Enchanted Facts About Billie Burke, The Real Good Witch Of The North
Billie Burke was the legendary actress who portrayed Glinda the Good Witch of the North in The Wizard of Oz. Her real life was one of enchantment—and agony.
1. She Had An Agonizingly Enchanted Life
Cinephiles would remember Billie Burke for her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch of the North in 1939’s iconic film, The Wizard of Oz. Funny enough, her real life was also full of enchantment, including a magical marriage, an Oz-like estate, and a successful career. But none of that is to say she didn’t face her fair share of agony.
2. She Made Her Debut—To Life!
The actress who would grace stages and screens from London to Hollywood and back was born a long way from the spotlight. Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke debuted on the stage of life on August 7, 1884, in Washington, DC. But even though she was born far from the spotlight, she had show business in her veins.
3. Her Childhood Was A Circus
Burke was practically born to be an entertainer. Her father, William “Billy” Burke, worked for Barnum & Bailey Circus as both a clown and singer.
She spent her earliest years traveling all around the world with her showbiz father and picking up his passion for entertainment. It wouldn’t be long before she decided to follow in his (clown-shoe-size) footsteps.
4. She Was Wild For The West End
Eventually, Burke’s father grew tired of the constant traveling and the family finally put down some roots in London. By then, however, she had spotlights in her eyes and couldn’t resist the lure of London’s West End theater scene. After spending countless hours watching plays, she finally made her own stage debut in 1903 in The School Girl.
But from the sounds of it, she was the one doing the schooling.
