The Wizard of Oz is a beloved film that has captivated audiences for decades. One of the most memorable characters in the movie is the Wicked Witch of the West. This iconic role was brought to life by actress Margaret Hamilton. Margaret Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West is truly unforgettable. With her green skin, long black hair, and pointed hat, she perfectly embodied the wickedness and evilness of the character. Her cackling laughter and menacing presence were enough to send shivers down the spines of viewers of all ages.
Things You Didn’t Know About Margaret Hamilton, The Wicked Witch Who Could Never Shed Her Rep
Who played the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz ? Actor Margaret Hamilton's appearance, laugh, and haunting portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz continues to scare audiences to this day. It's no wonder that after starring in The Wizard of Oz , Hamilton couldn't escape her connection to the character - though she eventually embraced her position in movie history.
Hamilton began acting in the 1920s and continued to practice her craft until she passed in 1985. As a celebrity of stage, radio, film, and television, Hamilton's decades-long career brought her back to the role of the Wicked Witch time and time again, but the beloved performer didn't seem to mind. After The Wizard of Oz , she did her best to reassure frightened children the Witch wasn't real.
In the end, Hamilton's life and career were about so much more than being cinematic history's most notorious wicked witch.
Photo : MGMHer cackling laughter and menacing presence were enough to send shivers down the spines of viewers of all ages. Hamilton's performance as the Wicked Witch earned her widespread acclaim and solidified her as one of the greatest actresses of her time. It's no surprise that she is often remembered as one of the best villains in cinematic history.
She Wasn't The First Choice For The Wicked Witch Of The West
The Wicked Witch of the West was originally supposed to be a beautiful yet villainous figure. In the words of Wizard of Oz producer Mervyn LeRoy, she would be "repulsive in deeds and manner, but she won't be too hideous to look at. I don't want her to scare children away from the theater." LeRoy originally cast Gale Sondergaard as the Witch. Sondergaard tested for the role with makeup and glamorous gowns, but LeRoy changed his mind. He tried to have Sondergaard look unattractive, but eventually, the pair agreed that playing an "ugly" witch could ruin her image. Hamilton tested for the part instead, picking out "the oldest, crummiest-looking clothes I could find, some dirty things that sort of hung on me like a Mother Hubbard. And then a little shawl." According to Hamilton, "There was no witch's hat, and I really looked more like an old hag. And I cackled and screamed and said a few lines from the script." She was hired in October 1938.
Photo : Gary E. Miller of Carl Byoir & Associates, Inc. for the Children's Television Workshop / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
What makes Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch even more impressive is the behind-the-scenes challenges she faced while filming. One of the most well-known incidents involving Hamilton was when she was severely burned during a scene where she disappears in a puff of smoke. The special effects used at the time were incredibly dangerous, and Hamilton suffered second and third-degree burns as a result. Despite this setback, Hamilton persevered and continued filming after her recovery. Her commitment to the role and dedication to her craft are truly commendable. Even though Margaret Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West was a defining moment in her career, it's important to note that she had a long and successful acting career both before and after The Wizard of Oz. She appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In conclusion, Margaret Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz is truly iconic. Her talent, dedication, and unforgettable performance have solidified her as one of the greatest actresses of all time. The Wicked Witch will forever remain a symbol of evilness and Margaret Hamilton will forever be remembered for bringing this character to life..
Reviews for "The Unexpected Journey: From Audition to Becoming the Wizard of Oz Witch Actress"
1. John - 2/5: I really did not enjoy the actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. Her performance felt over-the-top and almost comical, which took away from the supposed darkness and menace of the character. I was expecting a more intimidating and menacing portrayal, but instead, I found myself chuckling at some of her lines. Overall, I believe the casting choice for the witch actress was a misstep that detracted from the overall quality of the production.
2. Sarah - 1/5: I was extremely disappointed with the choice of actress for the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. Her performance lacked depth and seemed like a caricature rather than a nuanced portrayal. The witch should be a figure of fear and intrigue, but this actress failed to deliver any semblance of that. The overacting and exaggerated mannerisms quickly became tiresome and detracted from the overall enjoyment of the play. I left the theater feeling underwhelmed and wishing for a more captivating performance from the witch actress.
3. Michael - 2/5: The actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz left much to be desired. Her delivery felt forced, and her attempts at being menacing fell flat. The role of the witch is crucial to the story, but this portrayal felt lackluster and uninspired. I was hoping for a more captivating performance that would make the audience truly believe in the power and evilness of the character. Unfortunately, this actress did not deliver and the whole production suffered as a result.
4. Emily - 3/5: While the actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz was not my favorite, I can appreciate her unique take on the character. She brought a comedic element to the role, which added a different dimension to the story. However, I can understand why some people may not have enjoyed this portrayal, as it deviated from the traditional expectation of a dark and menacing witch. In my opinion, it was a bold choice that didn't fully resonate, but still had some entertaining moments throughout the performance.