Margaret Hamilton reunited with Judy Garland in 1968.

The relationship between Margaret Hamilton and Judy Garland during the making of The Wizard of Oz in 1939 was a unique one. Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, was in her late thirties at the time, while Judy Garland was just 16 years old, on the brink of adulthood. Judy’s youthful energy and excitement were palpable on set, especially as she looked forward to milestones like her upcoming high school graduation.

It’s remarkable to think of how young Judy was during the production of such an iconic film. Her ability to portray Dorothy, a character full of innocence and wonder, was all the more impressive given her age. For someone so young, the pressures of working on a major film must have been immense, but she handled it with grace and professionalism, something Margaret Hamilton often reflected on in interviews.

Hamilton, in later years, would speak fondly of Judy, recalling how despite the challenges and the intense demands of the film, Judy remained enthusiastic and focused. The fact that Judy was still balancing the experiences of a regular teenager—like high school graduation—while taking on such a major role adds another layer of awe to her performance.

Their reunion in 1968, nearly 30 years after the film, likely brought back memories of their time together on set. By then, Judy had become an international star, but she had also faced numerous personal struggles, something that Hamilton, with her kind and protective nature, must have felt deeply. Reflecting on those early years, Hamilton’s memories of Judy’s youthful optimism stand in contrast to the challenges that lay ahead for the young actress.