Jerry Maren, last living ‘Wizard of Oz’ munchkin, dies aged 98

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Born Gerard Marenghi on January 24, 1920 in Boston, Massachusetts, Maren had five sisters and four brothers, all of whom were of average height. He landed his most famous role in The Wizard of Oz when he was just 18-years-old.

Standing at 3 feet 6 inches tall, Maren was a part of the famous “Lollipop Guild” and would go on to be the last surviving member of the munchkins from the film. After the film’s success, he also appeared in other films such as At the Circus and Battle for the Planet of the Apes. 

https://twitter.com/ScottFeinberg/status/1004391942300446721

In 1975, Maren married Elizabeth Barrington. The couple were together until 2011, when Barrington died at the age of 67.

The 98-year-old was actually awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007, along with six other munchkins from the movie. In 2016 false reports of his death were circulated, with headlines suggesting he had succumbed to pancreatic cancer.

It transpired, however, that he was alive and well, with no trace of cancer in his body.

Reports claim that Maren died on May 24, 2018 from cardiopulmonary failure linked to his dementia. His funeral was held at Forest Lawn in California.

To see Maren in action in The Wizard of Oz watch the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KSiyaqnZYs

Rest in peace Jerry Maren! If you enjoyed his role in The Wizard of Oz be sure to SHARE this article with all your Facebook friends and family.

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