We were all stunned by the sudden death of Elizabeth Montgomery.

Acting was in her blood from the very beginning. In a 1954 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Elizabeth recalled, “Dad tells me I often climbed on his lap after dinner and remarked, ‘I’m going to be an actress when I grow up.’

I don’t know whether he encouraged me or not, but he told me he would humor me and would tell me to wait and see what happened when I grew up.”

Her father played a significant role in her early career. Elizabeth said, “I’ll be real honest and say that Daddy did help me get a break in TV, and I’m really grateful for his assistance and guidance.

He’s my most severe critic, but also a true friend as well as a loving father.” Elizabeth attended school in California before moving to New York City, where she studied at the Spence School.

She later attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for three years, further developing her acting skills.

While still a teenager, she made her television debut on her father’s show, Robert Montgomery Presents, and appeared in several episodes, gaining early experience and exposure in the industry.

In 1953, she made her Broadway debut in the play Late Love. Two years later, she appeared in her first film, The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, before returning to Broadway to continue honing her craft.Continue reading…