Erin Murphy's First Home Paid for by "Bewitched" Coogan Account

Murphy was a child star whose family followed the rules and made choices that benefited her down the line

Understanding the Coogan Account and Financial Planning

Erin Murphy, best known for her role as Tabitha Stephens on the iconic ABC series Bewitched, has shared insights into how she managed her earnings from the show. Murphy played the character from age 2 to age 8, appearing in over 100 episodes. During a recent appearance on the Magnificent Others podcast with Billy Corgan, she explained the financial structure that helped her secure her future.

The system in place for child actors at the time was called a Coogan account. This legal mechanism ensured that a percentage of a child actor’s earnings was set aside for them. Murphy described it as “only 10%” of everything she made from the show. While this might seem small, she emphasized that it was still a significant amount of money.

“My dad was an investor, so, I mean, it got the highest return. But it was 10%. The rest goes to wherever, agents or managers,” she said.

This financial planning allowed Murphy to have stability later in life. When she turned 21, she used her savings to buy a house, a horse, and live on a small ranch. She also married and started a family.

Diversifying Careers Beyond Acting

Murphy’s career didn’t stop at acting. She explored other fields, including teaching and stunt work. Arizona, where she moved, was a right-to-work state, which allowed her to pursue different careers without being tied to unions. This freedom led her to start teaching acting, something she found enjoyable.

“I thought, ‘Oh, this will be fun.’ So I started teaching acting. I was able to be a makeup artist on big sets and work with Italian Vogue and things like that,” she recalled.

Her passion for cars also opened doors to stunt work. Murphy was approached for a role in an HBO movie featuring Virginia Madsen. Since Madsen couldn’t drive a stick shift, Murphy, who loved cars, took the opportunity. Although she didn’t look like Madsen, her blonde hair and ability to drive a stick shift were enough for the role.

“Stunt work was kinda thrown at me because they were filming an HBO movie with Virginia Madsen, and they needed someone. She couldn't drive a stick shift. I love cars. I could drive a stick shift. So, I don't really look like her, but I guess enough where, you know, blonde from a distance. So, that was the first thing where I was doing stunt work,” she explained.

She continued to take on more stunt roles, including horse stunts. Murphy credited her fearlessness for her willingness to take on these challenges.

“Then I got called in to do other things like some horse stunts and things like that because I like to live life without fear. So if, you know, they say, ‘Erin, jump off that.’ It's like, ‘Well, okay.’”

Thoughts on a Bewitched Reboot

In a recent interview, Murphy shared her thoughts on a potential Bewitched reboot. According to reports, the reboot is in the early stages of development. Murphy expressed excitement about the possibility and said she would be open to appearing on the show.

“If they asked me to appear on the show, absolutely I would! I'd love to be included in some way, and I know fans of the original Bewitched would enjoy that fun reference to the past.”

She also mentioned that she is friends with the writer of the reboot, adding that she’s “excited” about the project.

Murphy’s journey from a child star to a multifaceted professional highlights the importance of smart financial planning and a willingness to explore new opportunities. Her story serves as an inspiration to others in the entertainment industry.