Wizard of Oz's Last Surviving Munchkin Jerry Maren Dies at 98

People ^ | 6/6/2018 | Stephanie Petit

[simpson96]

The last living Munchkin from The Wizard of Oz has died.

Jerry Maren, who memorably welcomed Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) to Munchkinland in the classic 1939 film as part of the Lollipop Guild, died last week at a San Diego nursing care facility, TMZ reported. The actor was laid to rest over the weekend at Forest Lawn in Hollywood, said the outlet.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Maren was the final surviving Munchkin actor from the 124 little people who starred in The Wizard of Oz. The bio on his Instagram page also states, “Last living munchkin from the Wizard of Oz.”

Maren was close to his nieces and nephews after his wife Elizabeth, who was also a little person, died in 2011 at age 69, TMZ reports.

The actor appeared in TV bits on popular shows over the years including The Twilight Zone, Seinfeld and Bewitched, according to IMDB. His most recent role was back in 2010, when he appeared in the movie Dahmer vs. Gacy.

However, he is best remembered for being in the middle of the Lollipop Guild trio donning green and presenting Garland with a giant candy.

[ETL]

[Jolla]

Olivia de Havilland, at age 101.

Thank you I did not know that, and living in Paris.

[dfwgator]

I remember growing up, when they showed The Wizard of Oz on TV, once a year, it was an event.

[ETL]

Jerry Maren, 97, last surviving Munchkin, dies

[ETL]

[GreenHornet]

The Wizard of Oz was Hollywood’s first “chick flick.” It’s the story of two women who fight to the death over a pair of designer shoes.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Good character actor who happened to be ‘little.’ Showed up in lots of roles over the years and always was good at them. Last two roles credited at IMDB were at age 90!

[ETL]

I remember growing up, when they showed The Wizard of Oz

I still watch it every now and then. Brings me back.

[stellaluna]

I believe him. Judy Garland was screwed up by her mother and weak father long before MGM.

[ETL]

Jerry and Elizabeth Maren

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[ETL]

I always thought the Lollipop Guild were children dressed as adults

[Red Badger]

Jerry was 19, but looked like 9......................

[ETL]

[Red Badger]

I remember that episode! One of my favorites!............................

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[morphing libertarian]

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-43553825

[fieldmarshaldj]

All doing their best W.C. Fields’ impressions. :-P

[fieldmarshaldj]

Dig the Sonny Bono moustache.

[Skooz]

I remember growing up, when they showed The Wizard of Oz on TV, once a year, it was an event.

Me, too.

It usually came on in March at the dawn of Spring. It truly was an event at our house, with my friends and I anticipating it for days before it showed.