Surprising Stories from the Set of Bewitched

Jim Backus was the original choice to play Abner Kravitz, the nosy neighbor who could never quite convince anyone that something strange was happening next door. However, Backus had to pass on the role due to another commitment already on his plate.

At the time, he was busy playing the endlessly wealthy Thurston Howell III on Gilligan’s Island. With that series underway, Backus turned down Bewitched, opening the door for another actor to become Abner. It’s a fun what-if, imagining Kravitz with Howell’s voice shouting about witches.