Erin Murphy: From TV’s Little Witch to Devoted Mom and Advocate
Long before Sundays were spent at the beach helping her son surf, Erin Murphy was a household name. Born in Encino, California, in 1964, she shot to fame at just two years old as Tabitha Stephens, the charming daughter on Bewitched. Between 1966 and 1972, she appeared in over 100 episodes, becoming one of TV’s most beloved child stars.
But when the show ended, Murphy didn’t chase fame. She turned down major roles — even skipping The Waltons for Girl Scout camp — and eventually stepped away from Hollywood. “I walked away before maybe the business kicked me out,” she once said.
View this post on Instagram
Life off-camera brought six sons, each with unique paths. When one, Parker, was diagnosed with autism, Murphy’s focus shifted to advocacy. She volunteered with autism charities, attended board meetings, and even joined surf therapy sessions with him every Sunday — something she says “changed his life.”
Murphy still accepts occasional acting roles, often with a wink to her Bewitched legacy, but her priority is family and giving back. She credits her Hollywood years for giving her perspective, resilience, and a beachside home — and now lives by the philosophy: enjoy the good, meet challenges with humor, and give back whenever possible.
View this post on Instagram
