Television and Motion Picture Director, Producer. Best known for his behind-the-scenes contributions as producer and director for the TV series “Bewitched” (1964 to 1972), which starred his then-wife Elizabeth Montgomery. Born into a family of versed entertainers, his father was film producer Ephraim Asher, his mother Lillian Bonner was an actress, he spent his early years in Hollywood and following his father’s death when William was a teenager he returned to live in New York. He acted upon his interest with the movie industry and ventured back to California where he initiated his career in the mail room at Universal Studio. It was during that period, when Asher learned the business with his watching of the directors, editors and other personnel. After service with the US Army Signal Corps during World War II, he resumed at Universal and landed a position as assistant editor and cameraman. In 1948, he collaborated with actor Richard Quine as co-director, co-writer and co-producer on the big screen project “Leather Gloves”. With the dawning of television the opportunities were abundant and Asher took advantage as he found steady work as a director for episodes of the popular series “The Danny Thomas Show”, “December Bride” and “I Love Lucy”. In 1963, he married actress Elizabeth Montgomery (they divorced in 1973) and one year later she was cast as the nose-twitching witch Samantha in “Bewitched” with Asher serving as the series producer and director. During the series’ run, he earned an Emmy Award (1966) and received three additional nominations (1967 to 1969). He also became noted for his directing of the Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello Beach movie series, which included “Beach Party” (1963), “Muscle Beach Party” (1964), “Bikini Beach” (1964) and “Beach Blanket Bingo” (1965). Asher remained active throughout the 1970s and 1980s with the programs “Alice”, “Private Benjamin” and “Harper Valley”. After divorcing Montgomery, he was formerly married to actress Joyce Bulifont. (bio by: C.S.)  Family links:  Spouse:  Elizabeth Montgomery (1933 – 1995)