Particle.news
Download on the App Store
12 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Elaine Merk Binder, Munchkin in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Dies at 94

Her daughter confirmed her death, which comes as the original film’s cast dwindles.

Image
Actors Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Judy Garland and Bert Lahr in costume on the yellow brick road in a scene from the film 'The Wizard of Oz', 1939. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
Colourised shot of Judy Garland (1922-1969), US actress and singer, in costume and surrounded by a group of munchkins, in a publicity still from the film, 'The Wizard of Oz', 1939. The musical, adapted from the novel by L Frank Baum (1856-1919) and directed by Victor Fleming (1889-1949), starred Garland as 'Dorthy Gale'.
Image

Overview

  • Binder’s daughter, Annette Phillips, confirmed her passing, and no cause of death was disclosed.
  • She was selected in 1938 as one of eight children to sing and dance with the Munchkin ensemble at age 8.
  • Viewers can spot her in a dark green dress and hat during the “Come Out, Come Out” sequence just before “Off to See the Wizard.”
  • She later declined a Paramount contract, earned degrees from Occidental College and Cal State Los Angeles, and worked as a computer consultant for USC and First Interstate Bank.
  • Her earlier credits included Our Gang shorts and Nothing Sacred, she appeared in the 2024 documentary Mysteries of Oz, and she is survived by her son George Christy, daughter Annette Phillips, and six grandchildren.