89- Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) from Bewitched (1964-1972).
If there is a witch who needs no introduction, its Samantha Stephens. She was perhaps one of the first witches to enter the hearts and homes of millions of Americans through the hit television show centered around her. Up until the recent popularization of witchcraft, very few witches have achieved the kind of impact and inter-generational staying power as that of Samantha, and she continues to serve as the gauge against which all future witches and occult-based television shows are judged.
Bewitched was ground breaking for its time. Shows about white, upper-class families were commonplace, but in its own way Bewitched turned that on its head. Samantha was caught struggling with the dichotomy of her power and her marriage. Instead of the traditional role of âgood housewifeâ coming easily to Sam, itâs a role intrinsically opposed to her nature. While the point of the show is still ultimately her trying to adopt this persona of a traditional mortal wife, her true self is not contained within the metaphorical broom closet as quietly and easily as sheâd like.
Samantha was one of the first domestic witches struggling to live this dual life. As much as I loved her husband(s) Darrin, he illustrates the ongoing theme of men who canât handle a strong woman, and asks her to restrain herself and the use of her magic. Samantha is a powerful sorceress who is briefly hinted at being potentially hundreds of years old, and yet he wants her docile. This is a theme women know all too wellâ conceal your strengths and be subservient.
The show as a whole defined much about our collective understanding of witchcraft and our idea of the magical realm. It raised the serious concerns witches (and any minority) have of being discovered/outed, and the lengths people will go to in hopes of concealing their true identity. In this way, Bewitched continues the longstanding parallel between the witch identity and a queer identity, and Elizabeth Montgomery outside of Bewitched was an active supporter of womenâs and gay rights.
Samantha is the original American housewife witch. In later episodes, she becomes a great Witch Queen, but still remains in her domestic role. Interestingly, Samanthaâs birthday makes her a Gemini, perfectly illustrating her ability to live a double life of mortal and witch. The lesson from her is not âbe a wifeâ or âbe a witchâ, but rather âbe whoever your nose twitching self wants to beâ. Samanthaâs impact and longevity within witchcraft can be seen by anyone who goes to Salem, Mass., where she has a statue in her honor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bewitched
