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Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy
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Erin Margaret Murphy (born June 17, 1964) is an American actress, who is best known for her role as young Tabitha Stephens in the television sitcom Bewitched,[1] in 103 episodes from the show's third season (in 1966) to the last original episode in 1972.[2] For the first season, she shared this role for 18 episodes with her fraternal twin sister, Diane, as they were of similar appearance and stature. As they got older and looked less alike, only Erin played the role.

Key Information

Post-Bewitched years

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Following Bewitched, Murphy guest-starred on shows such as Lassie, appeared in over 100 commercials, and modeled for Hang Ten swimwear. She was an El Toro High School cheerleader and homecoming queen during her senior year. She graduated from El Toro High School in 1981.[3] Murphy has worked as a casting director, makeup artist, fashion stylist, acting teacher, motivational speaker, and stunt double for actress Virginia Madsen.[4] Since 2014, Murphy has been co-owner of Slim Chillers, a company that makes low-calorie frozen vodka martini pops.[5]

Reality TV and hosting

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Murphy has worked as a television host and correspondent (TVLand, Fox Reality Channel, TVGasm.com, and E!) and as the on-air moderator for Allergan Medical.[6] She has also been an infomercial host (Ab Shark for Thane, Bun Shaper for Emson, SomaTrac Inversion Table), and the host of Disney Family.com's Parentpedia.

On December 20, 2006, she appeared as one of the 12 "strangers" on the NBC game show Identity. In 2007, she was featured on CNN Headline News as a "Celebrity With a Cause" discussing her work with autism-related charities.

In 2008, Murphy appeared as a celebrity judge on Danny Bonaduce's I Know My Kid's a Star reality show contest for young actors and with Bob Saget on 1 vs. 100. She has also appeared on Craft Lab (DIY/HGTV), Groomer Has It (Animal Planet) with her giant Leonberger, and on Over Your Head (HGTV) building flagstone steps in her backyard.

Murphy, pictured alongside fellow Bewitched actors Dick Sargent, Elizabeth Montgomery, and David Lawrence (1971).

Murphy also starred on Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling series for CMT, in which the celebrities trained as professional wrestlers. Erin's wrestling persona is Mistress of Mayhem (aka M.O.M.).[7][8]

Murphy was a contestant in the celebrity finale of season one of Rupaul's Drag U.[9]

Murphy appeared as a central character in the January 26, 2021, episode of To Tell the Truth.[10]

Personal life

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Murphy is a fashion, beauty, and luxury lifestyle writer, with her work appearing in numerous magazines and online publications.[11] She is also a motivational speaker and fundraiser for charitable organizations. Murphy often speaks out on the subject of autism as one of her sons has the condition.

Murphy was featured in a photo spread January 2012 in OK! magazine with two of her alpacas on her ranch in Bell Canyon, California.[12] Murphy discussed her company Erin Murphy Knits which offers hand knit eco-friendly alpaca wear.

In 2018, Variety wrote that Murphy had purchased her dream home on the beach in Malibu for $2.3 million.[13]

Murphy has been married three times and divorced twice. Her three husbands are Terry Rogers (1984–1989), Eric Eden (1993–1998), and Darren Dunckel (May 1998–). She has two children with Rogers, one with Eden, and three with Dunckel.[14][unreliable source?]

References

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from Grokipedia
Erin Murphy (born June 17, 1964) is an American former child actress best known for her portrayal of the young witch Stephens, the daughter of and Darrin Stephens, on the ABC sitcom from 1966 to 1972. Born in Encino, , she shared the role with her fraternal twin sister Diane Murphy during the show's earlier seasons, appearing in a total of 103 episodes. Her performance as the mischievous toddler became iconic, contributing to the series' enduring popularity as a that ran for eight seasons. Following her breakout role, Murphy made occasional guest appearances on television, such as on (1973), and appeared in over 100 commercials while modeling for brands like swimwear. She later transitioned into behind-the-scenes roles as a casting director, , fashion stylist, and acting teacher, and worked as a stunt double for actress . In addition to her professional endeavors, Murphy has been a and writer for , , and lifestyle magazines. As of 2025, she continues to participate in fan conventions celebrating 's legacy. Beyond acting, Murphy has built a successful entrepreneurial portfolio, co-owning Slim Chillers since 2014, a company specializing in low-calorie frozen vodka martini pops distributed across the , , and . She previously launched Erin Murphy Knits in the early 2010s, a line of eco-friendly . A mother of six children, Murphy is also a prominent advocate for autism awareness, driven by her son's diagnosis, and supports related charities through public speaking and .

Early life

Family background

Erin Margaret Murphy was born on June 17, 1964, in , . She is the fraternal twin of Diane Murphy, who was born five minutes earlier. The twins were raised by their parents, Dan Murphy and . The family focused on the girls' early development in the supportive environment of during the 1960s. Due to child labor laws, Diane occasionally shared acting roles with Erin in their early career, including appearances as Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched. The family's proximity to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles provided a nurturing backdrop for the twins' initial forays into show business.

Education

After concluding her time on Bewitched at age eight, Erin Murphy attended El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California, beginning in the late 1970s. She graduated from the school in 1981 at the age of 17. During her high school years, Murphy balanced the financial security from acting residuals with typical teenage pursuits, allowing her to maintain a relatively normal social life despite her early fame. Her classmates treated her as an ordinary peer, and she prioritized school activities over further child acting opportunities, having already appeared in over 80 commercials by the end of junior high. As a , she served as a cheerleader and was selected as homecoming queen in her senior year, experiences that underscored her efforts to embrace conventional adolescent milestones. Following graduation, Murphy did not pursue higher education and instead transitioned directly into adult independence through various roles in the entertainment industry.

Acting

Breakthrough on

Erin Murphy made her debut at the age of three in 1966, when she and her fraternal twin sister Diane auditioned for the role of Stephens on the . The producers, seeking twins to comply with strict child labor laws that limited on-set hours for young children, held informal auditions where the girls played with toys while being observed by director Bill Asher and the casting team. Her brief experience in a few commercials helped secure the opportunity through an agent. Following callbacks, Erin and Diane were cast, with Erin quickly becoming the primary performer due to her reliability and ease with lines. From 1966 to 1972, Murphy appeared as in 103 episodes across seasons three through eight of , alternating scenes with Diane in the initial 18 episodes of Tabitha's introduction before taking over most duties as their appearances began to differ. was depicted as the precocious, magically gifted daughter of witch Stephens (played by ) and mortal advertising executive Darrin Stephens (, later ), often sparking comedic family antics through her uncontrolled , such as animating toys or causing household chaos that had to conceal from Darrin's unaware world. Murphy's portrayal contributed to the show's enduring appeal as a 1960s cultural phenomenon, blending suburban domesticity with fantasy elements that reflected era-specific themes of and hidden identities, while amassing high viewership as one of ABC's top-rated series. The filming schedule significantly shaped Murphy's childhood, with long days starting with Monday table reads, followed by rehearsals, shooting, and on-set tutoring that often extended until 7 p.m. or later, leaving little time for typical play or school activities and sometimes requiring her to miss episodes due to illness, like . On set, she formed close bonds with co-stars, affectionately calling Montgomery "Mantha Mommy" and viewing her as a second mother who provided guidance and comfort during shoots involving or crowded scenes. These experiences, while demanding, were positive overall, with Murphy recalling fond memories of the collaborative environment. Residuals from the role, managed by her parents and accessible at age 21, provided financial security that supported her education and early adulthood.

Later acting roles

Following the conclusion of Bewitched in 1972, Erin Murphy largely stepped away from acting to focus on her education and personal life. She made a guest appearance as on Lassie in 1973 and appeared in the film Deadly Fighters in 1979. This resulted in only sporadic on-screen appearances as an adult. Her return to scripted roles was infrequent, often limited to small character parts or self-referential cameos that capitalized on her enduring recognition as Tabitha Stephens. For instance, in 2010, she appeared in the short film Karma's a Bitch as , a role she reprised in the 2012 Karma's a Btch*. These comedic projects highlighted her familiarity with themes from her child stardom but did not lead to sustained work. Murphy's adult acting output remained minimal, influenced by her priorities as a mother of six children from multiple marriages, which she has described as taking precedence over a full-time career. In 2014, she guest-starred as herself in an episode of the The Comeback Kids, a project featuring reuniting in fictional scenarios, further emphasizing her legacy without demanding leading status. Similarly, in the 2017 TV movie Life Interrupted, she portrayed Nina Woodworth, a character in a meta-comedy ensemble with other vintage TV stars like and , underscoring her occasional forays into nostalgic, low-commitment productions. Throughout her post-Bewitched years, Murphy avoided pursuing major leading roles, instead treating acting as a supplementary pursuit amid family responsibilities and diverse professional ventures in entertainment. This selective approach allowed her to maintain visibility through her recognizable name while prioritizing stability, with no extensive series commitments or blockbuster films in her resume. Her limited engagements, such as these, reflect a deliberate balance rather than a primary focus on on-screen performance.

Professional ventures

Behind-the-scenes work

After prioritizing her family following the end of her early career, Erin Murphy transitioned to flexible behind-the-scenes roles in the entertainment industry during the and beyond, allowing her to balance motherhood with professional work. In the mid-, shortly after marrying at age 21 and giving birth to her first child, Murphy relocated to , where she lived on a and taught classes to local students. She also served as a on occasional film shoots in the region, capitalizing on her industry experience to assist with and support roles when productions came to town. Circa 2005, Murphy returned to and expanded into more diverse production positions, working as a casting director for various television and film projects, as well as a on sets. These roles, often on a freelance basis, provided the adaptability she needed as a mother raising multiple children through the 1990s and 2000s. During the 1990s and 2000s, she further contributed as a stunt and photo double for established actresses, including in several projects and Academy Award winner . This work highlighted her physical versatility and continued her involvement in on-location filming without the demands of lead performing. Starting in the , Murphy began motivational speaking engagements, drawing on her experiences as a child star to offer insights on transitioning from fame to , with engagements continuing into the to accommodate her family schedule. Throughout these decades, her choice of part-time and project-based jobs in production and speaking ensured she could prioritize parenting while staying connected to the industry she grew up in.

Hosting and business endeavors

In addition to her acting roles, Erin Murphy has pursued various hosting and entrepreneurial opportunities, leveraging her fame from . She has made guest appearances on , including competing on the game show in 2001, where she participated in the quiz competition format hosted by . Murphy has been active as an emcee and host at nostalgia-themed fan conventions since the , particularly those celebrating classic television like . She frequently leads panels, signs autographs, and moderates Q&A sessions at events such as the Hollywood Show in Burbank, where she engages with fans on the show's legacy. Her hosting style draws on behind-the-scenes production knowledge to provide insightful commentary during these gatherings. Entrepreneurially, Murphy launched the Baby Lulu children's clothing line in the mid-2000s, inspired by her experiences as a child actress and mother. The collection featured colorful, vintage-print designs for infants and young girls, showcased at fashion events. In the early 2010s, she launched Erin Murphy Knits, a line of eco-friendly clothing made from . Since 2014, she has co-owned Slim Chillers, a company specializing in low-calorie frozen vodka martini pops distributed across the , , and . She has expanded into motivational speaking, delivering talks at corporate events on topics like resilience and work-life balance, drawing from her career transitions and personal growth. In recent years, Murphy has continued public engagements, attending high-profile galas such as the Last Chance for Animals 40th Anniversary Gala on October 19, 2024, at Paramount Studios, where she mingled with celebrities and supported the event's entertainment programming. She also participated in the 13th Annual and Friends Celebrity Poker Tournament on June 14, 2025, at Studio Center, reaching the final table in the charity game. Murphy has expressed openness to cameo appearances in a potential reboot, stating in a 2025 interview that she would consider it if the script respects the original's spirit. As of 2025, Murphy's is estimated at $10 million, derived from residuals, speaking engagements, and business ventures.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Murphy's first marriage was to Terry Rogers on November 4, 1984; the couple met shortly after she completed high school and relocated to a ranch in , where she began her first child at age 21. They had two sons, Jason (born 1985) and Grant (born 1988). The marriage ended in divorce in 1989, after which Murphy returned to with her young sons. Her second marriage was to rock musician Eric Eden in 1993; they had one son, Clark (born 1994). The couple divorced in 1998. Murphy married her third husband, Darren Dunckel, in May 1998; the couple has three sons, Dylan (born 1999), Carson (born 2001), and Parker (born 2003). Although they filed for divorce in 2020, as of November 2025, no finalization has been reported, and Murphy continues to reside with Dunckel in the Los Angeles area. A dedicated , Murphy has raised her six sons primarily in the region, often prioritizing family commitments in her professional decisions and maintaining a hands-on parenting approach. She has described balancing hood with her entertainment career as central to her adult life, with no additional marriages or separations reported through 2025.

Advocacy efforts

Erin Murphy's advocacy efforts were profoundly shaped by her son Parker's autism diagnosis in the early 2000s, when he was around five years old and had regressed developmentally after initially meeting milestones. This personal experience motivated her to become deeply involved in raising awareness about autism, transitioning from her acting background to active focused on and family support. Since the , Murphy has served as a for autism-related organizations, including as the spokeswoman for Verge Living, a supporting individuals with autism, and has participated in engagements addressing the unique challenges faced by former child stars alongside neurodiversity issues. Her talks often draw from her own life, emphasizing resilience and , as seen in her 2019 appearance on the "Let's Talk Autism" where she discussed receiving an award for her volunteer work. In 2007, she was highlighted on Headline News as a " With a Cause" for her contributions to autism charities. Murphy's activities include hands-on participation in autism awareness events, such as the 2006 CURE Autism Now 4th Annual Walk Now for Autism at the Rose Bowl, where she attended with Parker to support research and family resources. She has shared family experiences through numerous interviews, including YouTube discussions in 2022 and 2023 where she described the transformative impact of Parker's diagnosis on her priorities and daily life, highlighting activities like adaptive surfing camps that have enriched his world. Beyond autism, Murphy supports animal rights, attending the Last Chance for Animals' 40th Anniversary Gala in October 2024 at Paramount Studios to celebrate the nonprofit's efforts against animal cruelty. In 2025, Murphy publicly addressed and denied social media rumors speculating about a facelift following her makeup-free , using the moment to advocate for by encouraging fans to embrace natural aging and at any age. This response aligned with her broader message of authenticity, shared via in October 2025. As of 2025, her commitment remains strong, integrating autism awareness into her ongoing motivational speaking, where she inspires audiences with stories of overcoming personal and familial challenges through positivity and action.

References

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