Which actress played the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz?

Margaret Hamilton played the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. She also played the Witch's Kansas counterpart, Almira Gulch, creating one of the movie's most memorable dual performances.

Hamilton was not the production's first choice. Gale Sondergaard was initially cast, but she withdrew after MGM changed the character from a glamorous, seductive witch into the frightening hag audiences know today. Hamilton's green makeup, black costume, pointed hat, and cackling delivery helped establish the screen's enduring image of a witch.

The role was physically demanding. During a December 1938 filming accident involving the Witch's fiery exit from Munchkinland, Hamilton suffered serious burns to her face and hand. She later returned to complete the film, but refused to perform additional scenes involving fire. The Witch remains Hamilton's signature role, although she continued working in film, television, theater, and radio for decades.