Dick York played the role of TV darling Darrin Stephens in the ‘60s classic Bewitched. The actor won the hearts of many viewers with his charm and acting. Unfortunately, York was dropped and switched with Dick Sargent in the 6th season of the show after an on-set accident changed the trajectory of his life and left him “financially and physically destitute”
The Bewitched 60th anniversary special documentary sheds light on Dick York’s life after he gave up his role due to his accident. Dick York’s accident happened before Bewitched came to life. York, alongside other actors, was on the set of They Came to Cordura when this tragic accident happened.
Dick York became financially destitute after his injury
The late star and his colleague were shooting a scene involving a railroad handcar when the car fell on him, causing a spinal injury. Rather than seek immediate medical treatment, he relied on pain relief medications. Perhaps if he had known his decision to use meds would have serious negative effects and leave him financially destitute, he would have gone for proper treatment.
Despite his pain, York continued to work, even landing the role of Darrin Stephens on Bewitched. By the time the show premiered in 1964, York had become dependent on painkillers, sleeping pills, and other medications to cope with the pain. Sadly, his health worsened, and in 1969, while filming an episode of the sitcom, York collapsed on set due to the pain, which eventually forced him to leave the show. His exit not only ended his time on Bewitched but also made him financially destitute.
Dick York cleaned toilets and apartments to survive
After leaving Bewitched, he struggled with his drug addiction for 18 months, which hit his finances badly. Herbie J Pilato, author of Twitch Upon a Star and Dick York’s friend, revealed that he did some menial jobs to make ends meet. Just like a terrible fall from grace story, the actor went from being one of the best actors Hollywood could have produced to cleaning toilets and apartments.
Although the actor spent his last days in pain, he found purpose in it. He founded a non-profit organization, “Acting for Life,” which catered to the needs of the homeless and financially destitute. He spent his time in his small cottage in Michigan, talking to people who would help people in worse conditions than him with basic necessities. Dick York died in 1992 at age 62; while he had a difficult life, he still made his mark on the world as a human and as a phenomenal actor.
