William Asher carved out an undeniable legacy as one of the foundational architects of American television comedy, directing foundational hits like I Love Lucy and creating the supernatural sitcom Bewitched. While his professional accomplishments shaped the medium, his personal life—specifically his four marriages and the high-profile spotlight shared with his most famous partner—frequently captured public fascination. Understanding William Asher's life requires looking closely at the women he married, how those relationships intersected with his career, and the lasting footprint he left behind.
Overview of William Asher's Marriages
Across his long life, Asher was married four times. Each chapter of his romantic life coincided with distinct eras of his professional evolution in Hollywood, ranging from his early days directing television anthologies to his prime years helming iconic network sitcoms.
- Danny Sue Nolan (m. 1951–1961): Asher's first marriage was to actress Danny Sue Nolan, with whom he shared two children. The marriage spanned a decade during Asher's transition into television direction.
- Elizabeth Montgomery (m. 1963–1973): Unquestionably his most famous union, this marriage produced three children and birthed Bewitched, a series specifically engineered to showcase Montgomery's comedic timing.
- Joyce Bulifant (m. 1976–1993): Following his divorce from Montgomery, Asher married actress Joyce Bulifant. During this lengthy 17-year marriage, Asher adopted Bulifant's son, John Asher, who later established his own career as an actor and director.
- Meredith Coffin McMachen (m. 1998–2012): Asher's final marriage was to Meredith Coffin, lasting until his death in Palm Desert, California, in 2012.
The Defining Romance: Elizabeth Montgomery
When people discuss William Asher's spouses, the conversation almost invariably turns to Elizabeth Montgomery. The star of Bewitched and the director met when Asher was already an established television powerhouse. Their relationship transcended a standard Hollywood romance because it functioned as a creative engine.
When Montgomery became pregnant with their first child, William, she contemplated stepping away from acting entirely. Recognizing her immense talent, Asher proposed a solution: instead of quitting, they would collaborate on a series built around her unique abilities. That idea materialized as Bewitched, which premiered on ABC in 1964 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Asher directed the vast majority of the show's episodes during his tenure, anchoring a professional partnership that mirrored their domestic life.
However, the intense pressure of working together on a grueling weekly television schedule eventually strained their marriage. The couple divorced in 1973, ending a decade of marriage that had permanently altered the landscape of American situation comedy. Despite the separation, their creative collaboration remains a benchmark for husband-and-wife television teams. You can read more about classic television history through the Television Academy.
Life After Elizabeth: Joyce Bulifant and Meredith Coffin
Following his divorce from Montgomery, Asher's personal life shifted away from the white-hot center of tabloid scrutiny, though he remained active in the industry.
His third marriage to actress Joyce Bulifant brought stability during the late 1970s and 1980s. During this period, Asher stepped into the role of adoptive father to John Asher, helping guide a young mind into the entertainment industry. Though Asher and Bulifant divorced in 1993, they maintained blended family ties.
In 1998, Asher married Meredith Coffin McMachen. This quiet union provided companionship through his later years, far removed from the frantic studio lots where he spent decades filming iconic television moments. Coffin remained by his side until his passing at age 90. Further details regarding entertainment figures and archives can be found at the Library of Congress.
Family Legacy and Children
Asher's marriages resulted in a blended family consisting of six children across his various relationships. His children with Elizabeth Montgomery—William, Robert, and Rebecca—grew up largely shielded from the immediate glare of Hollywood, though their mother's fame kept them on the periphery of public interest. John Asher, adopted during his marriage to Bulifant, carried the family name into modern filmmaking, working extensively as both an actor and a director.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times was William Asher married?
William Asher was married four times: to Danny Sue Nolan, Elizabeth Montgomery, Joyce Bulifant, and Meredith Coffin McMachen.
Did William Asher and Elizabeth Montgomery work together outside of Bewitched?
Yes. Before and during their marriage, Asher directed Montgomery in various television projects and guest spots, though Bewitched remains their most famous joint venture.
Who are William Asher's children?
Asher fathered six children in total across his relationships, including William, Robert, and Rebecca with Elizabeth Montgomery, children with his first wife Danny Sue Nolan, and his adopted son John Asher.
When did William Asher pass away?
William Asher died on July 16, 2012, at the age of 90 in Palm Desert, California.
