Home Certifiedscandal58

From Billie Burke To Ariana Grande: A Definitive List Of Every Actress Who Has Played Glinda The Good Witch

• minute read
Contents

The role of Glinda the Good Witch is one of the most iconic and coveted roles in cinematic and theatrical history, representing pure goodness, sparkle, and a touch of effortless magic. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the conversation around this beloved character is more vibrant than ever, driven by the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the Broadway sensation *Wicked*.

From the original 1939 classic to groundbreaking new stage and screen portrayals, the actress who plays Glinda has always captured the public's imagination. This definitive list explores the remarkable women who have donned the signature bubble dress and wielded the wand, including the legendary star who started it all and the pop icon set to redefine the role for a new generation.

The Glinda Lineage: Iconic Actresses and Their Portrayals

The character of Glinda, originally the Good Witch of the South in L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, has seen various interpretations. However, the most famous portrayals have cemented her as the elegant, powerful, and compassionate guide for Dorothy Gale and, later, the complex friend of Elphaba in the prequel, *Wicked*.

Billie Burke: The Original, Iconic Glinda (The Wizard of Oz, 1939)

Billie Burke set the standard for the character that remains the benchmark for all subsequent portrayals. Her Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, was a vision of pink, sparkle, and maternal warmth.

  • Full Name: Mary William Ethelbert Appleton "Billie" Burke
  • Born: August 7, 1884, Washington, D.C., U.S.
  • Died: May 14, 1970, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Key Role: Glinda the Good Witch of the North in MGM's *The Wizard of Oz* (1939).
  • Career Highlight: Burke was a major star of the silent film and early talkie era, known for her distinctive high-pitched voice and comedic roles, earning an Academy Award nomination for *Merrily We Live* (1938).
  • Legacy: Her portrayal established Glinda's signature look—the shimmering gown, the pointed crown, and the grand entrance in a magical bubble.

Kristin Chenoweth: The Broadway Pioneer (Wicked, Original Broadway Cast)

In 2003, Kristin Chenoweth redefined the character for the 21st century by introducing Galinda Upland (who later becomes Glinda the Good) in the musical *Wicked*. Her portrayal was comedic, bubbly, and deeply emotional, exploring Glinda's journey from a self-absorbed sorority girl to the compassionate Good Witch.

  • Full Name: Kristin Dawn Chenoweth
  • Born: July 24, 1968, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, U.S.
  • Key Role: Galinda/Glinda in the original Broadway production of *Wicked* (2003).
  • Career Highlight: A celebrated soprano and actress, she won a Tony Award for her role as Sally Brown in *You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown* and received a second Tony nomination for *Wicked*.
  • Influence: Chenoweth’s performance is legendary, establishing the musical’s tone and the complex, beautiful friendship between Glinda and Elphaba.

Ariana Grande: The New Cinematic Glinda (Wicked: Part One & Part Two)

The most current and highly scrutinized actress to take on the role is pop superstar Ariana Grande. She is set to bring Glinda to the big screen in the long-awaited film adaptation of *Wicked*, directed by Jon M. Chu.

  • Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
  • Born: June 26, 1993, Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
  • Key Role: Glinda in the Universal Pictures film adaptations: *Wicked: Part One* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025).
  • Career Highlight: A globally successful singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her extensive vocal range and pop hits like "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings."
  • Current Status: Grande's casting was announced in late 2021, generating massive excitement. The film is split into two parts, with the second installment, *Wicked: For Good*, focusing on Glinda's transformation into the iconic Good Witch.

Glinda’s Evolution: From Stage History to Modern Television

While Billie Burke, Kristin Chenoweth, and Ariana Grande are the most recognizable names, the character's enduring popularity has led to a rich history of portrayals across various media, each adding a unique layer to the mythical figure from the Land of Oz.

Brittney Johnson: Making Broadway History

A recent and profoundly significant chapter in the Glinda story belongs to Brittney Johnson. In 2022, she made history as the first Black woman to officially star as Glinda in the Broadway production of *Wicked*. Her casting was a major milestone for representation on Broadway, breaking barriers and proving that the role's magic is truly universal.

  • Johnson first served as an understudy for the role in 2019, before taking over the principal role in 2022.
  • She has been celebrated for her powerful voice and her ability to bring a fresh, contemporary energy to the beloved character, continuing the legacy established by Chenoweth.

Notable Glinda Portrayals Across Other Media

Beyond the primary film and stage roles, the Good Witch has appeared in numerous other adaptations, further enriching her topical authority and presence in pop culture. These actresses have contributed to the character's depth and versatility:

  • Sunny Mabrey: Portrayed Glinda in the ABC fantasy television series *Once Upon a Time* (Season 3). Her version was a more ethereal and mysterious figure, responsible for guarding the Book of Records.
  • Megan Hilty: A celebrated Broadway star and one of the many talented actresses who have played Glinda on stage, including a memorable turn in the US national tour of *Wicked*.
  • Kara Lindsay: Another fan-favorite Glinda on Broadway, known for her comedic timing and strong vocal performance during her run in the show.
  • Michelle Williams: Played the character in the 2013 Disney film *Oz the Great and Powerful*, a prequel to the 1939 classic. Her Glinda was depicted as the daughter of the King of Oz, adding a new dimension to her backstory.

The Enduring Legacy of Glinda the Good

The character of Glinda is more than just a plot device; she is a complex entity that has evolved significantly since her creation by author L. Frank Baum. In the original Oz books, Glinda was the benevolent ruler of the Quadling Country (the South), not the North, highlighting a key difference from the 1939 film where she is a composite character of two good witches.

The musical *Wicked*, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, further complicated the character by giving her the name Galinda Upland and showing her transformation into Glinda the Good. This prequel narrative explores the themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil, making the actress who plays her a critical component of the story's emotional core.

As the world eagerly awaits the cinematic debut of Ariana Grande's Glinda, it is clear that the legacy of this sparkling sorceress is in safe hands. Each actress—from Billie Burke’s timeless elegance to Kristin Chenoweth’s comedic brilliance and Brittney Johnson’s barrier-breaking performance—has contributed a vital element to the legend, ensuring that Glinda the Good Witch remains one of the most beloved and multifaceted characters in fantasy fiction.

From Billie Burke to Ariana Grande: A Definitive List of Every Actress Who Has Played Glinda the Good Witch
who played glinda the good witch
who played glinda the good witch

Detail Author:

  • Name : Lucile Hayes
  • Username : janelle80
  • Email : mcormier@macejkovic.com
  • Birthdate : 2002-09-10
  • Address : 6810 Hegmann Drives Marvinburgh, VT 05420
  • Phone : (315) 284-5109
  • Company : Leannon, Cole and Armstrong
  • Job : Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Bio : Qui est necessitatibus ut qui quo. Delectus aut impedit debitis ut. Accusantium est laborum non ipsum dolor omnis iure et. Fugit quos distinctio quis quas.

Socials

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/beaulahblock
  • username : beaulahblock
  • bio : Debitis a ipsum aut provident beatae voluptas. Beatae eum molestias esse nihil eligendi laboriosam. Molestiae deleniti alias qui ipsam eos.
  • followers : 6231
  • following : 86

linkedin:

Random Posts