This Child Star Left Hollywood For Motherhood, At 60, She is A Mother Of 6 And A Proud Grandmother

The beloved actress who once captivated audiences as the enchanting Tabitha Stephens on the classic sitcom Bewitched has amazed fans yet again with her timeless beauty. Decades after her breakout role, social media is abuzz, calling her “stunning as ever” at 60 years old.
The Magic of Bewitched
The whimsical 1960s series Bewitched charmed viewers with its humorous portrayal of a witch navigating life with her mortal husband. Among the memorable cast was a young actress whose portrayal of Tabitha Stephens—a mischievous little witch with golden blonde hair and striking blue eyes—made her a household name.
Cast at the tender age of three, she quickly became a favorite alongside stars like Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead. Initially sharing the role with her twin sister, she eventually took over entirely, appearing in more than 100 episodes before the show ended in 1972. By then, she was one of the most recognizable child stars in Hollywood.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Despite her early success, the actress made the bold decision to step away from Hollywood at just eight years old. While contemporaries like Jodie Foster and Helen Hunt pursued acting, she chose a quieter path, embracing a normal childhood filled with Girl Scouts, cheerleading, and family life in California.
Reflecting on her decision, she later shared, “It wasn’t difficult for me. I turned down roles and transitioned away from the business before it could push me out.”
Embracing Motherhood and Family
The actress’s journey took another transformative turn when she became a mother. Her first marriage, to Terry Rogers in 1984, marked the beginning of her new role as a devoted parent. The couple welcomed two sons, Jason and Grant, before their divorce five years later.
She remarried rock singer Eric Eden and had another son, Clark, but their union ended in 1998. Later that year, she found love again with Darren Dunckel, whom she married just two months after meeting. Together, they built a lively household with three sons, bringing her total to six children.
Of raising a large family, she said, “It’s a crazy but fun lifestyle. I always wanted a big family, but maybe I would’ve stopped at three if I’d had a girl in there. Still, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Her children remained her priority, and she consistently turned down roles that would keep her away from them for long hours. Instead, she channeled her energy into charity work, particularly autism advocacy after her son’s diagnosis.
The Actress at 60
Erin Murphy, the actress who brought Tabitha to life, celebrated her 60th birthday with grace and humor. On the 60th anniversary of Bewitched, she posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Want to feel old? Bewitched premiered 60 years ago today… AND little Tabitha (Me!) is 60 years old!”
Murphy’s social media posts continue to inspire admiration. In late October, a stunning selfie drew comments like “Still stunning as ever 🔥🔥🔥” and “Absolutely gorgeous!”
Now a proud grandmother, Murphy balances her role as a doting matriarch with her passion for giving back. She shared her joy over welcoming a new granddaughter, Sage, in October 2024, calling the little one’s arrival “the most wonderful secret.”
Recent Challenges and Resilience
Murphy recently faced challenges when Los Angeles wildfires threatened her Malibu home. Forced to evacuate due to power outages and safety concerns, she praised first responders and firefighters for their bravery, noting, “They’re true heroes.”
Despite the upheaval, she found solace in spending time with her family, including her youngest granddaughter. As always, Murphy embraced the situation with resilience and gratitude, a testament to her enduring strength.
An Iconic Legacy
From child star to devoted mother and grandmother, Erin Murphy has built a life that balances public admiration with personal fulfillment. Though she stepped away from the limelight, her enduring charm, grace, and dedication to her family continue to enchant fans worldwide.