Dick Sargent - Career

Career

Born Richard Stanford Cox in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Sargent had appeared in films since his debut in Prisoner of War (1954). When Dick York was forced to leave the Bewitched series owing to health problems in 1969, Sargent stepped into the role. He had first been offered the role in 1964 after William Asher and Elizabeth Montgomery were involved and chose him but was under contract to Universal Studios and unable to accept it. His efforts were focused on the short-lived sitcom Broadside instead. He also appeared in The Great Locomotive Chase starring Fess Parker, Operation Petticoat starring Cary Grant, and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken starring Don Knotts. Sargent played Darrin until the show ended in 1972. Later in the 1970s, he appeared in Hardcore as Jake Van Dorn's straight laced brother in law, "Wes".

Sargent continued to work in film and made numerous guest appearances on various television shows, including one episode of Three's Company, The Waltons, Charlie's Angels, Knots Landing, Family Ties and two episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard. He also portrayed himself in a 1993 Columbo episode. In the mid-1980s, he landed the steady role of Richard Preston, the widowed father, in the syndicated sitcom Down to Earth. He also appeared in the witch-themed movie Teen Witch in 1989.

Throughout the 1980s, he joined actress Sally Struthers as an advocate of the Christian Children's Fund, which brought relief to developing nations' children.