You may remember the adorable little girl with the magical twitching nose from the classic TV show Bewitched — but here’s the twist: that character, Tabitha, was actually played by twin sisters Diane and Erin Murphy.
Born in 1964 in Encino, California, the sisters alternated in the iconic role as the show made its transition from black-and-white to color. Their mother gave up her teaching job to support them, while their father ran a small business college in Los Angeles.
During the show’s run, Diane and Erin became household names — though most viewers never realized it was two girls playing one character. On set, they found a second family. Elizabeth Montgomery, who played the beloved Samantha, became a mentor and maternal figure to Erin. And Agnes Moorehead, who played the sharp-tongued Endora, became like a real-life grandmother, entertaining Erin with stories and even drawing cartoons for her during breaks.
But behind the glittering Hollywood lights, Erin longed for a more normal life.
At just thirteen, she quietly stepped away from showbiz — though she remained close friends with Elizabeth Montgomery until Montgomery’s passing in 1995.
Diane, on the other hand, chose the path of education and advocacy. She earned degrees in psychology, sociology, and business, and today serves as the associate executive director of Shelter Services for Women in Santa Barbara. She also supports LGBTQ+ students through a local foundation that offers scholarships.
Erin’s life after Hollywood has been just as colorful — if not more so.
Now a proud mother of six sons, ranging in age from 17 to 35, and a doting grandmother, Erin has poured her creativity into various ventures. She’s the founder of Slim Chillers , a beloved line of frozen vodka martini popsicles — a business she never imagined for herself.
“I never thought I’d end up in the alcohol business,” she jokes. “But I’ve definitely enjoyed a few good martinis in my life.”
She also runs Erin Murphy Knits , a cozy business crafting alpaca wool accessories, and works as a motivational speaker and television host.
Though decades have passed since Bewitched first aired, Erin still cherishes the legacy of the show. She celebrates each milestone on social media — recently marking 60 years since Tabitha’s debut — and enjoys meeting fans who still adore her character.
Diane, too, continues to make a difference, dedicating her time to helping domestic abuse survivors and contributing to her community behind the scenes.
From child stardom to motherhood, from TV magic to real-life impact, the Murphy sisters have lived lives full of purpose, love, and quiet strength.
They’ve proven that true magic doesn’t come from wands or spells — but from passion, perseverance, and the courage to live life on your own terms.