The Wicked Witch's Painful Legacy: Behind the Scenes of The Wizard of Oz
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NPR
Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," endured significant hardships during production, including severe burns from the green makeup and dangerous stunts. Despite these challenges, Hamilton, a former kindergarten teacher and single mother, became iconic for her role. The film's production was notoriously difficult for many actors, with issues ranging from heavy costumes to harmful makeup. Hamilton's interest in ecology and environmentalism reflected her "green" character beyond the screen.