Dick Sargent was an American actor who is best known for being the second actor to portray Darrin Stephens on the popular sitcom Bewitched. He replaced Dick York, who had to leave the show due to health problems, in 1969 and stayed until the show’s end in 1972. But what many fans may not know is that Sargent himself also struggled with a serious illness that eventually claimed his life. Here is the story of how Dick Sargent died of prostate cancer.
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Early Life and Career
Dick Sargent was born Richard Stanford Cox on April 19, 1930, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. His parents were both involved in show business: his mother, Ruth McNaughton, was a supporting actress in several films, and his father, Elmer Cox, was a business manager for Hollywood stars like Douglas Fairbanks and Erich von Stroheim.
Sargent attended the San Rafael Military Academy and then majored in drama at Stanford University. He appeared in many plays with the Stanford Players Theater before making his film debut in Prisoner of War (1954) with Ronald Reagan. He went on to appear in several movies, such as The Great Locomotive Chase (1956), Bernardine (1957), Operation Petticoat (1959), and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966).
He also had a successful television career, appearing in shows like Gunsmoke, Dr. Kildare, I Dream of Jeannie, and The Waltons. He was a regular in three short-lived sitcoms: One Happy Family (1961), Broadside (1964), and The Tammy Grimes Show (1966).
Becoming Darrin Stephens
Sargent’s most famous role came when he was cast as Darrin Stephens, the mortal husband of a witch named Samantha (played by Elizabeth Montgomery) on Bewitched. He had actually been offered the role before the show started in 1964, but he turned it down because he was under contract with Universal Studios. The role went to Dick York instead.
However, York suffered from chronic back pain and seizures due to an injury he sustained while filming a movie in 1959. His condition worsened over the years and he often had to miss episodes or be replaced by stand-ins. In 1969, he collapsed on the set and decided to quit the show for good.
Sargent was then approached again by the producers of Bewitched and agreed to take over the role of Darrin. He made his debut in the sixth season premiere and quickly won over the fans with his charm and humor. He also had a good chemistry with Montgomery and the rest of the cast. He played Darrin until the show ended in 1972 after eight seasons.
Coming Out as Gay
Sargent was gay, but he kept his sexuality a secret for most of his life. He feared that being open about it would ruin his career and expose him to discrimination and violence. He had several relationships with men, but none of them were public. He also dated women occasionally to maintain his image as a heterosexual leading man.
In 1986, he met Albert Williams, a stage manager and producer, and they became partners. They lived together until Sargent’s death.
In 1991, Sargent decided to come out as gay publicly. He did so on National Coming Out Day, October 11, by participating in a gay rights parade in Los Angeles with Montgomery, who supported him as a friend and ally. He said he wanted to be a “retroactive role model” for young gay people who were struggling with their identity and facing prejudice and harassment.
He also wanted to dispel the rumors that he had AIDS, which were fueled by his declining health and appearance. He said he did not have AIDS, but he did have another disease: prostate cancer.
Battling Prostate Cancer
Sargent was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1989. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy, but the cancer spread to other parts of his body. He continued to work as an actor despite his illness, appearing in shows like Murder, She Wrote, L.A. Law, and Harry and the Hendersons.
He also devoted himself to various charitable causes, such as the Special Olympics, World Hunger, AIDS Project Los Angeles, and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
He died on July 8, 1994, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 64 years old. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.
He was survived by his partner Williams, his sister Mary Ann Anderson, his brother-in-law John Anderson Jr., and several nieces and nephews.
Legacy
Dick Sargent is remembered as a talented and versatile actor who brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers. He is also admired for his courage and honesty in coming out as gay and fighting for gay rights. He is considered a pioneer and an inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6533 Hollywood Boulevard. He was also honored by the Human Rights Campaign with a Visibility Award in 1992.
He once said, “I don’t know how much longer I have, and nobody can seem to predict it. But I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.” He lived his life with grace, humor, and dignity, and left a lasting impression on the world.
