#36: The Wicked Witch Wore Toxic Makeup
The filming of The Wizard of Oz in 1939 brought some unusual challenges, especially for Margaret Hamilton, who portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West. Her green body paint was copper-based, which posed a potential hazard if ingested, making eating a risky affair. As a precaution, Hamilton had to have liquid lunches and drink through a straw to prevent any accidental ingestion of the makeup.
Additionally, removing the makeup proved to be a meticulous process, requiring the use of rubbing alcohol at the end of each day’s filming. This behind-the-scenes detail underscores the dedication and safety measures that actors like Margaret Hamilton had to endure to bring their characters to life in one of cinema’s most iconic productions, The Wizard of Oz.