The premise of Bewitched—a charming witch trying to lead a normal suburban life with her mortal husband—captured the hearts of millions during its eight-season run from 1964 to 1972. Among the most beloved characters on the show was Tabitha Stephens, the adorable daughter of Samantha and Darrin, who inherited her mother’s magical powers. What many may not know is that Tabitha was portrayed by twin sisters: Diane and Erin Murphy.

Sharing the Spotlight as Tabitha

Diane and Erin Murphy, born on June 17, 1964, in Encino, California, were cast in the role of Tabitha during the show's third season when the character became more central to the storyline. Their mother left her teaching job to care for them full-time, while their father ran a business college in Los Angeles.

Because they were fraternal twins who looked quite similar as infants, the girls could alternate playing the role—common practice for child actors under labor laws. However, by season four, as their appearances began to differ, Erin continued in the role on her own.

Life After Bewitched

For Erin, working on the set of Bewitched was a positive and memorable experience. In interviews, she’s shared how she enjoyed being around seasoned actors and how the environment felt like a second family. After the show ended, Erin gradually stepped away from acting, choosing to live a more conventional life. She left the entertainment industry at age 13.

Still, Erin stayed connected to the world of media. She has worked as a television host and correspondent and even revisited the role of Tabitha in the 2017 comedy short TV Therapy. In addition to her on-screen work, Erin is a motivational speaker and successful entrepreneur. She owns Erin Murphy Knits, a company specializing in alpaca knitwear, and Slim Chillers, which sells frozen vodka martini pops.

Now living in California, Erin is a proud mother of six sons ranging in age from 17 to 35. She has been married three times and embraces the occasional recognition from fans who remember her as Tabitha. “I think it’s awesome,” she has said. “I’m always happy to talk about Bewitched and meet people who appreciated my work.”

Erin remained close to Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha, until the actress’s passing in 1995. Reflecting on their bond, Erin once said, “In a lot of ways, I’m more like her than I am my own mom.”

Diane Murphy's Path

Diane chose a very different career path. She earned degrees in psychology, sociology, and an MBA in management. Today, she lives in Santa Barbara, where she works in medical writing and clinical development.

Beyond her professional work, Diane is deeply committed to social causes. She serves as associate executive director of Shelter Services for Women, an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence. She also sits on the board of the Greater Santa Barbara Community Association, which awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in the area.

A Legacy That Lives On

The character of Tabitha remains a cultural icon—representing not only the magic of Bewitched but also the charm and talent of the Murphy twins. As Erin recently posted on social media, “Want to feel old? Bewitched debuted 60 years ago today, September 17, 1964. AND little Tabitha (me!) is 60 years old!”

Though the show aired decades ago, its legacy lives on through reruns, fan nostalgia, and the enduring affection for its characters—especially the little girl with a twitch of magic who stole America’s heart.