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Margaret Hamilton

film actress

Born: Died: American

Margaret Brainard Hamilton (December 9, 1902 – May 16, 1985) was an American actress, vaudevillian and educator, whose fifty-year career in entertainment spanned theater, film, radio and television. She often played villains and is best known to modern audiences for her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West and her Kansas counterpart Almira Gulch in the 1939 MGM film classic The Wizard of Oz.

A former schoolteacher, she worked as a character actress in films for seven years before she was offered the role that defined her public image. In later years, Hamilton appeared in films and made frequent cameo appearances on television sitcoms and commercials. She also gained recognition for her work as an animal rights activist and her lifelong commitment to public education.

Her role as the Wicked Witch of the West is ranked by the American Film Institute as Hollywood's fourth-greatest villain of all time and the all-time greatest female villain.

Notable For

American film actress

Margaret Hamilton's Historical Timeline

  1. The Wizard of Oz, an American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Th

    The Wizard of Oz, an American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood; directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor with a cast featuring Judy Garland (Dorothy), Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Jack Haley (Tin Man), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion),

  2. Margaret Hamilton dies

    Margaret Hamilton, American film actress, known for american film actress, died on 1985-05-16.

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Margaret Hamilton born?
Margaret Hamilton was born on 1902-05-16 (American).
What is Margaret Hamilton known for?
American film actress
What historical events involved Margaret Hamilton?
Margaret Hamilton was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including The Wizard of Oz, an American musical fantasy film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's book, premieres at Grauman's Chinese Th, Margaret Hamilton dies.
When did Margaret Hamilton die?
Margaret Hamilton died on 1985-01-01.

Related Years