In the world of entertainment, the story of pay equality often makes headlines. Take, for instance, the making of The Wizard of Oz prequel Wicked. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande might have shared the same salary for their work, but a different story unfolds when we look at the stars of the 1939 classic. Judy Garland played the lead role of Dorothy Gale, while Margaret Hamilton, who portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West, commanded a significantly higher salary.

Uncover the Hidden Salaries of The Wizard of Oz Stars

Judy Garland: The Rising Star with a Modest Pay

Garland, who went on to become one of the most famous performers of the 20th century, started her career at MGM with a salary of just $100 per week in 1935. By the time she made The Wizard of Oz, her pay had increased to $500. This was a considerable raise for the teenage star. Her work in the movie earned her $9,600, which is equivalent to about $218,000 today. It shows how her talent and popularity grew over time. 2: Garland's performance in The Wizard of Oz was nothing short of magical. She brought Dorothy Gale to life with such authenticity and charm that she became an icon. Her salary may not have been as high as some of her co-stars, but her contribution to the film was immeasurable. She became a household name and inspired generations of performers.

Margaret Hamilton: The High-Paid Wicked Witch

Margaret Hamilton came to MGM as a Broadway star with credits. Her salary from the studio was much higher than Garland's. Even though she had considerably less screen time, her salary was $21,000, which is roughly $476,000 today. This was partly due to an accident on set where she suffered burns while filming a scene with fire. MGM showed great integrity by sending a memo stating that she would continue to receive her salary during her incapacitation. 2: Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch was terrifying and unforgettable. Her performance added a unique dimension to the film. Despite the fact that she was paid more, her work was crucial in making the movie a success. Her on-screen presence commanded attention and left a lasting impression on audiences.

Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr: The Broadway Stars with Impressive Salaries

Ray Bolger was a stage star in New York City with a long history on Broadway and at Radio City Music Hall. His salary for The Wizard of Oz was $72,000, around $1.63 million today. Jack Haley and Bert Lahr, who played the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion respectively, "made near that amount" as they too came from Broadway and were established names. 2: These Broadway stars brought their unique talents to the film and added depth to the characters. Their salaries reflected their status and experience in the entertainment industry. Their performances became part of cinematic history and are still loved by audiences today.

Terry: The Loyal Dog with a Decent Salary

Terry, the terrier who played Dorothy's faithful dog Toto, also earned a decent salary of $125 per week, which is about $2,838 today. This shows that even the supporting cast was compensated fairly for their work. 2: Terry's adorable presence added to the charm of the movie. His performance was a hit with audiences and he became an integral part of The Wizard of Oz. His salary was a testament to the value of every member of the production team.Go behind the scenes of Wicked with PEOPLE's special issue, available here.