Dick Sargent Reached Out To Dick York Before Playing the "Second Darrin" on TV's 'Bewitched'

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[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, this article includes commentary and quotes from interviews conducted by the author with those individuals mentioned.]

Twice the Magic

The famed TV supernatural sitcom Bewitched originally aired on ABC from 1964 to 1972. The show featured Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha the good "witch-with-a-twitch" Stephens who was married to mortal advertising executive Darrin Stephens. But her human husband was played by two actors: Dick York and Dick Sargent.

After York's various health struggles (ignited by a railroad cart accident while filming They Came to Cordura in 1959), he exited the series before the sixth season.

That's when Bewitched producers approached Dick Sargent, who had auditioned with York to play Darrin years before.

There Were Some Concerns

At first Dick Sargent was apprensive about replacing Dick York, who was a friend. So, he reached out to the actor and essentially sought permission to do so.

"I didn't feel comfortable accepting the part," Sargent said in 1989. "And I didn't want there to be anyone to have hurt feelings any way around."

Double, Double, No Trouble

In the end, York encouraged Sargent to take on the role of Darrin. "I thought he was did a wonderful job as Darrin," York said in 1988.

That same year, Sargent returned the compliment, saying, York "was excellent as Darrin."