Dick Sargent

Dick Sargent

Hollywood's Quiet Hero

Dick Sargent, born Richard Stanford Cox, was an American actor best known for playing the role of Darrin Stephens on the popular television show Bewitched from 1969 to 1972, replacing Dick York. He appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and commercials throughout his career.

After graduating from Stanford University, Sargent started his acting career in films and made early appearances in Operation Petticoat (1959) and The Great Impostor (1961). However, his real fame came when he was cast in Bewitched..

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Operation Petticoat - 1959

Dick Sargent

Biography and Movie Career

Dick Sargent, born Richard Stanford Cox on April 19, 1930, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, was the son of prominent figures. His father, Colonel Elmer Cox, was a decorated World War I officer turned business executive, while his mother, Ruth McNaughton, had a brief career as a Hollywood actress under the name Ruth Powell. Raised in a relatively privileged environment, Sargent was introduced early to the arts, and his mother’s connections to Hollywood certainly had a strong influence on his eventual career choice.

Sargent attended military school for part of his youth and later enrolled at Stanford University. At Stanford, he initially pursued a degree in drama, where he began honing his acting skills. After graduation, he went to work odd jobs before focusing on his passion for acting. His decision to change his last name to "Sargent" was partly to avoid confusion with another actor named Richard Cox, but it also gave him a more memorable stage presence.

Career Beginnings and Path to Success

Dick Sargent’s career began in the 1950s, mostly in supporting roles in films and television. His boyish good looks and affable personality helped him secure early parts. Some of his first notable roles were in films like Operation Petticoat (1959) alongside Cary Grant and Tony Curtis, and That Touch of Mink (1962) starring Doris Day and Grant. Sargent was frequently cast as a “good guy,” often playing amiable characters with a strong sense of ethics and charm.

However, his major breakthrough came in 1969 when he replaced Dick York as Darrin Stephens in the immensely popular TV series Bewitched. York, who had played Darrin since the show’s inception in 1964, had to leave due to health problems, and Sargent took over the role for the last three seasons. While there were initial concerns about how the audience would receive a new actor in the same role, Sargent quickly won over fans with his more relaxed, easy-going portrayal of Darrin, compared to York's often more frantic style.

Sargent’s role in Bewitched solidified his standing in Hollywood, but he continued to work in a variety of genres. He guest-starred on numerous TV shows, including The Dukes of Hazzard, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote. His charm and professionalism made him a beloved character actor, and though he never became a major movie star, his consistent television presence kept him in the public eye for decades.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Sargent kept his personal life relatively private for much of his career. In Hollywood, during the mid-20th century, being openly gay was not only taboo but could also end a career. As a result, Sargent remained closeted for much of his life, largely conforming to the expectations of heterosexual norms in the public eye. He never married, and many speculated about his personal relationships.

In 1991, amidst the growing AIDS crisis and changing societal attitudes, Sargent publicly came out as gay. This was a bold move, especially for someone who had been a television icon for so long. His coming out was widely reported, and Sargent used his platform to speak on behalf of the gay community and raise awareness about issues such as AIDS. He became a prominent advocate for AIDS research, publicly discussing his sexuality to destigmatize the disease and promote tolerance.

Passions and Other Interests

Sargent had numerous passions beyond acting. He was an avid supporter of humanitarian causes and regularly participated in charity events. His advocacy for gay rights and AIDS awareness was particularly significant in the later years of his life. He was also interested in painting and spent time cultivating his creativity outside of his acting career.

Sargent’s activism and philanthropy earned him immense respect in the gay community, and his decision to come out was seen as a courageous step for the time, inspiring many others to live their truth.

Death and Legacy

Dick Sargent was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the early 1990s, and although he continued to work and advocate for causes close to his heart, the disease eventually took its toll. On July 8, 1994, he died at the age of 64. His death was mourned by fans, friends, and colleagues who remembered him not only for his contributions to the entertainment world but also for his bravery in standing up for gay rights.

Sargent’s ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean, a fitting resting place for someone who had spent his life on the West Coast and whose legacy will be remembered as much for his activism as for his acting.

His work on Bewitched continues to entertain generations, and his later-life advocacy leaves an enduring impact. Sargent may have been known to many as "the second Darrin," but his courage, kindness, and philanthropy made him much more than just a TV star.

Rare Interview with Dick Sargent

Understated Acting Style

Dick Sargent's acting style was characterized by a natural, understated charm that made him relatable and likable to audiences. His performances were often grounded in subtle humor, making him particularly adept at playing everyman characters who found themselves in extraordinary or comedic situations.

Relatability and Warmth

Sargent excelled at portraying characters that the audience could identify with, especially in domestic and workplace settings. Whether he was playing a husband, a businessman, or a supporting role in a family comedy, Sargent’s persona was always approachable. He had an air of sincerity and ease in his acting, which made his characters feel genuine and trustworthy. His portrayal of Darrin Stephens in Bewitched epitomized this, as he played a grounded, well-meaning husband caught up in magical chaos. Even when things went awry, his calm demeanor and measured reactions helped to anchor the fantasy of the show in reality.

Comedic Timing and Subtle Humor

Sargent’s comedic timing was one of his greatest strengths. Rather than relying on slapstick or exaggerated humor, he often leaned on wit, dry humor, and reactions to the absurdity around him. In Bewitched, for example, much of the comedy in his scenes came from his understated frustration with the magical mishaps in his household. His facial expressions and gentle exasperation gave the audience just enough to laugh at without him overplaying the situation. This quiet, reaction-based comedy allowed his characters to stay realistic while still making the outlandish situations around him seem funny.

Sargent also displayed a flair for deadpan humor, where his straight-faced delivery would amplify the comedic effect of a scene. In The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966), he played a lawyer in a supporting role, and his interactions with Don Knotts’ character showed his ability to balance playing the "straight man" in contrast to more outrageous characters, a role he often thrived in.

Versatility in TV Guest Roles

In his many guest appearances on TV shows like The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote, Sargent demonstrated versatility. He could play a romantic lead, a suspicious character, or even someone villainous, but no matter the role, he brought a sense of groundedness to his performances. Even in episodes that required him to act with heightened emotion or tension, his performances were always balanced, never overly dramatic or theatrical. He had a natural talent for fitting into ensemble casts, complementing the performances of others rather than trying to outshine them.

Naturalism and Understated Acting

Sargent’s acting style often veered towards naturalism, particularly in his more serious roles. He avoided melodramatic flourishes or overly showy acting, opting instead for performances that felt authentic and real. This subtlety made him versatile in genres beyond comedy. In crime dramas like Columbo or Murder, She Wrote, where the characters often carried more weight and tension, Sargent still managed to deliver performances that were believable and restrained. His low-key, conversational style allowed viewers to become immersed in his characters’ realities, even when they were involved in larger-than-life plots.

Appeal in Domestic Roles

Sargent was particularly well-suited to domestic roles—characters that embodied the ideals of family, stability, and moral decency. In Bewitched, his role as Darrin Stephens required him to play a typical suburban husband, constantly frustrated yet loving and loyal. He brought an unassuming masculinity to this role, making him a quintessential 1960s sitcom husband who represented patience, devotion, and occasional bemusement. Even as strange and fantastical events unfolded around him, Sargent’s calm and caring portrayal of Darrin helped ground the show, making the extraordinary elements seem more plausible within the domestic setting.

Endearing Everyman Persona

At the heart of Sargent's acting was his "everyman" quality. He didn’t play glamorous or larger-than-life figures; instead, he embodied the relatable, middle-class American man who could be a friend, neighbor, or co-worker. His easygoing demeanor made him the perfect fit for roles that required a steady, dependable presence—whether he was playing a supportive husband, a kindly boss, or a law-abiding citizen. This made him endearing to audiences, who could see themselves in the characters he portrayed.

Adaptability Across Genres

Although Sargent is best known for his work in comedies and sitcoms, he showed a remarkable ability to adapt to different genres. Whether he was navigating the lighthearted, whimsical plots of Bewitched, the suspenseful mysteries of Murder, She Wrote, or the romantic and family-oriented stories in shows like The Love Boat, Sargent adjusted his tone and style to fit the genre’s demands. He never appeared out of place, thanks to his chameleon-like ability to blend into a wide variety of roles and settings. His adaptability ensured that he was always in demand for guest roles, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, as his charm and professionalism could elevate even smaller roles.

Grace Under Pressure

Sargent had a particular knack for portraying characters who were often caught in situations beyond their control. This aspect of his acting worked perfectly in roles like Darrin Stephens on Bewitched, where his character was regularly put into absurd or frustrating scenarios. Instead of overreacting or acting in an exaggerated way, Sargent’s characters would express their annoyance or bewilderment with a measured response. This "grace under pressure" style created a sympathetic quality in his performances. The audience could laugh at his misfortunes but also root for him to come out on top. This calm, calculated style of performance added to his appeal as a likable and reliable character in many of his roles.

Personal Quotes from Dick Sargent

• "It was really tough being gay back then. You couldn’t tell anyone for fear it would ruin your career."

Reflecting on the difficulties of being closeted in Hollywood during his early career and the fear of being outed.

• "I felt it was time to stand up and be counted. I wasn’t ashamed of who I was, but the times made it impossible to be open."

On why he decided to come out publicly in 1991 and embrace his identity as a gay man, at a time when few actors did so.

• "Coming out was the best thing I ever did. It freed me."

Emphasizing the sense of relief and empowerment he felt after publicly disclosing his sexuality, later in his life.

• "I was a replacement, but I never felt like a second Darrin. I tried to make the role my own, and I think I succeeded."

On replacing Dick York as Darrin Stephens on Bewitched and how he approached making the character his own.

• "I think what made Bewitched special was that it had a little magic but also a lot of heart. It was about love, even with all the craziness."

Reflecting on the lasting appeal of Bewitched and its ability to mix fantasy with relatable themes of love and family.

• "I never wanted to be a huge star. I just wanted to work consistently and have fun doing it. Acting was my job, but it was also my passion."

Sargent’s grounded perspective on his career, emphasizing his love for acting and contentment with steady work rather than seeking major stardom.

• "In this business, you’re always waiting for the next thing. But if you’re lucky, you enjoy the ride along the way."

Reflecting on the uncertainty of an acting career and the importance of enjoying the journey.

• "You’ve got to stay positive. I’m not giving in to this."

Spoken during his battle with prostate cancer, showing his determination and positive outlook despite his illness.

Awards and Recognition

• TV Land Award (Posthumous Recognition) – 2005

Bewitched was honored with the "Pop Culture Award" at the TV Land Awards in 2005, acknowledging the show's lasting cultural impact. While the award was for the show as a whole, it was a posthumous recognition of Dick Sargent's contribution as part of the iconic cast.

• Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Vanguard Award – 1992

Sargent was awarded the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 1992, honoring his courage in coming out as gay during a time when few Hollywood actors were open about their sexuality. His public advocacy for gay rights and AIDS awareness, especially during the later years of his life, earned him this prestigious recognition.

Movies featuring Dick Sargent

1957

• "Bernardine"
  A lighthearted musical comedy about a group of teenage boys obsessed with dating girls. Dick Sargent played Sanford Wilson, one of the boys navigating love and high school life.

1958

• "Marjorie Morningstar"
  A romantic drama about a young woman named Marjorie, who dreams of becoming a Broadway star but struggles with her conservative family values. Sargent had a minor role in this film, which starred Natalie Wood and Gene Kelly.

1959

• "Operation Petticoat"
  A wartime comedy about a World War II submarine crew forced to take on female nurses. Sargent played Ensign Stovall in this hit film, which starred Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. The mismatched crew members deal with all sorts of hilarious situations.

1961

• "The Great Impostor"
  Based on the true story of Ferdinand Demara, a master of deception who impersonated many professionals throughout his life, including a monk and a surgeon. Sargent had a supporting role alongside Tony Curtis in this fascinating biopic.

1962

• "That Touch of Mink"
  A romantic comedy starring Doris Day and Cary Grant. Sargent played Roger, a friend of the lead characters. The film centers around a wealthy businessman trying to seduce a working-class woman, who values her independence.

1966

• "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken"
  A comedic mystery about a timid man, played by Don Knotts, who spends a night in a supposedly haunted house. Sargent played George Beckett, a lawyer who helps sort out the town's bizarre happenings.

1967

• "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell"
  A World War II comedy in which Dick Sargent plays Lt. C. Bates, a member of a ragtag crew on a supply ship trying to retrieve a sunken beer shipment in the Pacific. The film stars Bob Hope in the title role.

1967

• "The Ballad of Josie"
  A comedy western starring Doris Day as a widow who tries to become a rancher in a male-dominated world. Sargent played Charlie Lord, one of the townspeople involved in Josie's life.

1969

• "The Barefoot Executive"
  This Disney family comedy stars Kurt Russell as a young TV network employee whose pet chimpanzee seems to have an infallible ability to pick successful TV shows. Sargent played a network executive, Wilbanks, caught up in the mayhem.

1971

• "Ace Eli and Rodger of the Skies"
  A drama set in the 1920s, about a stunt pilot and his young son traveling across America in their biplane. Sargent played a supporting role as Frank Tropp, contributing to the adventurous tone of the film.

1972

• "Young Dr. Kildare"
  This was a made-for-TV movie revival of the popular Dr. Kildare series. Sargent took on a guest-starring role, helping to bring back the medical drama to a new generation.

1973

• "The Devil’s Daughter"
  A horror TV movie about a young woman who discovers that she has been promised to the devil by her deceased mother. Sargent played Dr. Jerry Holman, a friend who tries to help her. The film reflects the fascination with occult themes during the 1970s.

1982

• "Boys' Night Out"
  A comedy TV movie starring Dick Sargent alongside Fred Willard and Paul Sorvino. The plot involves a group of middle-aged men trying to recapture their youth with a wild night on the town, leading to all sorts of humorous situations.

1983

• "The Other Woman"
  A romantic drama TV movie where a married man falls in love with another woman. Sargent played a supporting role as a friend of the main characters, adding emotional depth to the storyline.

1985

• "Down to Earth"
  A made-for-TV movie that Sargent starred in, part of a lighthearted fantasy series. He played Mr. Lester, an angel who helps guide a newly deceased woman adjusting to life in the afterlife.

1992

• "Acting on Impulse"
  A comedy thriller about a Hollywood actress, played by Linda Fiorentino, who becomes the target of a stalker. Sargent had a small but memorable role as one of the many quirky characters she encounters during her ordeal.

1994

• "Hard Vice"
  A crime thriller about two female detectives trying to bust a prostitution ring in Las Vegas. Sargent appeared in one of his last roles as a seasoned detective, bringing his charm and wit to the movie. The film was released shortly before his death.

TV Series Starring Dick Sargent

1964-1972 – Bewitched

• Role: Darrin Stephens (1969-1972)
• Synopsis: A beloved fantasy sitcom about a witch named Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) who marries a mortal man, Darrin Stephens, and tries to lead a normal suburban life despite her magical abilities. Dick Sargent replaced Dick York in the role of Darrin during the sixth season due to York's health issues. Sargent played Darrin for the final three seasons, bringing a more relaxed and calm version of the character to the show. His interactions with Samantha's magical relatives, especially her meddling mother Endora, were key elements of the series.

1955-1956 – Private Secretary

• Role: Minor roles in various episodes
• Synopsis: A sitcom centered around a secretary named Susie McNamara (Ann Sothern) who worked for a talent agent and often found herself caught up in amusing misadventures. Dick Sargent made guest appearances in minor roles early in his career.

1959-1960 – One Happy Family

• Role: Dick Cooper
• Synopsis: A short-lived sitcom about a young couple, Dick and Jean Cooper, who live with Jean’s eccentric parents, leading to plenty of humorous clashes and misunderstandings. Sargent played the husband, trying to balance his marriage and the chaos caused by living with his in-laws.

1961 – The Ann Sothern Show

• Role: Kenny Richmond
• Synopsis: A continuation of the Private Secretary series, this sitcom followed Katy O'Connor (Ann Sothern), an assistant manager at a New York City hotel. Dick Sargent played Kenny Richmond, one of Katy’s love interests, who added a romantic subplot to the show. His role was recurring but brief.

1963-1965 – Broadside

• Role: Lt. Rip Riddle
• Synopsis: A military sitcom about a group of WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II. Dick Sargent played Lt. Rip Riddle, a naval officer who dealt with the chaos of the women working in traditionally male roles, often finding himself exasperated but charmed by their antics.

1964-1965 – My Favorite Martian

• Role: Various guest roles
• Synopsis: A science fiction sitcom about a Martian, Uncle Martin (Ray Walston), who crash-lands on Earth and is taken in by a newspaper reporter. Dick Sargent guest-starred in various episodes, playing different characters who interacted with Uncle Martin in amusing situations involving the Martian's powers.

1967-1970 – The Tammy Grimes Show

• Role: Steven Grimes
• Synopsis: A short-lived sitcom featuring Tammy Grimes as a wealthy, free-spirited woman who continually frustrates her conservative family with her quirky behavior. Dick Sargent played Steven Grimes, her more level-headed brother who often tried to keep her eccentricities in check.

1975-1985 – The Love Boat

• Role: Various guest roles
• Synopsis: This long-running romantic comedy anthology series was set aboard a luxury cruise ship, where various characters experienced romantic and comedic adventures. Sargent appeared in several episodes, playing different characters each time. His roles often involved romantic subplots or humorous situations.

1978-1984 – Fantasy Island

• Role: Various guest roles
• Synopsis: A unique drama where guests arrive on a mysterious island to have their deepest fantasies fulfilled, often with unexpected consequences. Sargent made multiple appearances on the show, playing different guests whose fantasies lead to adventure or self-discovery.

1980-1986 – The Dukes of Hazzard

• Role: Various guest roles
• Synopsis: A popular action-comedy series about the Duke boys, who fight crime and corruption in their rural hometown of Hazzard County. Sargent made several guest appearances as different law enforcement figures or citizens caught up in the Dukes' high-speed chases and antics.

1981-1989 – Murder, She Wrote

• Role: Various guest roles
• Synopsis: A mystery series starring Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer who solves real-life crimes. Dick Sargent appeared in a few episodes as different characters, usually involved in murder cases that Jessica would end up solving.

1983-1984 – Down to Earth

• Role: Mr. Lester
• Synopsis: A family sitcom with a supernatural twist, featuring a woman from the 1920s who is sent back to Earth as an angel to help a modern-day family. Sargent played Mr. Lester, the family’s kindly neighbor, who often got involved in their comedic and sometimes touching adventures.

1984-1986 – Punky Brewster

• Role: Henry Warnimont (Guest role)
• Synopsis: A family comedy about Punky Brewster, a young girl who is raised by a foster father, Henry Warnimont. Sargent appeared in a guest role as a neighbor and family friend who had a light-hearted, supportive relationship with Punky and Henry.

1985-1989 – The Dukes

• Role: Sheriff Nathaniel Hawkins
• Synopsis: A spin-off of The Dukes of Hazzard, focusing on the antics of the Duke family and their run-ins with local law enforcement. Sargent had a recurring role as Sheriff Nathaniel Hawkins, a lawman with a sense of humor who often ended up being outwitted by the Duke boys.

1986-1987 – Major Dad

• Role: Various guest roles
• Synopsis: A family sitcom about a U.S. Marine and his interactions with his new wife and her three daughters from a previous marriage. Sargent made several guest appearances as friends or colleagues of the family, adding to the comedic situations.

1987 – Rags to Riches

• Role: Mr. Joseph Sheffield (Guest role)
• Synopsis: A musical-comedy-drama series about a wealthy bachelor who adopts a group of orphaned girls. Sargent played Joseph Sheffield, a guest character who played a role in helping the main characters adjust to their unconventional new family dynamic.

1990 – Columbo

• Role: Dr. Henry Willis (Guest role)
• Synopsis: A detective drama starring Peter Falk as the unassuming but brilliant detective Lt. Columbo. Sargent guest-starred as Dr. Henry Willis, a character involved in one of Columbo's murder investigations, contributing to the suspense and intrigue of the episode.