Elizabeth Montgomery navigated her romantic life with the same fierce independence that defined her four-decade acting career. Best known for starring in the television classic Bewitched, Montgomery's personal history involved four marriages, high-profile romances, and a constant search for emotional authenticity away from Hollywood's glaring spotlight. Her relationships weren't merely headline fodder; they reflected a woman actively rewriting the rules of her own life against the backdrop of mid-century celebrity culture.
Understanding Montgomery's romantic trajectory requires looking beyond superficial tabloid summaries. From early high-society unions to her long-term partnership with actor Robert Foxworth, her choices mapped out a personal evolution from a dutiful daughter of Hollywood royalty into an autonomous woman who refused to settle for conventional domesticity.
The Early Years and First Marriages
Born to screen legend Robert Montgomery and actress Elizabeth Bryan Allen, Montgomery grew up immersed in the film industry. Her father held rigid expectations regarding womanhood and career, hoping she would embrace a traditional domestic path. Instead, she pursued acting, a friction that heavily influenced her early choices in partners.
Her first marriage occurred in 1954 to socialite and investment broker Frederick Gallatin Cammann. The union lasted barely a year. Cammann represented the high-society world her father favored, but the lifestyle offered little creative or emotional fulfillment for a young woman dedicated to her craft. The divorce created an immediate rift with her father, signaling that Montgomery would prioritize her own path over familial approval. Related coverage on this matter has been published by BBC.
In 1956, she married actor Gig Young, who was nearly two decades her senior. The marriage was turbulent, marked by Young's struggles with alcoholism and a volatile temperament. Choosing an older actor who mirrored her father's generation proved to be an exercise in complex psychological repetition, and the relationship dissolved in 1963.
The William Asher Era and Professional Partnership
The turning point in Montgomery's personal and professional life arrived when she married director and producer William Asher in 1963. The couple welcomed three children—William Jr., Robert, and Rebecca—and formed a powerhouse creative team. Asher directed Bewitched, turning Montgomery into an international television icon.
For several years, the marriage appeared to balance domestic life and career success. However, the blending of work and marriage placed immense strain on the relationship. By the early 1970s, the partnership had frayed under the weight of professional pressures and personal divergence. They separated in 1973, concluding a decade that defined peak television history but ultimately left Montgomery seeking a different kind of personal peace. Following her split from Asher, she became involved with director Richard Michaels.
Stability and the Final Chapter with Robert Foxworth
After navigating the complexities of Hollywood romances, Montgomery found lasting stability with actor Robert Foxworth. The two began living together in 1973 and maintained a committed domestic partnership for two decades before officially marrying in 1993.
Unlike her previous marriages, this relationship was built on shared values, mutual respect, and a quieter life outside the frantic center of studio politics. Foxworth shared her passion for political activism and social causes, providing the steady emotional depth Montgomery had sought throughout her life. They remained married until her death from colorectal cancer in 1995.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times was Elizabeth Montgomery married?
Montgomery was married four times. Her husbands were Frederick Gallatin Cammann, Gig Young, William Asher, and Robert Foxworth.
Did Elizabeth Montgomery have children?
Yes, she shared three children—William, Robert, and Rebecca—with her third husband, William Asher.
Why did Elizabeth Montgomery's marriage to Gig Young end?
The marriage ended in 1963 due to severe personal incompatibilities, including Young's ongoing struggles with alcoholism and a volatile home environment.
How long was Elizabeth Montgomery with Robert Foxworth?
Montgomery and Foxworth were together for over twenty years, beginning their relationship in 1973 and remaining together until her passing in 1995.
