Cinema7 actresses who played Glinda the Good Witch, including Ariana Grande in WickedFrom Broadway classics to unexpected adaptations, Glinda has had many faces today at 1:44 pm

Glinda the Good Witchis an iconic character who has marked generations since her debut in the cinema with Billie Burke in The Wizard of Oz (1939). More than eight decades later, Ariana Grande joins the star-studded list of actresses who brought the character to life, playing Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wickedscheduled to premiere in Brazil on November 21, 2024.

Below, discover some of the most striking interpretations of the character over the years:

1. Billie Burke – The Wizard of Oz (1939)

In the classic film, Billie Burke immortalized Glinda with the unforgettable question: “Are you a good or bad witch?” The film follows Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, transported to the Land of Oz by a tornado. Glinda helps Dorothy find her way home, guiding her to the Emerald City. For Burke, this was the most memorable role of his career.

2. Lena Horne – The Wiz (1978)

Lena Horne played Glinda in the soul-themed musical adaptation, The Wizstarring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Set in Harlem, the film features Dorothy as a teacher trapped in a blizzard that transports her to Oz. Despite not having immediate success, the film became a cult classic.

3. Kristin Chenoweth – Wicked (2003)

On Broadway, Kristin Chenoweth shone like Glinda in Wickedthe musical that recounts the events of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The actress, who won several awards with the production, revealed that Ariana Grande He looked for her excited when he won the role in the film version:

I told her, ‘Do your own version of Glinda, you have my blessing.’

4. Miss Piggy – The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (2005)

Who said witches have to be serious? Miss Piggy proved that Glinda can also have style and humor when she played the Good Witch (and the Bad!) in this adaptation of the Disney. Starring Ashanti Like Dorothy and filled with familiar faces (or puppets), the film plays with the original story: here, Dorothy doesn’t just want to return home — she dreams of becoming a superstar.

5. Michelle Williams – Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013)

michelle williams brought a new approach to Glinda in Oz: The Great and Powerfulwhich explores the origins of the Wizard of Oz (James Franco). The actress chose not to be so inspired by Billie Burke’s version, and created her own interpretation of the character.

6. Uzo Aduba – The Wiz Live! (2015)

The award-winning actress Uzo Aduba brought Glinda to life in the live version of the musical The Wizbroadcast on NBC. The star-studded cast included Common, Mary J. Blige and Amber Riley, keeping the magic of the original production alive.

7. Ariana Grande – Wicked (2024)

Ariana Grande fulfills her dream of playing Glinda in the film Wickedpremiering in Brazil on November 21, 2024. The production adapts the famous Broadway musical, bringing new features such as three new songs and adjustments to the story. The cast also includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, as well as Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh.