The Last Secrets Of The Lollipop Guild: 7 Shocking Truths About The Wizard Of Oz Munchkins 85 Years Later
Eighty-five years after its debut, *The Wizard of Oz* (1939) remains one of the most beloved films in cinematic history, yet the story of the 124 "Little People" hired to play the Munchkins is a complex and often troubling tale that continues to fascinate fans in late 2024.
The Munchkins were the heart of the film's transition to a magical world, but their experiences on the MGM set involved more than just following the Yellow Brick Road. With the 85th anniversary bringing new attention to the film's legacy, recent interviews and documentaries are shedding light on the final survivors and the enduring controversies that have long surrounded the Land of Oz.
The Last Survivors and The Most Famous Munchkin Actors: A Biographical List
While the last of the credited, speaking Munchkin actors has passed away, the legacy is carried on by a few non-speaking background performers. Here is a list of the most famous and the last known surviving actors who played a Munchkin or were a close cast member:
- Jerry Maren (1920–2018): The last surviving adult Munchkin actor. He was the famous member of the "Lollipop Guild" who hands Dorothy the lollipop. Maren was known for his long career in Hollywood, appearing in films and TV shows for decades after *Oz*. He passed away in May 2018 at the age of 98.
- Ruth Robinson Duccini (1918–2014): The last surviving female Munchkin. She played a Munchkin villager. Duccini was known for her appearances at *Oz* conventions and her advocacy for little people in the entertainment industry. She passed away in January 2014 at the age of 95.
- Meinhardt Raabe (1915–2010): The actor who played the Munchkin Coroner, famous for declaring the Wicked Witch of the East "most sincerely dead." He was one of the most prominent surviving Munchkins and often served as a spokesman for the group.
- Priscilla Montgomery Clark (Born c. 1929): One of the last known surviving background Munchkin actors. As of November 2024, at age 95, she has been giving exclusive interviews, recounting her experience as a nine-year-old child actor on the set. Her recent recollections provide a fresh perspective on the film’s production.
- Valerie Lee (Born c. 1932): Another surviving background Munchkin actor. She was a child actor in the film and is one of the few remaining individuals with first-hand memories of the original 1939 production.
- Caren Marsh Doll (Born 1919): While not a Munchkin, she is the last surviving credited cast member of the film. She was Judy Garland's stand-in for the Kansas and Oz sequences and is often included in discussions of the last *Oz* survivors due to her close proximity to the main cast.
The Dark Side of the Rainbow: Unpacking the Controversies on the MGM Set
For decades, the stories surrounding the Munchkins' behavior during the filming of *The Wizard of Oz* have ranged from amusing to deeply disturbing, creating a dark mythology around the beloved classic. The truth, as often happens, is complex, but it sheds light on the exploitation and challenges faced by the actors.
The 'Wild' Behavior Rumors:
One of the most persistent rumors is that the Little People were unruly, engaging in drunken parties and scandalous behavior at the Culver City hotel where they were housed. Some cast members, including Judy Garland, later alluded to the chaos. The reality is that many of the actors were European performers, some of whom were struggling to escape Nazi-era persecution, who were thrust into a foreign country with little supervision and suddenly had money. This led to some excessive behavior, but the stories were likely sensationalized by MGM publicists to create buzz.
The Alleged Molestation of Judy Garland:
A particularly sensitive and shocking claim came from Judy Garland’s third husband, Sid Luft, whose posthumously published memoir alleged that some of the Munchkin actors had sexually harassed and molested Garland, who was only 16 at the time. This claim has been widely debated. Many surviving Munchkin actors, including Jerry Maren, vehemently denied the accusations, stating that while some of the actors may have been rowdy, the claims of molestation were completely false and slanderous. This controversy remains one of the darkest aspects of the film's history.
The Shocking Pay Disparity and the Low-Budget Reality
Beyond the behavioral rumors, the most concrete evidence of mistreatment relates to the actors' compensation. The financial reality of the Munchkin actors' involvement is a stark reminder of the era's labor practices for marginalized groups.
- Paid Less Than Toto: Perhaps the most quoted and shocking fact is that many of the Munchkin actors were paid a meager $50 per week for their work. In comparison, the dog who played Toto reportedly earned $125 per week. This significant pay disparity highlights how little value MGM placed on the actors, despite their crucial role in the film's success.
- The Exploitation of 'Little People': The 124 actors were largely brought over from Europe, many of whom were part of a traveling theatrical troupe. They were housed in a hotel and often treated as a collective novelty rather than individual professional actors. Their low wages and lack of proper representation are often cited as a clear example of exploitation in early Hollywood.
- The "Suicidal Munchkin" Myth: Another persistent myth that has been debunked over the years is the story of a suicidal Munchkin actor being visible in the background of the forest scene. This dark legend has been thoroughly researched and proven false; the object seen swinging is actually a large bird prop, likely a crane or an emu, that was part of the set dressing.
The 85th Anniversary and the Enduring Cultural Legacy
As *The Wizard of Oz* celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2024, the focus is shifting back to the film's cultural impact and the final stories of the last surviving cast members. The anniversary has spurred new theatrical re-releases, museum exhibits, and a renewed interest in the complexities of the film's production.
The new attention is driven by a desire to honor the contributions of the "Little People" while acknowledging the challenging circumstances they faced. Events and retrospectives are focusing on the Munchkins' lasting impact on the film's iconic status, from their colorful costumes to the unforgettable "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead" sequence.
The legacy of the Munchkins, particularly through the memories of actors like Priscilla Montgomery Clark, ensures that their voices are finally heard, moving beyond the sensationalized rumors to a more nuanced understanding of their pivotal role in cinematic history. Their collective story is a testament to the fact that even the most whimsical fantasy can have a complicated and challenging reality behind the scenes.
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