Dick Sargent
Updated in RED, March 2002
His birth name was Richard Cox. Hmm. Dick Cox. For once, I am speechless. Sargent was best known for his role as the second "Darrin," on the television show Bewitched. He claimed that he was the original choice to play the role, but due to contractual obligations he had to turn it down. Lucky for us. But he WAS in my all time favorite episode (with Boyce and Hart) when Serena sings that cool song. I still watch Bewitched, hoping to see that show, and the one with the "iffin song." Seriously cool.
In 1990, Dick was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but since it was discovered in the early stages, doctors were optimistic that it could be, um, rectified in time. He began chemotherapy treatments, and hoped he had beaten the disease.
In 1991, he made the news again on National Coming Out Day. He admitted publicly that he was a gay man, and became a spokesperson for Gay Rights. A brave move, considering he hardly ever worked again.
Sargent was living at the end of this cul-de-sac on Palo Vista Drive, in the Hollywood Hills. His address was number 7422. Want to see his garbage cans? You see? The excitement never ends here at Findadeath. When the announcement of his illness hit the press, he got up to a hundred letters a month in this mailbox, from supportive fans. Here's an odd view of a window.
The cancer returned in 1993, and spread to his hip, pubic bone and shoulder. He eventually came to grips with the fact that he wasn't going to be around much longer.
His last weeks were pretty busy, as Dick saw to it that he went out with a bang. On July 2nd, he attended a friends wedding, and happily laughed and signed autographs. Someone commented on how well he looked. His response was, "I know people seem to think they'll soon read in the obits that I am dead. But the rumors of my impending death are greatly exaggerated." He threw a massive party on July 3rd, for friends to celebrate Independence Day. On the 6th of July, he took a turn for the worse, and was admitted to the hospital.
The end finally came at Cedars Sinai Medical Center (photo courtesy of Terri Rios), in Los Angeles, on Friday July 8th, 1994. With him in his room were his boyfriend Albert, his doctor and a hospital minister. "I told Dick to let go," Albert said, "and he just drifted away." He was 64 years old. He had the cancer for 4 1/2 years. God, what agony that must have been.
Elizabeth Montgomery issued this statement: "I will miss his love, his sense of humor and his remarkable courage."
He was cremated, and his ashes were given to his boyfriend, 37 year old Albert Williams.
Trivia: After his announcement that he was gay, in 1992 Dick reunited with his Bewitched co-star Elizabeth Montgomery, to be the grand marshals of the Gay and Lesbian Pride Celebration Parade, in West Hollywood. When a reporter asked Ms. Montgomery why she was doing it, her reply (with a smile) was; "I'm doing it for the love of Dick." Well put, Lizzie.
I am gutted. Findadeath.com friend Bobbie sets me straight: She didn't say this. Although trivial, I agree. It should be corrected. Watch the clip: She says, "I'm here for my friend", or "I'm here to support my friend". She doesn't say "I'm doing it for the love of dick". I love your site, BTW.
Thanks, Bobbie.
