The Three Good Witches: Who Played Glinda And Cassie Nightingale, And What Are They Doing Now?

The question "Who played the Good Witch?" is a true pop culture litmus test, dividing audiences between classic film lovers, dedicated Hallmark Channel viewers, and Broadway fans. As of late 2025, the role is defined by three powerful actresses across three distinct eras of media: the Golden Age of Hollywood, the rise of cozy television, and the modern blockbuster musical. This deep dive uncovers the legendary women who brought the most beloved benevolent witches to life, from the original Glinda to the current star taking on the iconic pink gown. The phrase "The Good Witch" primarily refers to two major characters: Glinda the Good Witch from L. Frank Baum’s *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* and Cassie Nightingale from the long-running *Hallmark Channel* franchise, *The Good Witch*. We also look at the most recent and highly anticipated casting for the role of Glinda in the cinematic adaptation of *Wicked*.

The Good Witch of Middleton: Catherine Bell's Biography and Latest Updates

The most recent and prolific actress to hold the title of "The Good Witch" is Catherine Bell, who starred as the kind, intuitive, and magically gifted Cassie Nightingale in the Hallmark Channel’s movie series and subsequent television show, *The Good Witch*. Bell’s portrayal anchored the franchise for over a decade.

Catherine Bell: Complete Profile

• Full Name: Catherine Lisa Bell
• Born: August 14, 1968, in London, England
• Key Roles: Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie ("Mac") in *JAG*, Denise Sherwood in *Army Wives*, and Cassie Nightingale in *The Good Witch* franchise.
• Education: Briefly studied Biomedical Engineering at UCLA before pursuing modeling and acting.
• Latest News (2025 Update): *The Good Witch* television series was officially canceled by the Hallmark Channel in July 2021 after seven seasons. However, Catherine Bell has publicly expressed interest in and discussed the possibility of a future revival or a new movie franchise, keeping the hope for more Middleton magic alive for her dedicated fans.

Bell’s character, Cassie Nightingale, was the owner of the Bell, Book & Candle shop in the fictional town of Middleton. She was known for her uncanny ability to sense the needs of her neighbors and use subtle, often unexplainable, methods to help them—a gentle, modern interpretation of a Good Witch. The series also starred Bailee Madison as Cassie's daughter, Grace Russell, who also possessed a touch of the family's magical intuition.

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

For generations, the definitive answer to "Who played the Good Witch?" has been the actress who floated onto the screen in a sparkling pink gown, arriving via a giant bubble: Billie Burke. Billie Burke portrayed Glinda the Good Witch of the North in the classic 1939 film *The Wizard of Oz*. Her performance established the archetype of the Good Witch as ethereal, benevolent, and possessing a distinctive, high-pitched, and slightly fluttery voice.

Billie Burke: A Hollywood Legend

* Glinda's Role: Glinda is the one who ultimately guides Dorothy Gale, revealing the secret power of the ruby slippers—"There's no place like home." * Career Highlights: Before *Oz*, Burke was a famous stage and radio actress. She was married to the legendary Broadway impresario, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., the creator of the Ziegfeld Follies. * Legacy: Burke's career spanned silent films, Broadway, and sound films. Her portrayal of Glinda remains one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in film history, directly contrasting with the terrifying Wicked Witch of the West, played by Margaret Hamilton. Burke lived a long life, passing away in 1970, leaving behind an indelible mark on cinematic fantasy.

The Next Generation: Glinda in the Wicked Movie Franchise

The newest and most anticipated answer to this question is pop superstar Ariana Grande, who is stepping into Glinda's iconic shoes for the two-part cinematic adaptation of the smash-hit Broadway musical, *Wicked*. The *Wicked* films serve as a prequel to the events of *The Wizard of Oz*, telling the story of the unlikely friendship between Glinda and Elphaba (who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West).

Ariana Grande's Glinda: What We Know Now

* The Cast: Ariana Grande will play Glinda, starring opposite Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. * The Release: The film adaptation is being split into two parts. The first part, *Wicked*, is scheduled for release in late 2024, and the second part, Wicked: For Good, is currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. This makes Grande the most current and relevant "Good Witch" in the global conversation. * Broadway Predecessor: Grande follows in the footsteps of Broadway royalty, most notably Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda in the 2003 Broadway production of *Wicked*. Chenoweth's performance, alongside Idina Menzel as Elphaba, set the standard for the modern interpretation of the character.

A Pantheon of Good Witches: Other Notable Glindas

While Billie Burke, Catherine Bell, and Ariana Grande represent the three most prominent portrayals, the role of Glinda has been played by many talented women across different media, adding layers to the character's legacy and expanding the topical authority of the "Good Witch" entity. * Kristin Chenoweth: As the original Broadway Glinda, Chenoweth's comedic timing and stunning vocals defined the role for a generation of theatre fans. * Other Broadway Stars: Many actresses have taken on the bubble-riding role on Broadway and in touring productions, including Megan Hilty, Kara Lindsay, and Amanda Jane Cooper. * The Wiz (1978): In the 1978 musical film adaptation, Glinda was played by the legendary Lena Horne, providing a soulful and powerful take on the character. * Oz the Great and Powerful (2013): This film, a prequel to the 1939 classic, featured Michelle Williams as Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. From the ethereal, shimmering magic of Billie Burke's 1939 classic to the cozy, small-town charm of Catherine Bell’s Cassie Nightingale, and now to the highly anticipated musical spectacle of Ariana Grande’s Glinda, the role of "The Good Witch" continues to evolve. Each actress brings a unique interpretation to the benevolent sorceress, ensuring that the magic of this iconic character remains a captivating part of popular culture for years to come.