‘Bewitched’ star Dick York’s on-set injury left him penniless, cleaning toilets in final years

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Dick York rose to stardom playing Darrin Stephens on 'Bewitched.' However, following the show's conclusion, he became "financially and physically destitute" and was forced to take up menial jobs, including cleaning toilets, as he struggled to make ends meet.

The actor, famed for his role as the spouse of a nose-twitching witch, died in 1992 at the age of 63.

Marking the sitcom's 60th anniversary, Daniel Henares has created a new independent documentary that delves into the show's enduring legacy and the reasons behind York's departure from his cherished role, reports People.

Herbie J Pilato reflects on Dick York's 'very difficult' final years

Herbie J Pilato, the writer of 'The Essential Elizabeth Montgomery' and 'Twitch Upon a Star,' conveyed to Fox News Digital that Dick York's last years away from public attention were "very difficult."

He explained, "Yes, Dick York was financially and physically destitute. He just did not have the money anymore. His career had dried up. He was in very poor health. There were no more calls for acting. It was tough to watch."

"Now here I am, just a fan, and then later a friend . . . to see him in such a horrible situation," Pilato shared, adding "He forced himself to be positive, but he also knew he had to still make money. So, he would end up cleaning apartments to make money."

He went on to say, "He became a cleaning man. He went from being a star of one of the biggest TV shows in the history of television to cleaning toilets. It was humbling for him, and he never complained about it, but . . . it should not have happened."

Dick York's struggles began with injury on the set of 'They Came to Cordura'

Dick York's difficulties began in 1959 during the filming of the Western 'They Came to Cordura.' As reported by the Los Angeles Times, York, along with other actors, was involved in a scene that necessitated lifting a railroad handcar on the penultimate day of shooting.

When the director shouted "cut," everyone released their hold, except for York. The report stated that the car collapsed onto him, wrenching his spine and tearing the muscles around it.

The report stated that York did not seek medical attention, choosing instead to endure the pain for years. Over time, the discs in his spine deteriorated, leading to a hunched posture. Additionally, he experienced a reduction in height "from more than 6-foot-1 to 5-foot-10 or so."

By the time 'Bewitched' debuted in 1964, York had developed an addiction to painkillers. Reports indicate that he consumed large quantities of sleeping pills, cortisone, and other medications in an attempt to mitigate the relentless pain he endured.

"He never really recovered from the pain," Pilato stated, adding "He missed 14 episodes. What’s ‘Bewitched’ without Darren, without the main conflict of, ‘No honey, don’t do the magic?’"

York's Hollywood career ground to a halt in 1969. According to Pilato, Bill Asher, the director of 'Bewitched,' attempted to provide financial assistance to York, but the actor declined.

Fans express outrage and sympathy over Dick York's financial and health decline

As the news broke on social media, reactions poured in regarding Dick York's deteriorating financial situation following his stardom.

A user wrote, "I don’t know what is actors association doing. Sad to hear what happened and the current situation. Someone need to do something. "

Another added, "Sad toread rhis tht injured person cleaning toilets."

A third commentator explained, "It's a tragic turn of events for a star who once enjoyed widespread fame. The story highlights the harsh realities that many actors face after their careers take a downturn, especially when unexpected injuries or financial struggles come into play."

Several York fans have also responded to the news broadcasted on Fox News' platform.

"It's very, very sad but many people suffer injuries in the workplace. York should have gotten treatment right away. Had he done so he might lived a great deal longer, without pain, and died a wealthy man. We should always remember how fragile we are and how easily we can lose our abilities," a fan expressed.

A person said, "Your life can change for the better or worse in only one fateful moment."

Other chimed in, "Such a sad ending for him."

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