Erin Murphy at 61: The Bewitching Truth Behind Her Viral No-Makeup Selfie

Get ready for some real talk! "Bewitched" star Erin Murphy, who we all know and love as little Tabitha Stephens, recently dropped a stunning, makeup-free selfie on Instagram that's got everyone buzzing. And she used it to deliver a powerful message about aging naturally and keeping it real online.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Erin Murphy's Viral Post

• Naturally 61: Erin Murphy posted a barefaced selfie, declaring she's 61 "WITHOUT a facelift, without any makeup."
• Shutting Down Speculation: The former child star addressed rampant social media rumors about cosmetic surgery, embracing her authentic look, scars and all.
• A Plea for Kindness: Murphy encouraged followers to choose positivity or silence online, reminding everyone to enjoy life offline.

Aging Gracefully, Sans the Witchcraft (or Facelift!)

If you grew up watching "Bewitched," you probably have a soft spot for Tabitha Stephens, the adorable, magically inclined daughter of Samantha and Darrin. Well, the actress who brought Tabitha to life, Erin Murphy, is now 61, and she's just served up a dose of pure, unadulterated authenticity that's making waves across the internet.

Murphy took to Instagram on October 20, 2025, and shared a close-up selfie, radiant and completely free of makeup. But this wasn't just any selfie; it was a statement. With a candid caption, she directly addressed the whispers and speculation that have been floating around social media about whether she'd gone under the knife.

"This is 61…WITHOUT a facelift, without any makeup," Murphy boldly stated. It's a line that resonates deeply in a world often obsessed with eternal youth and filtered perfection. She didn't just share a photo; she shared a philosophy.

Responding to the Unasked Questions: "This is Me at 61"

It's no secret that celebrities, especially women, face immense pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. Every wrinkle, every line, is scrutinized, and often, assumptions are made. Erin Murphy, with grace and a touch of humor, decided to set the record straight herself.

She admitted that she wasn't sure why "so many random people on social media feel the need to speculate that I’ve had a facelift; but I haven’t." She even considered the speculation a "backhanded compliment" if people thought she looked good "for her age." But her message was clear: what you see is what you get, and what you get is genuine.

Murphy didn't shy away from pointing out the natural marks that tell her life story. "This is me at 61," she continued. "I’ve got a scar on my forehead from when my head hit the pavement a couple years ago in a dog walking accident. I’ve got a scar under my chin from when it hit the kitchen floor when I was a little girl. I have smile lines around my eyes, since I laugh more than I cry. I’ve got some freckles and a little tan, since I love the sunshine."

These details aren't just personal anecdotes; they're a powerful affirmation of accepting every part of yourself, imperfections and all. It’s a refreshing change from the often-curated online world.

"This is 61…WITHOUT a facelift, without any makeup. Not sure why so many random people on social media feel the need to speculate that I’ve had a facelift; but I haven’t. I suppose it’s a backhanded compliment that you think I look good ‘for my age.’ This is me at 61."

– Erin Murphy

A Blast from the Past: Remembering Tabitha Stephens

Erin Murphy's journey to household recognition began when she was just a toddler. She started playing Samantha and Darrin's magical daughter, Tabitha, on "Bewitched" in 1966. Interestingly, she initially shared the role with her twin sister, Diane, before eventually taking on the part solo as she got a bit older and her individual personality shone through.

The iconic sitcom, which first premiered on September 17, 1964, ran for eight enchanting seasons, concluding in 1972. Murphy was only 8 years old when the show wrapped, having spent a significant portion of her formative years growing up on a television set. She's often shared how the cast felt like a real family to her, with Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha) and Dick York/Sargent (Darrin) serving as her on-screen parents and close companions.

One fun fact that speaks to the show's flexibility and the family atmosphere on set: Murphy's childhood chin scar, from a fall she had as a little girl, was actually written into a 1970 episode! In "Tabitha's Very Own Samantha," her TV mom, Elizabeth Montgomery's character, playfully asks about her chin and jokingly attributes the injury to Tabitha flying when she was too young. It's these kinds of charming details that make "Bewitched" so enduring.

The Enduring Magic of "Bewitched" and Connecting Generations

Decades after its original run, "Bewitched" continues to captivate new audiences. Erin Murphy herself has reflected on the show's timeless appeal. "I think one of the reasons this show is still so popular is that it kind of appeals to everyone," she shared in a past interview. "Everybody wishes they could do magic. Everybody, you know, likes the fantasy element of it. Plus, it was really well done. So I think because it was well-written and well-acted and well directed, it's held up surprisingly well over the years."

It's true; the show's blend of suburban comedy with fantastical elements created a unique, feel-good escape that still resonates today. Murphy also mentioned how fans approach her, telling her they watched the show with their grandparents and are now sharing it with their own children and grandchildren. This cross-generational connection highlights the show's powerful legacy and the lasting impact it had on television history.

While she doesn't actively sit down and watch episodes of her younger self—joking that it feels a bit "self-centered"—she's happy for her own grandkids to enjoy it if it happens to be on TV. This relaxed approach speaks volumes about her perspective on her past fame.

A Call for Kindness in a Digital World

Beyond her personal revelation about aging, Erin Murphy used her platform to deliver a much-needed message about online etiquette. In a world where anonymity can sometimes breed negativity, her words serve as a gentle, yet firm, reminder:

"Before you sit down at the computer and write something negative, about someone you’ve never met, why don’t you think about something nice you can say, or don’t say anything at all. Get outside and enjoy this beautiful day. That’s where I’ll be."

It's a powerful call to action for empathy and positivity, encouraging people to step away from screens and connect with the real world and each other in a more constructive way. This sentiment deeply resonated with her followers, who quickly flooded her comments section with praise and support.

Fans Shower Erin Murphy with Praise and Admiration

The response to Murphy's authentic post was overwhelmingly positive. Fans celebrated her natural beauty, her honesty, and her inspiring message. Comments poured in, with many echoing sentiments like: "What you have are great genes!" and "Beautiful, Erin. Both you and your message." Others simply exclaimed, "Fabulous," or "You look amazing! This is what happiness looks like."

One commenter perfectly summed up the wider appreciation for her stand, saying, "Small, weak people rip others down to make themselves feel better. The good news is, you’re amazing, beautiful and extremely sweet. Stay strong!"

It's clear that in a culture constantly battling unrealistic beauty standards and online trolls, Murphy's refreshing transparency is a beacon. Her ability to gracefully own her age and her experiences, while also advocating for a kinder online environment, proves that some magic truly never fades.

Erin Murphy's recent post isn't just about a celebrity selfie; it's a testament to embracing who you are, lines and all, and a reminder to extend that same grace and kindness to others. It's a bewitching message we could all use a little more of!

Frequently Asked Questions About Erin Murphy and "Bewitched" How old is Erin Murphy now, and when did she post the viral selfie? Erin Murphy is 61 years old. She posted her makeup-free selfie on Instagram on October 20, 2025. What role did Erin Murphy play in the classic TV show "Bewitched"? Erin Murphy is best known for her iconic role as Tabitha Stephens, the magical daughter of Samantha and Darrin, on "Bewitched." She started playing Tabitha in 1966. When did "Bewitched" originally air, and how many seasons did it have? "Bewitched" premiered on September 17, 1964, and ran for eight successful seasons, concluding in 1972. Has Erin Murphy continued acting since "Bewitched"? After "Bewitched" ended when she was 8, Erin Murphy largely stepped away from the full-time acting business to pursue other interests and live a more private life. While she has made occasional appearances and stayed connected to her "Bewitched" legacy, her career path diverged significantly from that of a typical child star continuing in Hollywood. Sources

• Fox News
• Parade
• TooFab
• National Examiner
• Remind Magazine
• People Magazine
• Erin Murphy's Official Instagram (@erinmurphybewitched)