Margaret Hamilton‘s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” has left an indelible mark on cinematic history. However, her life and career encompassed much more than this iconic role. From her early beginnings in Cleveland to her enduring commitment to education and philanthropy, Hamilton’s multifaceted journey is a testament to her versatility and dedication.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 9, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio, Margaret Brainard Hamilton was the youngest of four children to Walter J. Hamilton and Jennie Adams. She attended Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, graduating in 1921. Initially pursuing a career in education, Hamilton obtained her teaching certificate from the Wheelock Kindergarten Training School in Boston in 1923. Her passion for acting was kindled during this period, as she participated in theatrical productions, including a rendition of “Little Women.”
Transition to Acting
Hamilton’s foray into acting began with children’s theater in Cleveland, where she honed her craft as a member of the Junior League of Cleveland. Her professional stage debut came in 1932, and she soon transitioned to film, making her screen debut in “Another Language” (1933). Over the next several years, Hamilton built a reputation as a reliable character actress, often portraying spinsters, maids, and, notably, witches.
The Wizard of Oz: A Defining Role
In 1939, Hamilton was cast as Almira Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West in MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz.” Her performance as the malevolent witch became one of cinema’s most memorable villains. Despite the character’s fearsome demeanor, Hamilton approached the role with a sense of responsibility, aiming to convey the consequences of bad behavior to young audiences.
During filming, Hamilton suffered a severe accident while performing a fiery exit from Munchkinland. A malfunction caused her to sustain second-degree burns on her face and third-degree burns on her hand. This incident required a six-week recovery period before she could return to set. Despite this traumatic experience, Hamilton maintained a positive outlook on her involvement in the film, expressing pride in its enduring legacy.
Career Beyond Oz
Following “The Wizard of Oz,” Hamilton continued to work prolifically in film, television, and theater. She appeared in movies such as “My Little Chickadee” (1940) alongside Mae West and W.C. Fields, and “13 Ghosts” (1960), directed by William Castle. On television, Hamilton made guest appearances on various shows, including “The Addams Family,” “Bewitched,” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” where she demystified her witch persona to reassure young viewers.
Hamilton’s dedication to education remained steadfast throughout her life. She served on the Beverly Hills Board of Education from 1948 to 1951 and was an active advocate for causes benefiting children and animals. Her commitment to public education and community service underscored her belief in giving back to society.
Personal Life
In 1931, Hamilton married Paul Boynton Meserve, with whom she had a son, Hamilton Wadsworth Meserve. The couple divorced in 1938, and she raised her son as a single mother. Despite her on-screen persona as a fearsome witch, Hamilton was known for her gentle and caring nature, especially towards children. She often expressed concern that her role in “The Wizard of Oz” might frighten young audiences and took opportunities to show her true, kind-hearted self in public appearances.
Legacy
Margaret Hamilton passed away on May 16, 1985, at the age of 82. Her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West remains a cultural touchstone, influencing portrayals of witches in media and popular culture. Beyond this iconic role, Hamilton’s extensive body of work and her commitment to education and philanthropy reflect a legacy of talent, resilience, and compassion.
In recognition of her impact on cinema, the American Film Institute ranked her Wicked Witch as the fourth-greatest villain in movie history and the top female villain. Hamilton’s life serves as a reminder that behind some of the most formidable characters lies an individual dedicated to making the world a better place.
FAQ: Margaret Hamilton – Beyond the Wicked Witch
1. Who was Margaret Hamilton?
Margaret Hamilton was an American actress best known for her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz (1939). She had a long career in film, television, and theater, and was also a dedicated advocate for education and philanthropy.
2. When and where was Margaret Hamilton born?
She was born on December 9, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
3. What were some of Margaret Hamilton’s notable film roles besides The Wizard of Oz?
Apart from The Wizard of Oz, Hamilton appeared in films like My Little Chickadee (1940), 13 Ghosts (1960), and Brewster McCloud (1970).
4. Did Margaret Hamilton suffer any injuries while filming The Wizard of Oz?
Yes. During a scene where she vanished in a cloud of smoke, a special effects malfunction caused severe burns on her face and hand, requiring several weeks of recovery.
5. What television shows did Margaret Hamilton appear in?
She made guest appearances on popular shows like Bewitched, The Addams Family, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and The Paul Lynde Show.
6. Was Margaret Hamilton involved in education?
Yes. She was a former kindergarten teacher and later served on the Beverly Hills Board of Education (1948-1951), advocating for public education.
7. Did Margaret Hamilton have any children?
Yes. She had one son, Hamilton Wadsworth Meserve, whom she raised as a single mother after her divorce in 1938.
8. How did Margaret Hamilton feel about her role as the Wicked Witch?
Although she embraced the role, she was concerned that it might scare children and often reassured young audiences that she was just an actress playing a part.
9. When did Margaret Hamilton pass away?
She passed away on May 16, 1985, at the age of 82 in Salisbury, Connecticut.
10. What is Margaret Hamilton’s legacy?
She is remembered as one of Hollywood’s greatest character actresses, with her Wicked Witch of the West ranked among the greatest villains in movie history by the American Film Institute. Beyond her acting, she left a lasting impact through her advocacy for education and philanthropy.
What was Margaret Hamilton’s cause of death?
Margaret Hamilton passed away on May 16, 1985, at the age of 82 in Salisbury, Connecticut. Her cause of death was complications from a heart attack. Despite her passing, her legacy endures through her unforgettable portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and her extensive contributions to film, television, and education. Hamilton remained active in the entertainment industry until her later years and was widely respected for both her talent and her dedication to public service.
How old was Margaret Hamilton when she played in The Wizard of Oz?
Margaret Hamilton was 36 years old when she portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz (1939). At the time, she was already an experienced character actress, known for playing stern and no-nonsense roles. Despite the film being a children’s fantasy, her portrayal of the Wicked Witch became one of the most iconic and terrifying villains in cinematic history. Her commitment to the role, including enduring severe burns from an on-set accident, solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most memorable character actors.
What led to Hamilton’s death?
Margaret Hamilton passed away on May 16, 1985, due to complications from a heart attack at the age of 82. Though she had lived a long and fulfilling life, age-related health issues likely contributed to her declining condition. Despite her passing, she remained active in the entertainment industry well into her later years, making television appearances and engaging in philanthropy. Her legacy endures through her unforgettable performance as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and her dedication to education and advocacy throughout her life.
How much was Margaret Hamilton paid for The Wizard of Oz?
Margaret Hamilton was paid $1,000 per week for her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz (1939). She worked on the film for approximately six weeks, earning a total of $6,000—which, adjusted for inflation, would be around $130,000 today. While this was a decent salary for a character actress at the time, it was significantly less than other stars in the film. For example, Judy Garland (Dorothy) earned $500 per week, but Ray Bolger (Scarecrow) and Jack Haley (Tin Man) were paid around $3,000 per week. Despite her lower earnings, Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch became one of the most iconic villain performances in film history, cementing her legacy far beyond her paycheck.