The role of the Wicked Witch of the East has been portrayed by different actresses throughout history. However, the most well-known portrayal of this character is by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 film adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz." In this iconic role, Margaret brought the character to life with her menacing voice, green makeup, and signature black pointed hat. Her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the East has become so legendary that it has cemented her as one of the most memorable villains in cinematic history. Even though other actresses have played the Wicked Witch of the East in various stage productions and adaptations, Margaret Hamilton's portrayal remains the most iconic..
We’re Going Behind-The-Curtain With These Wizard of Oz Facts
From offscreen friendships and jarring pay inequality to the special effects and makeup tricks that brought some of the world’s favorite film characters to life, The Wizard of Oz (1939) had so much going on behind the emerald curtain and the Technicolor gloss of an amazing fantasy world.
In honor of the 80th anniversary of the film, follow the yellow brick slideshow to peek behind that curtain and learn more about the secrets and fun facts that make the beloved film a timeless classic.
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Margaret Hamilton Was a Fan Before the Film
As a self-proclaimed lifelong fan of L. Frank Baum’s Oz series, Margaret Hamilton was thrilled to be considered for a role in the 1939 film adaptation. Hamilton called her agent to ask which character the producers wanted her to play, and her agent famously said, “The witch — who else?”
Photo Courtesy: Everett Collection
Hamilton, a single mother, fought MGM for an agreed upon amount of guaranteed work time. Three days before filming began, the studio agreed to a five-week deal. In the end, Hamilton was on set for three months, but many of her scenes were cut for being too scary for audiences.
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Reviews for "The Enduring Talent of the Actress as the Wicked Witch of the East"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to seeing "Who played wicked witch of the east" because I love the story of The Wizard of Oz. However, I was extremely disappointed with the performance. The acting felt flat and uninspired, and the musical numbers were lackluster. Additionally, the set design was underwhelming and did not capture the magic of the Emerald City. Overall, I felt like this production did not do justice to the beloved characters and story, and I would not recommend it.
2. Mark - 1 star - I have never been more bored at a theater production than I was at "Who played wicked witch of the east". The plot was confusing and poorly executed, leaving me feeling confused throughout the entire show. The performances were lackluster, with the actors appearing disinterested and delivering their lines without any emotion. The set design was also disappointing, lacking creativity and failing to transport the audience into the world of Oz. I left the theater feeling unsatisfied and regretting my decision to attend this show.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As a fan of The Wizard of Oz, I was excited to see "Who played wicked witch of the east". However, the production fell short of my expectations. The pacing was off, with scenes dragging on and losing my interest. The costumes looked cheap and poorly made, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The music, which is an essential component of any musical, was forgettable and did not leave a lasting impression. Overall, I felt that this production missed the mark and failed to capture the magic of the original story.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Who played wicked witch of the east" was a major letdown for me. The acting was subpar, with the actors appearing uninvested in their roles. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The set design was also underwhelming, lacking detail and failing to create a believable world. It is unfortunate that such a beloved story was not given the treatment it deserves. I would not recommend this production to fellow theater enthusiasts.