The Tragic Final Battle: 5 Key Facts About Dick Sargent's Cause Of Death And Legacy
The enduring question surrounding the death of actor Dick Sargent—the beloved second Darrin Stephens on the iconic sitcom *Bewitched*—often centers on his health struggles and the true cause of his passing. Despite widespread speculation at the time, the official records are clear: Sargent succumbed to a long and private battle with a devastating illness.
As of late 2025, the facts remain a somber reminder of the actor's final years, which were marked by both a grueling fight against cancer and a courageous step into the public eye as an LGBTQ+ advocate. His death closed a chapter on a career defined by television stardom and, later, a powerful commitment to honesty about his life and health.
Dick Sargent: A Complete Biographical Profile
- Full Name: Richard Stanford Cox
- Known Professionally As: Dick Sargent
- Date of Birth: April 19, 1930
- Place of Birth: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, U.S.
- Spouse/Partner: Lived with an unidentified companion for over 20 years until the companion's death in 1979. Later lived with his partner, Albert Williams, until his own death.
- Notable Roles: Darrin Stephens (in *Bewitched*, 1969–1972), *Operation Petticoat* (1959), *The Great Race* (1965), and numerous TV appearances including *Gunsmoke* and *Family Ties*.
- Public Advocacy: Became openly gay in 1991 and dedicated his final years to LGBTQ+ rights and suicide prevention efforts.
- Date of Death: July 8, 1994
- Place of Death: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Age at Death: 64
- Official Cause of Death: Prostate Cancer
The Definitive Cause of Dick Sargent's Death: Prostate Cancer
The primary and definitive cause of Dick Sargent’s death on July 8, 1994, was prostate cancer. The actor passed away at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 64.
The diagnosis of prostate cancer came in 1989, approximately four and a half years before his death. Initially, doctors were optimistic about the prognosis because the cancer was detected in its early stages. However, despite the early detection and subsequent treatment, the disease proved aggressive and ultimately metastasized, leading to his passing.
Sargent's battle with the illness was largely private for several years. He had mostly withdrawn from the spotlight in his final years, focusing on his health and, surprisingly, a new chapter of public life that would define his legacy outside of Darrin Stephens.
The Misconception He Addressed: Why Many Assumed AIDS
During the early 1990s, the public perception of severe, life-threatening illnesses among celebrities was often clouded by the AIDS epidemic. Due to his ill health and public knowledge of his sexuality, there was widespread, albeit incorrect, speculation that Dick Sargent was suffering from AIDS.
Sargent was aware of this assumption and, in a courageous act of transparency, addressed it directly. He made it clear that his illness was prostate cancer, not AIDS. This public clarification was a crucial part of his late-life advocacy, helping to demystify both his own health struggle and the broader issues of celebrity illness and privacy.
A Late-Life Legacy: Coming Out and LGBTQ+ Advocacy
One of the most defining aspects of Dick Sargent’s final years was his decision to publicly come out as a gay man. This occurred in 1991, just a few years before his death, after a lifetime of remaining closeted in Hollywood.
The decision to come out was a significant moment for the actor and the LGBTQ+ community. He felt compelled to live authentically, especially as his health declined. The process was aided by celebrity publicist Howard Bragman. Sargent's public announcement was featured on a "Coming Out Day" television program hosted by Geraldo Rivera.
His coming out was not merely a personal declaration; it launched him into a role as an activist. Much of the time between 1991 and his death in 1994 was devoted to speaking engagements and donating time and effort to lesbian and gay rights organizations. He became a passionate advocate, particularly for suicide prevention, recognizing the importance of visibility and support for the community.
The transparency extended to his professional relationships. His *Bewitched* co-star, Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha Stephens), was a close friend and knew about his long-term companion. Montgomery offered a poignant tribute upon his death, calling him "a great friend" whom she would miss.
Beyond Bewitched: Sargent's Extensive Hollywood Career
While Dick Sargent is indelibly linked to the role of Darrin Stephens—a role he took over from actor Dick York in 1969—his career was remarkably prolific and spanned decades.
Born Richard Stanford Cox, he began his career in the mid-1950s after graduating from Stanford University. He adopted the stage name Dick Sargent early on. His work included over 107 films and numerous television appearances, establishing him as a versatile supporting actor.
Key roles outside of the magical world of *Bewitched* include:
- Film: He appeared in the 1954 film *Prisoner of War* and held a notable role in the 1959 comedy *Operation Petticoat*, starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis.
- Television Guest Roles: Sargent made appearances in classic Westerns like *Gunsmoke* and later in popular 1980s sitcoms like *Family Ties*.
- The Second Darrin: Taking over the role of Darrin Stephens from the ailing Dick York was a challenging task, but Sargent successfully completed the final three seasons of the series. The public often referred to him as "the other Darrin," a distinction he handled with grace and professionalism.
Sargent's dedication to his craft, even during his health struggles, showcased a commitment that went far beyond his most famous role. His final years, marked by both a private health battle and a public commitment to advocacy, cemented a powerful and complex legacy in Hollywood history.
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