Jerry Maren, The Last Living ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Munchkin, Died at 98 One Year Ago

Jerry Maren, who played one of the munchkins in the 1939 classic movie The Wizard of Oz, has passed away at age 98. Jerry was a member of the iconic “Lollipop Guild” in the film.

TMZ reports that Jerry actually passed away over a week ago. He suffered from dementia and passed away at a nursing home in San Diego.

Jerry was born Gerard Marenghi in Boston, Massachusetts. He had nine siblings who were all normal height.

He landed the role in The Wizard of Oz when he was only 18 years old. At that time, he was 3 feet, 6 inches tall. After The Wizard of Oz, Jerry went on to act in other films, like At the Circus and Battle for the Planet of the Apes.

In 1975, Jerry married Elizabeth Barrington. They were together until her death in 2011.

In 2007, Jerry and six other munchkins from the movie received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2013, he appeared at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood for a handprint and footprint ceremony.

Jerry’s cause of death is unknown. His funeral was held at Forest Lawn in California.

Rest in peace, Jerry. If you loved The Wizard of Oz, don’t forget to share this article with your friends!