In the annals of television history, David White stands as a luminary figure, best known for his iconic portrayal of Larry Tate on the beloved series Bewitched. However, behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood lies a tale of personal tragedy and heartache that ultimately led to the star’s untimely demise.
David White, born on April 4, 1916, in Denver, Colorado, was a versatile American actor whose career spanned across stage, film, and television. However, it was his portrayal of the charismatic and scheming Larry Tate on the ABC sitcom Bewitched that solidified his place in television history. From 1964 to 1972, White captivated audiences with his portrayal of Darrin Stephens’s boss, bringing wit and charm to the role that endeared him to viewers worldwide.
Throughout his life, White’s talents extended beyond the small screen. He graced Broadway stages, honing his craft before transitioning to television and film. His dedication to his artistry earned him accolades and admiration from peers and audiences alike.
David White’s journey to stardom began in the heartland of Denver, Colorado, where he spent his formative years before his family relocated to Philadelphia. Despite the geographical shift, White’s dreams of fame and fortune remained steadfast, prompting him to venture to California in pursuit of his acting aspirations. However, fate intervened when he answered the call to serve his country in World War II, momentarily putting his Hollywood dreams on hold.
Upon his return from service, White resumed his pursuit of an acting career, making his Broadway debut in 1949 before transitioning to television roles in the ensuing decade. Yet, it was his portrayal of the suave and scheming Larry Tate on Bewitched in 1964 that catapulted him to household name status. For the duration of the show’s run until 1972, White breathed life into the character, endearing himself to audiences worldwide.
David White was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Mary Welch, whom he married in 1952. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1958. His second marriage was to Lisa Figus, whom he married in 1959 and remained married to until his death in 1990. From his marriages, David White had two children. He had a son named Jonathan White and a daughter named Alexandra White.
Despite his professional success, White’s personal life was marked by tragedy. The devastating loss of his first wife, while carrying their second child, thrust him into the role of a single father, a burden he bore with stoic resolve. Remarrying and welcoming a daughter into the world seemed to signal a new chapter of happiness for White, but fate had other plans in store.
In 1988, tragedy struck once more when White’s son Jonathan fell victim to the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The unimaginable loss plunged White into a state of profound grief, leading him to retreat from the public eye into seclusion. These hardships weighed heavily on White. His heart was weighed down by the accumulated sorrows of a life marked by loss and suffering.
Less than two years later, he succumbed to a fatal heart attack on November 27, 1990, in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, at the age of 74. Yet, his legacy endures as a testament to his talent, resilience, and enduring impact on the world of entertainment. In the wake of his passing, White’s daughter and second wife were left to grapple with the enduring legacy of his memory.
As we reflect on the life and death of David White, we are reminded of the fragility of human existence and the enduring impact of tragedy on the human spirit. Though he may have found fame on the small screen, it is his resilience in the face of adversity that truly defines his legacy—a testament to the indomitable spirit of a Bewitched star who faced life’s challenges with courage and grace.
