The Wicked Witch of the West is one of the most iconic characters in literature and film. She is the main antagonist in the fantasy novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, as well as in the famous 1939 film adaptation "The Wizard of Oz". The character has been portrayed by several actresses throughout the years, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the role. In the original novel, the Wicked Witch of the West is described as having green skin, a hooked nose, and wild, witch-like attire. Her most notable feature is her pointed hat, which has become synonymous with the character.
Wicked witch of the west actor
Few movie main characters are as different as The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch The Wizard of Oz. And few are as beloved, with both of them being entrenched in the American consciousness 85-some odd years since the film was released.
The characters would not have become so iconic without the remarkable women who portrayed them. Both actors have interesting histories in and outside of the classic film. In honor of Halloween, I thought it would be fun to remember Margaret Hamilton and Billie Burke.
Her most notable feature is her pointed hat, which has become synonymous with the character. In the 1939 film adaptation, the role of the Wicked Witch of the West was played by actress Margaret Hamilton. Her portrayal of the character is often regarded as the definitive interpretation.
Margaret Hamilton – Wicked Witch with a Heart of Gold
I really have a soft spot in my heart for Margaret Hamilton. She was a lifelong actor with a flourishing career before and after The Wizard of Oz. She was also dedicated to childhood education and had to cope with decades of backlash because of her role as the Wicked Witch. Let’s take a look at the lesser-known parts of her story.
Early career
Hamilton was born in 1902 in Cleveland. She has such an interesting life and professional story that I am surprised a biography hasn’t been written about her life. She was always drawn to acting and performed on stage starting as a teen. After earning a degree in education she decided to pursue a career on the big stage, landing her first role in 1933’s Another Language.
I read on The Wizard of Oz fan wiki that she continued to perform on stage after moving to the big screen and that she even played the role of the Wicked Witch more than once in plays. Not only that, but it had been one of her favorite books growing up. It was serendipitous that she was cast for the role in 1938.
Wicked Witch fun facts
Many readers will know that The Wizard of Oz is a film with a lot of fun and interesting facts. There are surprising stories about the experience of nearly every actor, Hamilton included. Some of hers are:
She wasn’t the first one cast in the role. The first actor selected was Gale Sondergaard, who in a short time turned down the role when she found out the Wicked Witch would not be glamorous at all, but rather ugly and unappealing. Hamilton accepted the role and the rest is history.
She was one of a handful of actors who sustained serious injuries during production. Do you recall her multiple fiery entrances and exits? During one exit from Munchkinland, she caught fire and ended up in the hospital for six weeks with second and third-degree burns. This is why she wears long gloves in many scenes, as her arms were scarred at the time.
The dye used on her skin left her with green skin for weeks following production.
And my favorite: despite being so iconic, she only appeared in the film for 12 minutes of screen time.
Never stop hustling
Hamilton would be recognized and celebrated as the Wicked Witch of the West for the rest of her life, but she would also enjoy a flourishing and diverse career as an actor. Just months after filming The Wizard of Oz she appeared in another high-profile film, Babes in Arms. She was hardly absent from the stage from then until her death. And despite being extremely well-known for her role as the Wicked Witch, she was far from typecast. Some roles that stood out to me are:
1966 fantasy film The Daydreamer, a collection of stories by Hans Christian Andersen.
A suffragist in Laramie, Wyoming who comes to town to encourage women to get politically active in an episode of Laramie.
Soap opera appearances in the soaps Valiant Lady, The Secret Storm, and As the World Turns.
A 1976 appearance on Sesame Street, appearing with Oscar the Grouch as the Wicked Witch of the West. This episode has become quite famous in the lore of both the Wicked Witch and Seasame Street, as the producers had to agree never to re-air it following an outpour of dismay and calls to the network about terrified children. I was not even able to find a clip of it online to share.
Hamilton took the fact that children were scared of her very seriously. In 1975 and 1976 she appeared in episodes of Mr. Rogers neighborhood to implore children to accept that her witch garb is but a costume. The sketch is a charming and touching tribute to this remarkable woman.
Hamilton's wicked cackle, green makeup, and menacing presence made her portrayal a truly memorable one. Her performance has become ingrained in popular culture, and the character is still commonly associated with her iconic image. Since then, there have been several other actresses who have taken on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in various adaptations and productions. Some notable portrayals include: - Mila Kunis in the 2013 film "Oz the Great and Powerful". Kunis brought a more sympathetic and complex portrayal to the character, offering insight into the Witch's backstory and motivations. - Idina Menzel in the original Broadway production of the musical "Wicked". Menzel's portrayal showcased a different side of the character, exploring her relationship with the protagonist, Glinda, and delving into her own struggles and desires. - Margaret Hamilton herself later reprised her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in an episode of the television show "Sesame Street". Her appearance on the show showcased her lasting impact on popular culture. Overall, the Wicked Witch of the West is a character that has captivated audiences for decades. Her portrayal by various actresses has brought different interpretations and nuances to the role, keeping the character fresh and relevant in the world of literature and film..
Reviews for "The Wicked Witch of the West: An Actor's Dream Role or a Green Nightmare?"
1. Samantha - 2 stars: I recently watched a production of "The Wizard of Oz" and I have to say, I was not impressed with the performance of the Wicked Witch of the West actor. Her portrayal lacked the sinister and menacing presence that I was expecting from such an iconic character. I found her delivery to be over-the-top and melodramatic, which took away from the overall creepy vibe of the character. In addition, her voice seemed strained at times, making it difficult to fully understand her lines. Overall, I was disappointed with this actor's performance and it dampened my enjoyment of the play.
2. Michael - 3 stars: The Wicked Witch of the West actor in the production I attended left much to be desired. While she had the appearance down with her green makeup and menacing costume, her acting fell short. I found her performance to be lacking depth and nuance. The character is supposed to be the ultimate force of evil, but this portrayal came off as comical and exaggerated. Additionally, her movements and gestures appeared forced, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the world of Oz. While the rest of the production was enjoyable, I couldn't help but feel disappointed by the performance of the Wicked Witch of the West.
3. Ethan - 1 star: The Wicked Witch of the West actor in the play I saw was completely miscast. Her interpretation of the character was weak and lacked any real intimidation factor. Instead of being menacing and mysterious, she came off as more of a cartoonish villain. Her voice was shrill and grating, which made it hard to take her seriously. I was hoping for a Wicked Witch that would send shivers down my spine, but instead, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this actor's portrayal and it significantly detracted from my overall enjoyment of the play.
4. Jessica - 2 stars: As a fan of "The Wizard of Oz," I was excited to see the Wicked Witch of the West brought to life on stage. Unfortunately, the actor who played her fell short of my expectations. She lacked the intimidating presence and dark charisma that the character demands. Her performance felt forced and lacked the subtlety needed to truly embody such an iconic villain. Additionally, her delivery of lines felt rushed and rehearsed, which took away from the authenticity of the character. Overall, I was disappointed with this actor's portrayal and it diminished my overall enjoyment of the production.