Last 'Wizard of Oz' Munchkin, Jerry Maren Dead at 98

[hlthe2b]

Jerry died a week ago. His funeral was held over the weekend at Forest Lawn in Hollywood. The cause of death is unknown, but we're told he suffered from dementia. He passed away at a San Diego nursing care facility. http://www.tmz.com/2018/06/06/last-wizard-of-oz-munchkin-jerry-maren-dead/

What pleasure he brought in his life from this role, but for all the interaction he had with the public and especially children, during his life. He always showed grace, even when he undoubtedly tired of being a "munchkin". A kind and generous man. RIP, sir

[Donkees]

1. Farewell Jerry Maren

[hlthe2b]

2. I like his "walk of fame" photo

[oasis]

15. A member of the elite Lollipop Guild. Rest in peace my friend.

[marble falls]

3. Just short of 100.

[kcr]

4. I didn't know there was still a cast member alive.

I remember when that movie used to air on a yearly basis when I was a kid, and I cried every time I watched it.

[jpak]

5. I hid under the couch during the tornado scene

[BumRushDaShow]

6. R.I.P.

(Maren in center of movie photo)

I went to a Creation Con about 15 years ago and one of the surviving "Munchkins" was there. Don't remember who though...

They said Maren was 18 at the time when cast (couple years older than Judy Garland). His was definitely an iconic character. Given his medical condition, it was remarkable that he lived to such a ripe old age.

[raven mad]

7. He didn't die. He's off to see the Wizard!

[cbdo2007]

8. Not just the last Munchkin but probably last Wizard of Oz cast member

RIP Jerry

I still probably watch TWOZ 10 times a year and never get tired of it. My favorite movie.

[Omaha Steve]

9. Marta and I met Jerry at a fundraiser a few years ago

Last edited Wed Jun 6, 2018, 10:34 AM - Edit history (1)

He and his wife were a lot of fun. Here is the fundraiser info: http://www.omahafilmevent.com/past/oz1.htm

[jamesatemple]

10. Aw, rats!! Another favorite brick in...

...my 77-year-old wall of memories has fallen. I sat in the old Rita Theater in Greenville, Texas, in 1946, and was spellbound by the glorious "technicolor" that permeated the movie screen when the Kansas tornado set Dorothy down in the Land of Oz. I've spent a bunch of money over my lifetime but that movie ticket price of 25 cents ranks very high in the category of "best memories for the investment." Okay, all together now..."We are the lollipop kids, the lollipop kids, ...."

[cbdo2007]

11. Oops...this person says there are a few more munchkins still alive

https://m.imdb.com/list/ls061321507/

But surely Jerry is the last character with a major role. Still RIP and not in any way meant to take anything away from Mr Maren but interesting historical note.

[hlthe2b]

12. the remaining ones living were the few children they brought in to fill out the "munchkin" extras

All the actual midget actors who played the munchkin roles have died, now that Mr. Maren has passed.

[cbdo2007]

13. Got it...all the little people from the movie are gone, not all the munchkins.

Thanks for the clarification.

[TheFrenchRazor]

14. still a great movie; just watched it the other night. nt

[Kablooie]

16. I remember seeing him at the old Tick Tock restaurant in Hollywood.

Since he was short he caught my attention and then I recognized him as Jerry Maren and his wife.
This was back in the 70's.
Met Billy Barty once too.