Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York

[flossieskid]

Kyle’s revelation that Elizabeth Montgomery did not like Dick York is news to me. But, that would surely explain why she and her husband Bill Asher did not support Dick throughout his illness. It is confusing though since Bill would have chosen the cast as he was the executive producer and director. Plus, being married to the star you would think she had definite input as to her co-star. It may be a similar case from the series “Castle” where after nine years of starring together and getting married on the show, supposedly, star Nathan Fillion decided he didn’t want to work with beautiful Stana Kanic anymore as his wife and police officer Kate Beckett. They fired her and then realized no one wanted to watch Castle without Beckett. So the series was cancelled! Now, many actors have an Executive Producer credit and have co-star and director approval. Yeah, like they need more than ONE salary!

Because SAG didn’t initially have a great health care system, when an actor got their paycheck for any performance in the early ‘60’s, a percentage went to what was called “Entertainment Charities” (EC) This organization was there for actors, actresses and any cast or crew member who needed it. They could apply for short term health care or living expenses and payment of bills. But long term care, like for Dick York was not available at the time. Now, they have 2 locations in CA and NJ where industry people can live or retire and have all expenses and health care costs covered.

So, if an actor’s salary was $1,500 for 3 days work, by the time the government took their cut, your agent and/or manager took their 15%, your publicist took theirs, the Entertainment Charities took theirs, sometimes 3 days work from usually 5am - 8pm, your take home pay might be around $600. Not everyone has publicists, but it is still a lot of money to have to give to someone else when you did all the work! Most actors work around 16 hours a day. So, if my math is right, that breaks down to be about $12.50 per hour!! Now people at most fast food places make more than that!! Something to think about!

Then, The Actors Fund was established. It replaced the EC and they have an amazing fund-raising arm. Many of the incredible cast reunions of iconic TV shows and Movies that have been on Zoom during the pandemic are all benefiting The Actors Fund. Millions of dollars are raised every year and the Fund distributes to needy people in all areas of the entertainment industry. It has been life-saving during the pandemic to pay for everyday expenses and unusual or necessary health care costs. With COVID, it has given away millions of dollars to those in need. It is true salvation for so many.

When my Mom died, after 6 months in and out of the hospital, 2 surgeries and a final week at The Motion Picture Hospital, her medical bills FAR exceeded what SAG would pay for her care. We were going to have to pay the balance for years and years. But, we were shocked and so incredibly grateful that all of my Mom’s friends, colleagues and even just acquaintances or fans, followed our request for donations to the Fund in her memory. Since so many people donated thousands and thousands of dollars to The Actors Fund after her death, they called and told us they would pay off any medical balances we had. When I told them the balance exceeded over $30,000, they didn’t flinch and paid everything! We couldn’t believe the generosity from everywhere! So, every year I donate money in my parents’ memory to The Actors Fund. It is one of the best ways I can remember them and honor their many years of work. VERY wealthy people in the industry leave tremendous amounts of money to the Fund through their will and it is well spent.

When I asked my Mom how she could get up by 3am, at the studio for make up at 5am and then on set by 6am and be at the studio until 8 or 9 at night - sometimes waiting ALL day for her one scene at 7pm - and then she had to give over 1/2 her salary away- how in the world did she survive that into her 60’s?? She would always smile and say, “Well, it beats selling shoes at Macy’s!” Apologies to any shoe salespersons! But, as I have said, my Mom felt very blessed to be working on the Waltons and her father must have instilled in her a good work ethic too.

But, I also think I would have been MORE than happy to get up at such an ungodly hour if I got to spend time with Cary Grant, Steve McQueen or Rock Hudson! I know I practically JUMPED out of bed at the crack of dawn in Montana, was not fazed by spending over an hour in the early morning chill driving to a remote location, dragging my sleepy nine year old son with me, to stare at Robert Redford all day!!

We all have our cross to bear……..

[Easton]

Again, I love this 'inside' information but what surprised me most was the cost of your mother's hospital care. I can't even imagine what it would have cost today.

It's sad to think of Dick York trying so hard to take care of his family when I think of all the sports and celebrity stars who become millionaires virtually overnight and then spend spend spend. $75 million on a new house with 27 bedrooms and 52 bathrooms, million dollar cars, private jets, swimming pools they could hold the Olympics in...

And they they declare bankruptcy. I have no sympathy for them and can only shake my head.

As for Nathan Fillion, I've never seen anything he's been in but I seem to recall he made a sensation when he appeared pantsless on one of his shows.

[Johnny]

As a boy, I enjoyed Bewitched but had not noticed there were two Darrin Stevens in the course of the show.

Regarding Dick York  in living with his degenerative spinal injury, he founded Acting for Life, a private fund-raising effort for the homeless which he managed from his home, from his bed. He lived up to 1992. I don't recall if it was already mentioned in this thread, Dick became addicted to his pain medications.  After some recovery from his back condition, he eventually beat his addiction, and in the early 1980s tried to revive his career. His last two credits were on two television series, Simon & Simon and Fantasy Island.

ref.

[ellaroo]

I watched a rerun of Bewitched once when I stayed home from school due to being sick and found it on another retro TV channel. So, I decided to watch more after that 

About Elizabeth Montgomery not liking Dick York, I think that came from one of the producers but who knows? Before that, I was a little disappointed because I thought those two had good chemistry on-screen. I could almost see them as being a real-life married couple. I think what's remarkable is how York was already dealing with his own back injury pain and supporting for his family, yet contribued to the homeless.

I do wish these celebrities who make millions off of being influencers or dumb reality shows would at least reach out to the less fortunate, especially since LA has a huge homeless problem already. 

[Easton]

^ For most, the need to be rich and popular is far more important than being compassionate and charitable.

[carol]

Aug 26, 2021 8:28:57 GMT -5 Easton said:

Again, I love this 'inside' information but what surprised me most was the cost of your mother's hospital care. I can't even imagine what it would have cost today.

It's sad to think of Dick York trying so hard to take care of his family when I think of all the sports and celebrity stars who become millionaires virtually overnight and then spend spend spend. $75 million on a new house with 27 bedrooms and 52 bathrooms, million dollar cars, private jets, swimming pools they could hold the Olympics in...

And they they declare bankruptcy. I have no sympathy for them and can only shake my head.

And then they complain about being oppressed. We should all be that oppressed.

[e knight]

I remember reading a long interview with Dick York (turns out it was in Filmfax magazine, #32, Apr/May 1992) that detailed the shocking on-set accident that disabled him.

I found the text online. It's just below the halfway mark on this page.
www.bewitched.net/filmfax.htm

Interview by John Douglas. York was filming They Came to Cordura (1960)

“Gary Cooper and I were propelling a handcar carrying several wounded men down the railroad track. I was on the bottom stroke of this sort of teeter-totter mechanism that made the handcar run. I was just lifting the handle up as the director yelled, ‘Cut!’ and one of the wounded cast members reached up and grabbed the handle. Now, instead of lifting the expected weight, I was suddenly, jarringly, lifting the entire weight off the flatbed; 180 pounds or so. The muscles along the right side of my back tore. They just snapped and let loose. And that was the start of it all: the pain, the painkillers, the addiction, the lost career.”

[flossieskid]

Thanks to e knight for sharing part of the Dick York interview about the injury he received in the movie with Gary Cooper. I have a funny story to share about my Dad and the lanky Mr. Cooper. Well, I have always thought it was funny - but I will see what the Forum readers think!

Gary Cooper and a plethora of wonderful actors (including my Dad) co-starred in the movie “Vera Cruz.” Shot in Mexico, it was your standard macho, character-driven movie with way too much testosterone, dust and horses for my taste! After all these years, I can’t even remember the plot, but with stars like Copper and Burt Lancaster, I think I can say, it’s definitely worth a look.

When a director asks any actor if they can “do” some sort of skill that is “required” in the movie, every intelligent, hungry actor (which includes actresses, as well) will, without question, say that, absolutely, they know that skill and then they go out immediately and figure out how to actual do it! For example, an actor may be asked if they know how to ride a horse?
“Of course” would be the reply and then the actor made a beeline to the local equestrian center and learn how to ride a stately steed!! Most thespians will be thinking “This may be my last job EVER, so I better learn how to not look like a moron getting on and off a horse and try not to fall off!!

Well, the best made plans: of course my father lied through his teeth and told the director that he loved to ride and spent years on a saddle. A few months of steady good pay, a chance to work with the caliber of actors like Cooper and Lancaster AND a location shoot in Mexico would make a “Pinocchio” out of the most honorable men! Remember that famous saying:…”oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”? Well, that’s all actors do: lie for a living and hope your audience believes you!!

So, after many lessons, my Dad felt comfortable around a horse and he thought : “ there are like 20 guys in each scene, whose going to look at me if I hang on for dear life?!” That was all well and good until my Dad’s horse reared up and threw him off - right onto his coccyx! OUCH! Gosh, for some reason, his riding teacher failed to cover this possible disaster in his classes! Out of an abundance of caution, although my Dad felt okay and the only thing that hurt was his pride (and his tailbone!) they admitted him to the local hospital for overnight observation. DANG! For sure, my Dad thought he was more trouble than he’s worth and since his role was, shall we say, not pivotal to the plot (if you blinked a few times you might have missed his stellar performance!) if he was released, no one except him and his poor starving family at home would really care!

So, happily wallowing in self pity in his hospital bed, he practically went into shock and thought the pain meds were causing hallucinations when he looked up and saw Gary Cooper leaning against the door jam of my Dad’s hospital room! “How are you feeling, Jimmy?” My Dad choked out, “I think I’ll live, but no more ballet for me for a while.” Cooper smiled and asked, “What hurts the most?” My Dad said, “The one place where they can’t put a cast - my tailbone.”

As Gary started walking toward my Dad’s bed, he said, “Lean forward a bit Jimmy.” As he did that, my Dad’s shock became disbelief when, Gary Cooper placed his hand down my Dad’s lower back and pressed an area a few inches above Dad’s tailbone inquiring, “Does it hurt here?” My father froze! Gary Cooper had really not touched any intimate area, but it was still a “What the…. moment?!? When a person sits up in a hospital bed, nothing is showing but your back and legs. The generic, adorable hospital gown and the placement of the sheets hid anything one might considerate “private!” Still, unless you are Grace Kelly in “High Noon” such close proximity to Gary Cooper and his wandering hand made my father more than a bit uncomfortable!

“Oh, good Jimmy, it looks like you just landed hard on your tailbone and did not injure your lower back. You will be sore for a while. but you can get back to work tomorrow. I’ll let the director know.” My Dad thought, “What the hell just happened?” Had the papers failed to alert the public when Gary Cooper got his medical degree? So, of course, the logical question from my Dad was, “How do you know that?” Cooper replied, “Don’t spread it around, but many of us in Westerns have found ourselves on the ground, more than once, when our horse reared. It happened to me twice. Don’t worry about it, you’ll be fine.”

So, after the initial shock of his private medical exam and consultation from Gary Cooper, my Dad was blown away by Cooper’s kindness. He surely didn’t have to come to the hospital, help put my Dad’s mind at ease about the injury and assure him that he would not be fired. It is a wonderful story my Dad spoke about many times and I thought the Forum readers would enjoy, just another example, of how big stars can be really terrific people.

[e knight]

I had a link to the whole interview. It tells how Dick York, though disabled in later life, devoted himself to humanitarian work.

I'll bet that it was a case of insult-to-injury. The producers would be exclaiming "Thank heaven that Cooper wasn't hurt! Er, look after what's-his-name there, will you?"

Actually, Coop didn't have much left in the tank at that time. It was one of his last pictures.

[Easton]

Aug 28, 2021 9:33:31 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

Thanks to e knight for sharing part of the Dick York interview about the injury he received in the movie with Gary Cooper. I have a funny story to share about my Dad and the lanky Mr. Cooper. Well, I have always thought it was funny - but I will see what the Forum readers think!

Taco Time!

"If you're blue and you don't know where to go to,

Why don't you go where fashion sits?

Puttin' on the Ritz.

Diff'rent types of wear-a-day coat, pants with stripes

Or cut-away coat, perfect fits.

Puttin' on the Ritz.

Dressed up like a million dollar trooper,

Tryin' hard to look like Gary Cooper. (Super Duper)

Come let's mix where Rockefellers walk with sticks

Or umbrellas in their mitts,

Puttin' on the Ritz."

[patriciaanne]

flossieskid I just read that amazing story about your dad and Gary Cooper. Somehow I missed that but glad I stumbled upon it. As someone who has come out of the saddle -- unexpectedly-- many times, I can tell you that it happens to the best of us. Rearing up is truly dangerous though because the horse can lose balance and fall over. So your dad got off pretty light. 😉

[nedandres]

Aug 26, 2021 16:24:35 GMT -5 ellaroo said:

I watched a rerun of Bewitched once when I stayed home from school due to being sick and found it on another retro TV channel. So, I decided to watch more after that 

About Elizabeth Montgomery not liking Dick York, I think that came from one of the producers but who knows? Before that, I was a little disappointed because I thought those two had good chemistry on-screen. I could almost see them as being a real-life married couple. I think what's remarkable is how York was already dealing with his own back injury pain and supporting for his family, yet contribued to the homeless.

I do wish these celebrities who make millions off of being influencers or dumb reality shows would at least reach out to the less fortunate, especially since LA has a huge homeless problem already. 

Yes, it is true that Elizabeth Montgomery did not like Dick York and much preferred Dick Sargent, ironically so because the switch, precipitated by York's illness, caused the show to go downhill. Montgomery said that York smelled bad, according to a vision-impaired fan who was hired to do some work on BEWITCHED as quoted by Rita E. Piro in her biography of Montgomery. The fan said Montgomery told her that directly when she went to visit her at her house in Beverly Hills. York lived his life admirably and, as already mentioned, altruistically in his final years helping the homeless. I would add that York and Agnes Moorehead, although rivals for Samantha's attention on the show, were good pals. Moorehead was very upset was York was replaced by Sargent and voiced her dissatisfaction. The death knell of the show came when Elizabeth separated from husband and producer William Asher and moved in with Richard Michaels, main director in the final seasons. This, understandably, made the atmosphere on the set very tense.

[runhard]

Aug 26, 2021 7:03:29 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

Kyle’s revelation that Elizabeth Montgomery did not like Dick York is news to me. But, that would surely explain why she and her husband Bill Asher did not support Dick throughout his illness. It is confusing though since Bill would have chosen the cast as he was the executive producer and director. Plus, being married to the star you would think she had definite input as to her co-star. It may be a similar case from the series “Castle” where after nine years of starring together and getting married on the show, supposedly, star Nathan Fillion decided he didn’t want to work with beautiful Stana Kanic anymore as his wife and police officer Kate Beckett. They fired her and then realized no one wanted to watch Castle without Beckett. So the series was cancelled! Now, many actors have an Executive Producer credit and have co-star and director approval. Yeah, like they need more than ONE salary!

Because SAG didn’t initially have a great health care system, when an actor got their paycheck for any performance in the early ‘60’s, a percentage went to what was called “Entertainment Charities” (EC) This organization was there for actors, actresses and any cast or crew member who needed it. They could apply for short term health care or living expenses and payment of bills. But long term care, like for Dick York was not available at the time. Now, they have 2 locations in CA and NJ where industry people can live or retire and have all expenses and health care costs covered.

So, if an actor’s salary was $1,500 for 3 days work, by the time the government took their cut, your agent and/or manager took their 15%, your publicist took theirs, the Entertainment Charities took theirs, sometimes 3 days work from usually 5am - 8pm, your take home pay might be around $600. Not everyone has publicists, but it is still a lot of money to have to give to someone else when you did all the work! Most actors work around 16 hours a day. So, if my math is right, that breaks down to be about $12.50 per hour!! Now people at most fast food places make more than that!! Something to think about!

Then, The Actors Fund was established. It replaced the EC and they have an amazing fund-raising arm. Many of the incredible cast reunions of iconic TV shows and Movies that have been on Zoom during the pandemic are all benefiting The Actors Fund. Millions of dollars are raised every year and the Fund distributes to needy people in all areas of the entertainment industry. It has been life-saving during the pandemic to pay for everyday expenses and unusual or necessary health care costs. With COVID, it has given away millions of dollars to those in need. It is true salvation for so many.

When my Mom died, after 6 months in and out of the hospital, 2 surgeries and a final week at The Motion Picture Hospital, her medical bills FAR exceeded what SAG would pay for her care. We were going to have to pay the balance for years and years. But, we were shocked and so incredibly grateful that all of my Mom’s friends, colleagues and even just acquaintances or fans, followed our request for donations to the Fund in her memory. Since so many people donated thousands and thousands of dollars to The Actors Fund after her death, they called and told us they would pay off any medical balances we had. When I told them the balance exceeded over $30,000, they didn’t flinch and paid everything! We couldn’t believe the generosity from everywhere! So, every year I donate money in my parents’ memory to The Actors Fund. It is one of the best ways I can remember them and honor their many years of work. VERY wealthy people in the industry leave tremendous amounts of money to the Fund through their will and it is well spent.

When I asked my Mom how she could get up by 3am, at the studio for make up at 5am and then on set by 6am and be at the studio until 8 or 9 at night - sometimes waiting ALL day for her one scene at 7pm - and then she had to give over 1/2 her salary away- how in the world did she survive that into her 60’s?? She would always smile and say, “Well, it beats selling shoes at Macy’s!” Apologies to any shoe salespersons! But, as I have said, my Mom felt very blessed to be working on the Waltons and her father must have instilled in her a good work ethic too.

But, I also think I would have been MORE than happy to get up at such an ungodly hour if I got to spend time with Cary Grant, Steve McQueen or Rock Hudson! I know I practically JUMPED out of bed at the crack of dawn in Montana, was not fazed by spending over an hour in the early morning chill driving to a remote location, dragging my sleepy nine year old son with me, to stare at Robert Redford all day!!

We all have our cross to bear……..

I wouldn't be surprised if Elizabeth Montgomery didn't like Dick York but personally I quit watching Bewitched after York left the show. It just wasn't the same anymore and who didn't like or miss the way Dick York said, Sam! I've worked on a few shows right out of college but the first one spoiled me it was by far the best experience I ever had. There was no pettiness and the entire cast and crew was truly a big family but it's a rarity there's always someone who's not happy. As for Montgomery it was her show and she had the juice but you wonder why Dick York was ever cast in the first place?
Still I like to think what the biggest movie star in the world told this 18 year old kid on the streets of LA long ago. The kid who chased him down in his sports car finally catching him at the light opposite the old MGM Studios looked over excited to meet his favorite actor and then told him I just heard about you on the radio. Oh yeah what did they say? That you were going to make this new film and then as the light was turning red he said to the kid, oh yeah well don't believe everything you hear. He smiled and the kid said okay and waved goodbye. That was August of '76 and I've never forgotten that sage wisdom he told me that day either.

[patriciaanne]

Aug 26, 2021 7:03:29 GMT -5 flossieskid said:

Kyle’s revelation that Elizabeth Montgomery did not like Dick York is news to me. But, that would surely explain why she and her husband Bill Asher did not support Dick throughout his illness. It is confusing though since Bill would have chosen the cast as he was the executive producer and director. Plus, being married to the star you would think she had definite input as to her co-star. It may be a similar case from the series “Castle” where after nine years of starring together and getting married on the show, supposedly, star Nathan Fillion decided he didn’t want to work with beautiful Stana Kanic anymore as his wife and police officer Kate Beckett. They fired her and then realized no one wanted to watch Castle without Beckett. So the series was cancelled! Now, many actors have an Executive Producer credit and have co-star and director approval. Yeah, like they need more than ONE salary!

Because SAG didn’t initially have a great health care system, when an actor got their paycheck for any performance in the early ‘60’s, a percentage went to what was called “Entertainment Charities” (EC) This organization was there for actors, actresses and any cast or crew member who needed it. They could apply for short term health care or living expenses and payment of bills. But long term care, like for Dick York was not available at the time. Now, they have 2 locations in CA and NJ where industry people can live or retire and have all expenses and health care costs covered.

So, if an actor’s salary was $1,500 for 3 days work, by the time the government took their cut, your agent and/or manager took their 15%, your publicist took theirs, the Entertainment Charities took theirs, sometimes 3 days work from usually 5am - 8pm, your take home pay might be around $600. Not everyone has publicists, but it is still a lot of money to have to give to someone else when you did all the work! Most actors work around 16 hours a day. So, if my math is right, that breaks down to be about $12.50 per hour!! Now people at most fast food places make more than that!! Something to think about!

Then, The Actors Fund was established. It replaced the EC and they have an amazing fund-raising arm. Many of the incredible cast reunions of iconic TV shows and Movies that have been on Zoom during the pandemic are all benefiting The Actors Fund. Millions of dollars are raised every year and the Fund distributes to needy people in all areas of the entertainment industry. It has been life-saving during the pandemic to pay for everyday expenses and unusual or necessary health care costs. With COVID, it has given away millions of dollars to those in need. It is true salvation for so many.

When my Mom died, after 6 months in and out of the hospital, 2 surgeries and a final week at The Motion Picture Hospital, her medical bills FAR exceeded what SAG would pay for her care. We were going to have to pay the balance for years and years. But, we were shocked and so incredibly grateful that all of my Mom’s friends, colleagues and even just acquaintances or fans, followed our request for donations to the Fund in her memory. Since so many people donated thousands and thousands of dollars to The Actors Fund after her death, they called and told us they would pay off any medical balances we had. When I told them the balance exceeded over $30,000, they didn’t flinch and paid everything! We couldn’t believe the generosity from everywhere! So, every year I donate money in my parents’ memory to The Actors Fund. It is one of the best ways I can remember them and honor their many years of work. VERY wealthy people in the industry leave tremendous amounts of money to the Fund through their will and it is well spent.

When I asked my Mom how she could get up by 3am, at the studio for make up at 5am and then on set by 6am and be at the studio until 8 or 9 at night - sometimes waiting ALL day for her one scene at 7pm - and then she had to give over 1/2 her salary away- how in the world did she survive that into her 60’s?? She would always smile and say, “Well, it beats selling shoes at Macy’s!” Apologies to any shoe salespersons! But, as I have said, my Mom felt very blessed to be working on the Waltons and her father must have instilled in her a good work ethic too.

But, I also think I would have been MORE than happy to get up at such an ungodly hour if I got to spend time with Cary Grant, Steve McQueen or Rock Hudson! I know I practically JUMPED out of bed at the crack of dawn in Montana, was not fazed by spending over an hour in the early morning chill driving to a remote location, dragging my sleepy nine year old son with me, to stare at Robert Redford all day!!

We all have our cross to bear……..

Ok, I finally found the original in this thread. This was so interesting, Tracey! And I have to laugh because my beloved aunt, whom I sadly lost quite unexpectedly a week before last Christmas, used to....(wait for it)....sell shoes at Macy's. 🤣🤣🤣 But I know she would not have been one little bit insulted. She really liked that job, although I don't believe I ever heard her say, "Well it sure beats making movies with Cary Grant." 😄

[flossieskid]

PatriciaAnne, Sorry about your aunt's passing, but what a hoot to know of someone who actually sold shoes at Macy's! I hope she liked her job. But true, if the alternative was to spend all day with Cary Grant, she may have thought, "Shoes - what shoes?!" Thanks for sharing.