarming aspect of their family life is surfing with Parker, a cornerstone of his routine. Murphy often shares photos of their “Sunday surf days,” crediting the sport with significantly changing his life. Through this blend of personal experience and public advocacy, she tirelessly supports families.
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8.From Screen Siren to Sought-After Scribe and Speaker
While many know Erin Murphy from her iconic childhood role, her adult career has proven her to be a multi-talented individual, extending her influence into writing and motivational speaking. She has carved out a niche as a compelling writer, contributing to numerous magazines and online publications, often focusing on fashion, beauty, and luxury lifestyle.
This transition into writing showcases a different facet of her creative abilities, allowing her to articulate her perspectives and engage with audiences intellectually. Her words, accessible and engaging, make complex topics relatable. It is a natural evolution for someone who has spent a lifetime in the public eye, now sharing insights from a unique vantage point.
Beyond her written contributions, Murphy has also made a significant impact as a motivational speaker and fundraiser for charitable organizations. She is a sought-after voice for events, sharing her life story, lessons, and passionate advocacy for autism awareness. Her ability to connect with audiences, blending personal anecdotes with inspiring messages, makes her a powerful speaker. Her appearance on CNN Headline News as a “Celebrity With a Cause” further underscored her commitment to using her voice for good.
9. Motherhood, Multitasking, and a Modern Family
For Erin Murphy, the role of “mom” has arguably been her most cherished. She is the proud mother of six sons, a bustling household that speaks volumes about her vibrant and dedicated personal life. Murphy has been married three times: to Terry Rogers (two children), Eric Eden (one child), and since May 1998, to Darren Dunckel (three children). Each chapter of her life has focused on nurturing her family.
Despite her own early immersion in entertainment, none of her children have followed in her footsteps as child actors. Murphy has always been a staunch supporter of their individual passions, firmly believing that children should be encouraged to pursue what truly makes them happiest. This philosophy underscores a parenting style rooted in encouragement and freedom, rather than pushing them into the spotlight.
Her life as a mother has undoubtedly informed her profound commitment to autism advocacy, given her son Parker’s diagnosis. Balancing a large family with her various professional and philanthropic endeavors showcases incredible multitasking and resilience. Her home life, whether on her ranch or in her Malibu home, remains the grounding force amidst her public activities. Erin Murphy exemplifies how a life filled with varied experiences can still center on the profound joys of family.
10. Embracing the Role of Grandmother
Just as she embraced motherhood, Erin Murphy entered a delightful new chapter at 46: grandmotherhood. In January 2025, she lovingly celebrated her granddaughter Sayler’s 14th birthday, sharing a heartfelt social media post that captivated followers. “14 years ago today my life changed forever when I became a grandma! ❤️” she wrote, reflecting on a lifetime of cherished moments.
Her post painted a vivid picture of the joy Sayler brought, filled with memories of “tea parties, dance parties, fashion shows, and unforgettable adventures.” Many fans, accustomed to thinking of her as the adorable little Tabitha, were genuinely surprised and even shocked to learn she was already a grandmother. Comments flooded in, from incredulous exclamations to heartfelt compliments.
Despite her grandkids not regularly watching *Bewitched*, Murphy once put the show on for them during a visit, admitting her slight hesitation about watching herself. “I’ve always felt like it’s a little self-centered to sit down and watch yourself,” she confessed in 2024. Yet, when her grandchildren finally saw it, they loved it, proving the magic of Tabitha Stephens transcends generations.
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11. Cherished Memories of the Bewitched Family
More than five decades after *Bewitched* ended its enchanting run, Erin Murphy still holds dear the memories of the cast and crew who became her second family. She spent formative years on set with stars like Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, and Dick Sargent, forging bonds that time has not diminished, pivotal in shaping her childhood.
Murphy often speaks warmly about Elizabeth Montgomery, who played her on-screen mother, Samantha Stephens, describing her as being “like a mom to me.” They shared a close off-screen relationship, bonding over interests like animals and horse racing. Montgomery’s maternal care extended to Murphy, even playfully using her full name, “Erin Margaret!”, when she was mischievous. They stayed in touch, and Murphy fondly recalled, “She was just a cool lady.”
Her relationship with the two actors who portrayed her father, Darrin Stephens, was equally impactful. Dick York, suffering from chronic pain, confided that spending time with young Murphy helped distract him. After York’s departure, Dick Sargent developed a similarly warm bond with Murphy, maintaining contact and even discussing a *Bewitched* reboot. Murphy recalls both as “great guys,” but declared “Dick York is a better Darrin” due to his paternal nature.
Tragically, between 1992 and 1995, all three of her beloved on-screen parents passed away: York, Sargent, and Montgomery. This rapid succession of losses, coupled with her own father’s passing, created what Murphy described as “kind of a surreal time.” Yet, she continues to cherish the vivid memories of her unique upbringing on the *Bewitched* set, grateful for the magical family she found there.
12. The Enduring Spell of Bewitched
More than six decades after its premiere, *Bewitched* continues to hold a special place in television history and in the hearts of its fans, and Erin Murphy remains a central figure in its enduring legacy. She actively embraces her connection to the show, frequently participating in fan conventions and charity events, engaging with generations of admirers.
Murphy’s connection to Tabitha Stephens isn’t just historical; it’s a living part of her identity. In 2019, she delighted fans by slipping back into Tabitha’s shoes for a quick turn in the web show *TV Therapy*. More recently, she has offered candid reflections in interviews, openly discussing her experiences on set, the cast who helped raise her, and life after the final spell was cast.
During a chat with *People Magazine* in 2024, Murphy addressed a debate that has simmered among fans for decades: which Darrin—Dick York or Dick Sargent—was the “better” TV dad. Her answer, delivered with characteristic grace, offered a definitive, yet diplomatic, conclusion, recalling York’s paternal nature and Sargent’s lasting friendship.
Read more about: Little Tabitha Stephens: Erin Murphy’s Magical Transformation at 60, and What She Looks Like Now!
Erin Murphy expresses profound gratitude for her early Hollywood years, acknowledging it is “the only childhood she truly remembers” and one she “lucked into.” From those magical days on the *Bewitched* stage to her present ventures, she carries proof that movie magic survives final credits. As Murphy navigates life, she embodies a resonant philosophy: “You can’t let one facet of your life be your whole life… It’s all about navigating life and having fun with it.” Her story reminds that the sweetest magic lies not in spells, but in a life fully lived.
