Who was scheduled originally to play the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wizard of Oz'?

Answer 1

Edith Holm ka Gale Sondergaard [February 15, 1899-August 14, 1985] was the actress who originally was scheduled to play the Wicked Witch of the West in the beloved 1939 film version of 'The Wizard of Oz'. The role originally was intended to be glamorous. But those who were involved in the making of the film ultimately decided to be faithful to the characterization by Lyman Frank Baum [May 15, 1856-May 6, 1919]. As author and originator of the Oz series, Baum had represented the Witch most unglamorously in the text, and had had that unglamorous representation carried over into the accompanying illustrations. Once Sondergaard learned of the disfiguring make-up that would be required for the role, she refused to play the part.

Answer 2

Margaret Hamilton was the original actress who played the role of The Wicked Witch in the 1939 version of the Wizard of Oz. Another role she had in the movie was that of Almira Gulch, a neighbor of the Gale's who despises Dorothy's dog Toto.

Answer 3

Gale Sondergaard (February 15, 1899 - August 14, 1985) was considered for the wicked witch in "The Wizard of Oz."

Specifically, MGM Studios was deciding between the Wicked Witch of the West as a beautiful, glamorous villainous or as a detestable creature. At that time, Gale had developed a huge following, and film goers did not want to see her as anything but attractive and witty. MGM therefore chose character actress Margaret Hamilton (December 9, 1902 - May 16, 1985), who had no reservations about whatever it took to be in character for her roles.

Answer 4

Gale Sondergaard was originally cast for the role of the Wicked Witch of the West. However, she turned it down because the witch was and ugly hag and she preferred to play a glamorous villain. She was replaced by Margaret Hamilton.