The Wizard of Oz has captivated (and terrified) young audiences for more than 85 years now. But was the scariest part what went on behind the scenes? Here’s the downlow on how one scene in the famous movie nearly ended Margaret Hamilton…for good.
Not So Wicked?
Margaret Hamilton is perhaps best known for her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, renamed Elphaba for the later book, musical and movie, each titled Wicked.
But the Ohio native was a full-range actress in her own right — and in reality, she loved children.
Born Dec. 9, 1902 in Cleveland, Margaret Brainard Hamilton showed an early penchant for acting, joining a local children’s theater while she was a Junior League of Cleveland Member (fancy!). By 1929 Hamilton was styling herself a “professional entertainer,” having made her official debut acting and singing at the Cleveland Playhouse.
However, Hamilton’s parents had different ambitions for their daughter, sending Hamilton to Boston’s Wheelock College. Hamilton went on to teach kindergarten children for several years. Hamilton adored her students — and by all accounts, the kiddies loved her, too.
The Big Screen Calls
Despite a successful and highly satisfying starter career in education, Hamilton once again felt the call of the stage, but this time she made a splash — on the big screen.
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