A Cherished "Bewitched" Memory

Meeting Dick York at his home in 1988

In 1988, during my early research and interviews for the original Bewitched Book (which was published by Dell in 1992), I met with Dick York, the “first Darrin.” He had by then moved back to his hometown in Michigan, and invited me to stay with him and his wife for a few days.

The visit was filled with many magical moments, none the least of which included watching Bewitched with him (“Samantha’s Thanksgiving to Remember”), and having Mrs. York prepare my favorite sandwich (tuna fish) for lunch.

In the midst of it all, Dick York was in severe physical pain, never recovering from a railroad cart accident that wrenched his back while filming the movie They Came From Cordura, years before Bewitched.

But he never complained about any of it. He was kind, and generous with his heart and manner in sharing with me his memories of Bewitched.

In those later days of his life, he established the non-profit organization, Acting For Life, which was dedicated to feeding and housing the homeless.

That, and the signature he left on a photo he later sent me (see above), pretty much says it all as to the kind of man Dick York was; and the kind of angel he assuredly now is in Heaven.

Blessings to All.

HJ