Dick York on Bewitched: Why his Darrin still casts a spell today (1964-1969)

For five seasons of Bewitched, Dick York played the high-strung ad man Darrin Stephens — a man doing his best to live a normal life while married to a literal witch. It was a setup that gave viewers plenty to laugh about, and York brought the role to life with a mix of wide-eyed disbelief and good-hearted frustration. From 1964 to 1969, his version of Darrin became a fixture in American living rooms, a part of one of the most unusual and beloved families on TV.

Before Bewitched, York had worked steadily in film, radio, and television, but it was this role that turned him into a household name. His chemistry with Elizabeth Montgomery, who played the ever-patient and always-magical Samantha, helped anchor a show full of fantasy and absurd situations. Then there was Agnes Moorehead as the disapproving Endora, whose dislike for Darrin only made York’s expressions more memorable. Each episode leaned into the chaos of trying to hide Samantha’s powers, while York’s Darrin scrambled to keep up.

The job, though, wasn’t easy. York had suffered a back injury on a movie set years before, and by the later seasons of Bewitched, the pain was getting harder to manage. During filming, scenes were often adjusted to allow him to work while lying down or leaning against set pieces. Even so, he kept the show moving, often delivering scenes with a physical comedy style that matched the series’ magical tone. His final season in 1968-69 marked the end of what many fans consider the classic years of the show.

After York’s departure, actor Dick Sargent took over the role of Darrin. But for those who watched in the earlier years, Dick York’s version of the character left a lasting impression. He played Darrin with a sense of controlled chaos that made every spell gone wrong feel personal. His work helped define the show’s golden era, making it one of the top-rated sitcoms of its time.

The popular actor was born Richard Allen York in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 4, 1928, and died on February 20, 1992 at age 63.

Below, we’ve collected a series of photos from the years when Dick York starred on Bewitched, from 1964 through 1969. These images capture moments from the set, scenes from episodes and glimpses of the characters that made the show a classic. Take a look back at this memorable era in television history.