Margaret Hamilton was an American actress who is best known for her iconic role as the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz,” along with notable performances in films such as “Babes in Arms” and “The Invisible Woman.”
Personal and Family Life
Born on December 9, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio, Margaret was the daughter of Jennie and Walter Hamilton. She attended Hathaway Brown School and later gained acting experience in children’s theater. Margaret was married to Paul Boynton Meserve from 1931 to 1938 and had one child, Hamilton Meserve.
Career
Margaret Hamilton’s career spanned several decades, with her breakthrough role coming in 1939 when she portrayed Almira Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz.” Her performance is often regarded as one of the greatest portrayals of a villain in film history. She was also recognized for her distinctive voice and rapid-fire delivery of lines.
Death and Legacy
Margaret Hamilton passed away on May 16, 1985, from a heart attack in Salisbury, Connecticut. Her legacy lives on through her memorable roles, particularly the Wicked Witch, which continues to resonate with audiences to this day. She often signed autographs with the notation “WWW” (Wicked Witch of the West), reflecting her iconic status in film history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Wizard of Oz | 1939-08-15 | Miss Gulch / Wicked Witch of the West |
| Babes in Arms | 1939-10-10 | Martha Steele |
| The Invisible Woman | 1940-12-28 | Mrs. Jackson |
| The Sin of Harold Diddlebock | 1947-04-04 | Flora |
| The Anderson Tapes | 1971-06-17 | Miss Kaler |
| Sigmund and the Sea Monsters | 1973-09-08 | Mrs. Eddels |
| The Addams Family | 1964-09-18 | Granny Frump |
| Sesame Street | 1969-11-10 | The Wicked Witch |
| Journey Back to Oz | 1972-12-14 | Aunt Em (voice) |
| To Oz! The Making of a Classic | 2009-09-23 | Self |