7 Things You Never Knew About ‘Wizard of Oz’ Star Margaret Hamilton
Margaret Hamilton may be best remembered as the terrifying Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, even though she was only onscreen in the movie for about 12 minutes! However, there was so much more to the woman behind the green makeup and chilling cackle. Of course, many diehard fans know about the horrifying incident on the set of the film that caused her severe burns and a break for a month, but there is so much more to know about the star, including just how far from her villainous character she truly was. In honor of her heavenly birthday on December 9, let’s learn some fascinating facts about the star who passed away on May 16, 1985, at the age of 82:
1 Before She Frightened Children, She Taught Them
20th Century Fox Film Corp./courtesy Everett Collection
Before she frightened generations of children as the Wicked Witch of the West, Margaret Hamilton began her career in a much gentler role — as a kindergarten teacher. She adored children and spent much of her life doting on them, which makes her frightening screen persona all the more ironic. Bonus fact: One of her students was actor Jim Backus, which you might recognize from Gilligan’s Island.
2 Repeat Costumes
Hamilton must have had a sentimental streak because she wore the same costume for two productions 26 years apart. The black dress she donned as Miss Gulch in The Wizard of Oz (1939) made a surprise reappearance when she played Grandma Frump, Morticia’s mom, in three episodes of The Addams Family.
3 She Actually Loved Dogs
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Despite delivering the spine-chilling line “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!” (I always hated her character purely because she was mean to the dog!) Hamilton was an outspoken advocate for animal welfare. She often appeared in public service announcements alongside her beloved pets, most often her dachshund, Otto, urging families to spay and neuter their animals to reduce homelessness.
4 She appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to Comfort Kids
Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch was so scary that it haunted children for decades. Concerned about the role’s lingering effect, she appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in 1975 to reassure kids that the Wicked Witch was just pretend. Wearing a witch costume without the green paint, she explained that actors are not their characters. Ever the reassuring figure, Fred Rogers praised her kindness and bravery in taking on such a role.
5 Sesame Street Fans Were Too Scared of Her Return
Things didn’t go as smoothly when she appeared on another children’s television show just a year later. In 1976, Hamilton reprised her role as the Wicked Witch on Sesame Street. Her appearance, however, was so effective that children were terrified. Parents flooded the Children’s Television Workshop with complaints, and the episode was quickly pulled from rotation. To this day, it remains one of the show’s lost episodes, but I found a clip on YouTube, so enjoy!
6 She Welcomed Fans Into Her Home
Everett Collection
Despite her reputation as a screen villain, Hamilton was beloved by fans who discovered her warm, approachable nature. Later in life, she often invited penpals and admirers to visit her New York City apartment, where she lived in the same building as screen legend James Cagney.
7 Witchiepoo’s Sister
Hamilton fully embraced her role as the Wicked Witch, even spoofing it for The Paul Lynde Halloween Special in 1976. She appeared as Witchiepoo’s sister alongside Billie Hayes, proving that she could still deliver the cackle while poking fun at her legacy.
Now, learn more about Glinda the Good Witch of the North actress Billie Burke:
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October 2023
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