Erin Murphy, once adored by television audiences as Tabitha Stephens on the classic sitcom Bewitched, ultimately chose a path away from Hollywood fame. Born in 1964, she began acting at just two years old and played the daughter of Samantha and Darrin Stephens from 1966 to 1972. Despite receiving numerous offers after the series ended, Murphy decided to step back, opting for a normal childhood filled with activities like Girl Scout camp, even turning down a chance to join The Waltons.
Her decision to leave acting was intentional rather than forced. Murphy has said she preferred to “walk away from the business before maybe the business kicked me out,” avoiding the grind of constant auditions. Still, she never completely severed ties with entertainment. Over the years, she accepted occasional roles in indie projects and web series, often poking fun at her own fame. In 2019, she even revisited her iconic role as Tabitha in a lighthearted appearance on TV Therapy.
Beyond the screen, Murphy embraced a much more personal role—that of a devoted mother to six sons. She has always emphasized individuality, encouraging each of her children to follow their passions. Her parenting philosophy of optimism and support grew even stronger when one of her sons, Parker, was diagnosed with autism. This experience reshaped her perspective and inspired her to advocate more deeply for families navigating similar challenges.
While Murphy has long been active in children’s charities, Parker’s diagnosis steered her focus toward autism awareness and neurodiversity. She became a passionate advocate, serving on boards and engaging directly with parents in need of guidance. One program particularly close to her heart is surf therapy, which offered Parker not only sensory and social benefits but also a sense of joy and community. For Murphy, lending her voice to these causes has been a way to “give back” using the platform her earlier fame provided.
Today, Murphy’s story is less about Hollywood stardom and more about living with intention and compassion. She chose family over fame and redefined her public identity by using it in service of others. From her beginnings as a child star to her current work in advocacy, Erin Murphy demonstrates that a lasting legacy can be built not under the bright lights of show business, but in the quieter, deeply meaningful work of motherhood and community support.
