WOMEN IN HISTORY - MARGARET HAMILTON

Best known for her iconic portrayal of The Wicked Witch of the West, in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. A prolific character actor, Hamilton was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and started her career at Cleveland Play House.

DATE OF BIRTH

1902

PLACE OF BIRTH

Cleveland, Ohio

DATE OF DEATH

1985

PLACE OF DEATH

Connecticut, RI

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Margaret Hamilton is best knows as the iconic Wicked Witch of the West from the 1939 motion picture, The Wizard of Oz. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Hathaway Brown school in Shaker Hts. She grew up loving the theater, but her parents coerced her into becoming a teacher instead, and she taught kindergarten . In 1922 she quit teaching to pursue her acting career, working at the Cleveland Play House. After marriage she moved to New York City and embarked on a 50 year career in theatre, film, radio and television. She embraced her role as a “character actress” and was known for her charm, her humor and grace. Hamilton continued to fuel a life-long interest in educational issues, serving on school board and teaching until her final years.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • Alistair, Rupert ( 2018) Margaret Hamilton, The Name Below the Title
  • Billie, Don (2024). Margaret Hamilton: From Cleveland, Ohio to the Land of Oz.