<Tr> <Th> Parent (s) </Th> <Td> Walter J. Hamilton (father) Jennie Adams (mother) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Relatives </Th> <Td> Neil Hamilton (distant cousin), Dorothy Hamilton Brush (sister) </Td> </Tr> <P> Margaret Brainard Hamilton (December 9, 1902--May 16, 1985) was an American film character actress best known for her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer's classic film The Wizard of Oz (1939). </P> <P> 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 . The Wicked Witch of the West was eventually ranked number four in the American Film Institute's 2003 list of the 50 Best Movie Villains of All Time, making her the top - ranking female villain . In later years, Hamilton made frequent cameo appearances on television sitcoms and commercials . She also gained recognition for her work as an advocate of causes designed to benefit children and animals, and retained a lifelong commitment to public education . </P>

Who played the wicked witch on the wizard of oz