Why Did Dick York Leave Bewitched?

Why did Dick York Leave Bewitched?

This has been a very popular question amongst retro TV aficionados throughout the years.

Let get into the meat of the problem by first exploring the genesis of the hit television show Bewitched.

We have a full article on this subject on it’s own page here. You can click the image below to read that article:

Please leave your comments in the “Leave a Reply” section at the bottom of this page

Ugghhhhh, my back is killing me!

Dick York is widely recognized for his severe back issues, but few are aware that he injured his back while filming the 1959 Western “They Came to Cordura.”

Starring Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth, Van Heflin, and Tab Hunter, the movie featured York in a minor role as Private Renziehausen, which didn’t leave a lasting impression.

In Dick York’s words, “Gary Cooper and I were operating a handcar, transporting wounded soldiers along the railroad tracks.

I was pushing down on the handcar’s teeter-totter mechanism when the director called ‘cut!’ Suddenly, one of the wounded extras grabbed the handle, jerking it up and lifting my full weight—about 180 pounds—off the flatbed.

The muscles on my right back tore instantly.

That moment triggered everything: the pain, the painkillers, the addiction, and the loss of my career.”

Problems on the Set

Why did Dick York leave Bewitched?

The challenges faced by Mr. York during his time on the physical comedy show Bewitched were considerable.

In an attempt to alleviate his discomfort, producers and directors adjusted shooting methods, including filming several scenes with him leaning against a wall, sitting on a couch, or lying in bed.

However, this approach provided only a temporary solution to a persistent issue.

In the 5th season of Bewitched, Dick had pushed himself so hard that he collapsed on set and had to be rushed to the hospital.

After the incident, York and producer William Asher (Elizabeth Montgomery‘s real-life husband) had a long talk and they agreed that Dick would leave the show for good.

A New Dick

Despite declining ratings, Bewitched plowed ahead with season 6, replacing Dick York with Dick Sargent.

Lackluster writing and competition from cutting-edge television shows like All in the Family, Bewitched struggled and eventually ended in 1974 with Dick Sargent putting in only 3 seasons as Darren Stevens

---

---

Only Speculation

Dick York left Bewitched partly due to his infatuation with Elizabeth Montgomery, which made her uncomfortable. This tension contributed to his departure from the show, though the exact reasons remain unclear.

Dick York

Dick York was born on December 13, 1928 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and passed away on February 20, 1992.

He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in Bewitched and was also a Golden Globe nominee.

York’s career spanned over three decades, showcasing his talent in both television and film.

Before “Bewitched,” he appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, earning critical acclaim for his versatile performances. My personal favorite is his role in an episode of The Twilight Zone called “A Penny For Your Thoughts”

Despite health challenges, York maintained a strong dedication to his craft, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Beyond his acting prowess, he was also an advocate for various social causes.

York’s legacy endures through his memorable roles and his impact on audiences worldwide.

---

About Actor Dick Sargent

Dick Sargent’s Early Career: From Broadway to Hollywood. Dick Sargent began acting on Broadway in the 1950s, debuting in the musical “The Boy Friend” in 1954.

He also appeared in other productions like “The Music Man” and “The Pajama Game”.

In the 1980s, Sargent began to focus more on voice acting.

He provided the voice of the character of Uncle Arthur in the animated series The Real Ghostbusters.

He also voiced the character of Dr. Benton Quest in the animated series Jonny Quest.

In addition to his voice acting roles, Sargent also appeared in a number of television movies.

He had a role in the 1985 movie The Return of the Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman, and he also appeared in the 1987 movie The B.R.A.T. Patrol.