DICK SARGENT

April 19, 1930

Dick Sargent was born Richard Stanford Cox in Carmel, California. His mother was an actress and his father was an entertainment industry manager. 

Sargent attended the San Rafael Military Academy before majoring in drama at Stanford University. He was most famous for being the ‘second Darrin’ on “Bewitched”. 

His first screen appearance was on “I Married Joan,” NBC TV’s answer to “I Love Lucy,” on February 10, 1954. 

His only time working for Desilu was on a 1962 episode of “Kraft Mystery Theatre” produced by Desi Arnaz and filmed at Desilu. For some reason, the episode was filmed in 1960 and not aired for two years. 

In December 1969 he took over the role of Darrin Stephens on “Bewitched” due to the illness of Dick York, who created the character on the long-running sitcom. She series was produced by Harry Ackerman and Bill Asher, both of whom had worked on “I Love Lucy.”  Sargent did 84 episodes of the series, which ended in March 1972. 

On New Year’s Eve 1973, Sargent was seen on “Here’s Lucy” in “Lucy Plays Cops and Robbers” (HL S6;E14).  Sargent played a policeman named Officer Spencer. His partner was played by Gary Crosby, son of Bing Crosby.  This was Sargent’s only time acting opposite Lucille Ball. 

He continued to act on television and in films until his death on July 8, 1984. 

Shortly before his death, Sargent publicly proclaimed he was gay, and became what he called “a retroactive role model” in the battle for gay rights.

His final screen appearance was in the film Acting On Impulse starring C. Thomas Howell.  The cast also included an 88 year-old Charles Lane as a bellhop.