# Munchkin

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For other uses, see [Munchkin (disambiguation)](/source/Munchkin_(disambiguation)).

A **Munchkin** is a native of the fictional [Munchkin Country](/source/Munchkin_Country) in the [Oz books](/source/Oz_books) by [American](/source/Americans) author [L. Frank Baum](/source/L._Frank_Baum). Although a common fixture in [Germanic](/source/Germanic_culture) [fairy tales](/source/Fairy_tale)[citation needed], they are introduced to [modern audiences](/source/Popular_culture) with the first appearance in the classic children's novel *[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz](/source/The_Wonderful_Wizard_of_Oz)* (1900) where they welcome [Dorothy Gale](/source/Dorothy_Gale) to [their city in Oz](/source/Land_of_Oz). The Munchkins are described as being the same height as Dorothy and they wear only shades of blue clothing, as blue is the Munchkins' favorite color. Blue is also the predominating color that officially represents the eastern quadrant in the [Land of Oz](/source/Land_of_Oz). The Munchkins have appeared in various media, including the 1939 film *[The Wizard of Oz](/source/The_Wizard_of_Oz)*, as well as in various other films and comedy acts.

## Concept

While Baum may have written about it, there are no surviving notes for the composition of *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. The lack of this information has resulted in speculation of the term origins he used in the book, which include the word "Munchkin".[1] Baum researcher [Brian Attebery](/source/Brian_Attebery) has hypothesized that there might be a connection to the *[Münchner Kindl](/source/M%C3%BCnchner_Kindl)* ('Munich child'), the [emblem](/source/Emblem) of the [Bavarian](/source/Bavaria) city of [Munich](/source/Munich).[1] The symbol was originally a 13th-century statue of a [monk](/source/Monk), looking down from the [town hall](/source/Town_hall) in Munich. Over the years, the image was reproduced many times, for instance as a figure on [beer steins](/source/Beer_stein), and eventually evolved into a boy wearing a pointed hood.[2] Baum's family had German origins, suggesting that Baum could have seen one such reproduction in his childhood.

It is also possible that "Munchkin" came from the German word *Männchen*, which means "mannikin" or "little figure". In 1900, Baum published a book about window displays in which he stressed the importance of mannequins in attracting customers.[3] Another possibility is a connection to [Baron Munchausen](/source/Baron_Munchausen). This fictional character is based on a real baron who told outrageous [tall tales](/source/Tall_tale) based on his military career.[1][4] It is also possible that the name is related to Thumbkin, Bumpkin, etc., pet names given to fingers of the hand in [nursery rhymes](/source/Nursery_rhyme).[1]

Like the other Oz terms, the word "Munchkin" ends in a diminutive which in this case refers to the size of the natives.[1]

## Literature

### Oz Books by Frank Baum

"she noticed coming down toward her a group of the queerest people she had ever seen. They were not as big as the grown folk she had always been used to; but neither were they very small. In fact, they seemed about as tall as Dorothy, who was a well-grown child for her age, although they were, so far as looks go, many years older."

— – [L. Frank Baum](/source/L._Frank_Baum)

The Munchkins are first mentioned (quote shown) in an excerpt from chapter two of *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, titled "The Council with the Munchkins". Dorothy initially meets only three of them, along with the [Good Witch of the North](/source/Good_Witch_of_the_North_(Baum)). The rest of the Munchkins then come out of hiding and are shown to be grateful towards Dorothy for killing their evil ruler the [Wicked Witch of the East](/source/Wicked_Witch_of_the_East). Dorothy later eventually finds the yellow brick road and along the way attends a banquet held by a Munchkin man named [Boq](/source/List_of_Oz_characters_(created_by_Baum)#Boq). Sometime in the book a background story is also given about a "Munchkin maiden" (named [Nimmie Amee](/source/List_of_Oz_characters_(created_by_Baum)) in later books), who was the former love interest of the [Tin Woodman](/source/Tin_Woodman).[5]

Baum also included the Munchkin characters in his later works as minor and major individual characters. The Munchkin [Jinjur](/source/Jinjur) is the main antagonist in Baum's second book [The Marvelous Land of Oz](/source/The_Marvelous_Land_of_Oz), where she seeks to overthrow the [Scarecrow](/source/Scarecrow_(Oz)) and take over the [Emerald City](/source/Emerald_City). Jinjur makes a brief appearance in the next book, entitled [Ozma of Oz](/source/Ozma_of_Oz), and is brought back in Baum's twelfth book, *[The Tin Woodman of Oz](/source/The_Tin_Woodman_of_Oz)*. By this time, she is shown to be a more prominent character who is helpful and friendly to Dorothy and her friends. Two other major Munchkin characters also appear in *The Tin Woodman of Oz*: Tommy Kwikstep and Nimmie Amee. The former appears in the story asking for a wish for running an errand for a witch; the latter is the name given to the mystery "Munchkin maiden" from the first book, who was the former lover of the Tin Woodman. More information is revealed that tells about the Tin Woodman's origin and their tragic love story.[5] Lastly, the Munchkin [Unc Nunkie](/source/List_of_Oz_characters_(created_by_Baum)#Unc_Nunkie) appears in Baum's seventh book, *[The Patchwork Girl of Oz](/source/The_Patchwork_Girl_of_Oz)*, where he is accidentally turned to stone. His Munchkin nephew [Ojo](/source/Ojo_the_Lucky) successfully goes on a quest in search of an [antidote](/source/Antidote) while learning more about himself in the process.

### Subsequent Oz books

[L. Frank Baum](/source/L._Frank_Baum) died on 6 May 1919 after which other writers took up writing additional Oz stories. In some cases these books were written under Baum's name and included the Munchkins. There is at least one known Munchkin character that was created after Baum's death that appears as a major character. Zif is a Munchkin boy who appears in [John R. Neill](/source/John_R._Neill)'s first adaptation called [The Royal Book of Oz](/source/The_Royal_Book_of_Oz). Zif is a student at the College of Art and Athletic Perfection; he is both respectful and resentful towards his teacher Wogglebog who considers Zif a "nobody or a nothing". The Munchkin characters that Baum had created in his lifetime also appear in these additional works.

## Film and musicals

### Early works (1902–1933)

While the 1939 film is the most well known adaptation (see section below), it was not the first outside work to show the Munchkins in film or musical format. One of the first musical adaptations of Baum's books took place in 1902; it was also dubbed *[The Wizard of Oz](/source/The_Wizard_of_Oz_(1902_musical))*.[6][7] The Munchkins make their appearance in act one, called "The Storm", in which they are shown dancing around their [maypole](/source/Maypole), not noticing that Dorothy's house has fallen to earth killing the Wicked Witch of the East.[8] The first film adaptation of Baum's works, titled [The Wonderful Wizard of Oz](/source/The_Wonderful_Wizard_of_Oz_(1910_film)), was released in 1910, followed by three sequels. However, it was not until 1914 that Munchkin characters first appeared in film works. [Ojo the Lucky](/source/Ojo_the_Lucky) and [Unc Nunkie](/source/Unc_Nunkie) both appear in a film titled *[The Patchwork Girl of Oz](/source/The_Patchwork_Girl_of_Oz_(1914_film))* (based on the book of the same name). This film stars American actress [Violet MacMillan](/source/Violet_MacMillan) as Ojo and was produced by [Baum](/source/L._Frank_Baum).[9]

### 1939 film

The 1939 movie musical *[The Wizard of Oz](/source/The_Wizard_of_Oz)* was loosely based on Baum's novel. Notable differences of the Munchkins include their country name of [Munchkinland](/source/Munchkin_Country) and their clothes of many colors instead of an all-blue attire. In the musical, the Munchkins are portrayed by the thirty-odd members of the [Singer Midgets](/source/Singer_Midgets), a European performing troupe made up of adult actors with [dwarfism](/source/Dwarfism). Their numbers were swelled when a national talent search brought in a further ninety-four little men, women, and teenagers, with a few average-sized children were also included as background extras[10] in order to make up the 124 characters requested by [MGM](/source/MGM).[11]

In the musical, the Munchkins first appear when Dorothy and Toto arrive in the Land of Oz after her house lands on the [Wicked Witch of the East](/source/Wicked_Witch_of_the_East). The Munchkins hide from all the commotion until Glinda the Good Witch arrives reassuring them that everything is okay. Dorothy tells them how she arrived in the Land of Oz (through a [musical number](/source/Musical_theatre)) and the Munchkins celebrate. To make it official, a Barrister and a number of City Fathers insist to the Mayor of the Munchkin City that they must make sure that the Wicked Witch of the East is really dead before the celebration continues. The Coroner confirms this by saying that the witch is "not only merely dead" but is indeed "most sincerely dead" while showing a [Certificate of Death](/source/Death_certificate). The Munchkins then celebrate further as Dorothy receives gifts from the "Lullaby League" and the "Lollipop Guild". Near the end of the song, the [Wicked Witch of the West](/source/Wicked_Witch_of_the_West) arrives, which causes the Munchkins to panic. After the Wicked Witch of the West leaves, Glinda tells Dorothy to follow the [yellow brick road](/source/Yellow_brick_road) to the [Emerald City](/source/Emerald_City) as the Munchkins guide her out of Munchkinland.

The Munchkin actors have since not avoided controversy with alleged behavior behind the scenes. In a 1967 interview, [Judy Garland](/source/Judy_Garland) referred to all of the Munchkins as "little drunks" who got intoxicated every night to the point where they had to be picked up in "butterfly nets". These accusations were denied as fabrications by Munchkin [Margaret Pellegrini](/source/Margaret_Pellegrini), who said only "a couple of kids from Germany even drank beer".[12] On 20 November 2007, the Munchkins were given a star on the [Hollywood Walk of Fame](/source/Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame). Seven of the surviving Munchkin actors from the film were present. As a result of the popularity of the 1939 film, the word "munchkin" has entered the English language as a reference to small children, persons with dwarfism, or anything of diminutive stature.

#### Actors and actresses

The following is a list of actors who portrayed the Munchkins in the 1939 film. Most of the dwarfs hired were acquired for MGM by [Leo Singer](/source/Leo_Singer), the proprietor of [Singer's Midgets](/source/Singer's_Midgets).[13] A *Daily Variety* news story from 17 August 1938, stated 124 dwarves had been signed to play Munchkins; modern sources place the number either at 122 or 124. An additional dozen or so child actors were hired to make up for the shortage of dwarves.[10] At least one Munchkin actor, Dale Paullin (stage name Paul Dale), did not make the final cut for the movie.[14] Only two actors (Joseph Koziel and Frank Cucksey) used their actual voices for the dialogue exchanged with Dorothy where she is given the flowers. The rest of the voices, such as the "Munchkin chorus", were created by [Pinto Colvig](/source/Pinto_Colvig) and [Billy Bletcher](/source/Billy_Bletcher)[15] with their voices recorded at a slow speed, which were subsequently sped-up when played back.[16]

In 1989, author [Stephen Cox](/source/Stephen_Cox_(writer)) researched, found, and wrote about the surviving Munchkin actors fifty years after they made the film. He wrote about them in his book, *The Munchkins Remember* (1989, E.P. Dutton), which was later revised as *The Munchkins of Oz* (Cumberland House), and his book remained in print for nearly two decades. When he wrote the book, 33 of the actors with dwarfism who appeared in the film were still alive and were interviewed. Several of them outlived all the major cast, as well as the original Tin Man [Buddy Ebsen](/source/Buddy_Ebsen). [Jerry Maren](/source/Jerry_Maren), who played the green "Lollipop Guild" member, was the last living adult Munchkin actor. Maren was the only Munchkin alive when the film's longest living cast member, [Shep Houghton](/source/Shep_Houghton), an extra, died in 2016.

- *Notes: Some of the information presented in the table below may never be complete as [Social Security](/source/Social_Security_(United_States)) records remain [sparse](/source/History_of_Social_Security_in_the_United_States) prior to the mid-twentieth century. Other factors such as immigration and foreign citizenship also add to this difficulty. [Stage names](/source/Stage_name) and/or aliases are present in italics and quotation marks.*

Actor Born Died Part(s) played Gladys W. Allison[17] Played a villager John Ballas[18] 1903[19] Played a villager Franz Balluch ("Mike")[17] 1987[20] Played a villager Josefine Balluch[21] 1984[20] Played a villager John T. Bambury[18] 1891[22] 1960[22] Played a soldier Charlie Becker 1887[23] 1968[23][24] Played "The Mayor of Munchkinland".[23][24] Freda Betsky[17][25] Played a villager Henry Boers 1896[26] Played a villager Theodore Boers 1894[26] 1945[27] Played a villager Christie Buresh ("Kristina Buresova")[28][29] 1907[28] Played a villager Eddie Buresh ("Edward Buresova")[28][29] 1909[28] Played a villager Lida Buresh ("Ludmila Buresova")[28][29] 1906[28] Played a villager Mickey Carroll 1919[30] 2009[30] Played a fiddler, a town crier, and a soldier Casper "Colonel" Balsam[18] 1904[31] 1968[31] Played a villager Nona A. Cooper[17] 1875[32] 1953[32] Played a villager Thomas J. Cottonaro[17] 1914[33] 2001[33] Played a villager Elizabeth Coulter[18] Played a villager Lewis Croft 1919[34] 2008[34] Played a soldier[34] Frank Cucksey 1919[35] 1984[36] Played a villager who gives Dorothy flowers[a] Billy Curtis 1909[37] 1988[37] Played the Braggart[b] Eugene S. David Jr. Played a fiddler[38] Eulie H. David 1921[39] 1972[39] Played a soldier[38] Ethel W. Denis[18] 1894[40] 1968[41] Played a villager Prince Denis[42] 1900[41] 1984[41] Played the Sergeant-at-Arms[c] Hazel I. Derthick 1906[43] Played a villager Daisy Earles 1907[44] 1980[45] Played a "munchkin maiden"[45] Gracie Doll Earles 1899[46] 1970[45] Played a "munchkin maiden"[45] Harry Doll Earles 1902[44] 1985[45] Blue member of The Lollipop Guild[45][47] Tiny Doll Earles 1914[45] 2004[45] Played a "munchkin maiden"[45] Major Doyle ("James D. Doyle")[18] 1869[48] 1940[48] Played a villager Ruth Robinson Duccini 1918[49] 2014[49] Played a villager Carl M. Erickson[18] 1917[50] 1958[50] Played the 2nd Trumpeter Fern Formica 1925[51] Played a villager and a "sleepyhead" Addie Eva Frank[52] Played a villager Thaisa L. Gardner[18] Played a villager Jakob "Jackie" Gerlich 1925[d] 1960[53] Red member of The Lollipop Guild William A. Giblin 1916[54] 1985[54] Played a soldier[54] Jack S. Glicken 1900[55] 1950[55] Played a city father Carolyn E. Granger[18] 1915[56] 1973[56] Played a villager Joseph Herbst[18] 1908[39] [e] Played a soldier Jakob Hofbauer 1898[57] [f] Played a soldier[57] Clarence C. Howerton ("Major Mite") 1913[58] 1975[59] Played the 3rd Trumpeter[58] Helen M. Hoy[18] 1898[60] 1945[60] Played a villager Marguerite A. Hoy[18] Played a villager James R. Hulse IV[18] 1915[42] 1964[42][61] Played a villager Robert Kanter ("Little Lord Robert")[17] 1886[g] Played a soldier Charles E. Kelley[17] Played a soldier Jessie E. Kelley ("Jessie Becker")[18] Played a villager Frank Kikel[18] Played a villager Bernard Klima ("Harry") 1897[35] 1957[35][62] Played a villager Mitzi Koestner[18] 1894[63] 1975[63] Played a villager Emma Koestner[18] 1900[63] 1984[63] Played a villager Willi Koestner[18] 1908[63] 1974[63] Played a soldier[64] Adam Edwin Kozicki ("Eddie Adams")[18] Played a fiddler[65] Joseph J. Koziel[18] 1919[66] 1967[66] Played a villager who gives Dorothy flowers[a] Dolly F. Kramer[18] 1904[26] 1995[26] Played a villager Emil Kranzler[18] 1910[67] 1993[67][68] Played a villager Nita Krebs 1905[35] 1991[35][69] Member of The Lullaby League and a villager[69] Jeane LaBarbera ("Little Jean") 1909[70] 1993[70] Played a villager Hilda Lange[18] 1911[67] 1975[67] Played a villager John Leal ("Johnny")[18] 1905[71] 1996[71] Played a villager Ann Rice Leslie[18] 1900[72] 1973[72] Played a villager Charles Ludwig[18] 1889[73] 1941[74] Played a villager Dominick Magro[75] 1909[76] 1959[76] Played a villager Carlos Manzo[18] 1915[77] 1955[77] Played a villager Howard Marco[18] 1884[78] Played a villager Jerry Maren 1920[79] 2018[80] Green member of The Lollipop Guild Bela Matina ("Mike Rogers")[17][81] 1902[82] 1954[83] Played a villager Lajos Matina ("Leo Rogers")[17] 1893[82] 1975[82] Played a villager Matyus Matina ("Ike Rogers")[17][81] 1902[82] 1965[82] Played a villager Walter M. B. Miller[18] 1906[20] 1987[20] Played a soldier and a flying monkey[20] George Ministeri[18] 1906[84] 1986[84] Played the coachman and a villager[84] Harry Monty 1904[85] 1999[86] Played a villager and a flying monkey[86] Yvonne Bistany Moray[17] [h] Member of The Lullaby League and a villager[20] Johnny Maroldo ("Johnny Winters") 1905[87] 1985[87] Played the Commander of the Navy[87] Marie Bernadet Maroldo ("Marie Winters") 1901[87] 1979[87] Played a villager[87] Olga C. Nardone 1921[88] 2010[88] Member of The Lullaby League, and a sleepyhead.[88] Nels P. Nelson[18][89][i] 1918[90] 1994[90] Played a villager Margaret C. Nickloy ("Princess Marguerite") 1902[91] 1961[91] Played a villager Franklin H. O'Baugh 1922[92][93] 1963[93] Played a soldier[93] William H. O'Docharty[18] 1920[84] 1988[84] Played the coach footman and a villager[84] Hildred C. Olson[18] 1906[94] 1958[94] Played a villager Frank Packard[18] Played a villager Nicholas Page ("Nicky") 1904[20] 1978[20] Played a soldier and a city father[10][20] Leona Megest Parks ("Duchess Leona") 1897[26] Played a villager Margaret Williams Pellegrini 1923[51][95] 2013[95] Played a "sleepyhead" and the "flower pot munchkin".[95] Johnny Pizo[18] Played a villager Leon Polinsky ("Prince Leon")[18][96] 1918[97] 1955[97] Played a villager Lillian Porter[98] 1917[99] 1997[99] Played a villager Meinhardt Raabe 1915[100] 2010[100] Played the coroner[j] Margaret Raia 1928[k] 2003[101] Played a villager[101] Matthew Raia Played a city father[101] Friedrich Retter ("Freddie")[18] 1899[102] Played a fiddler and villager Billy Rhodes ("Little Billy")[103][104] 1895[104] 1967[104] Played the barrister Gertrude H. Rice[18] Played a villager Hazel Rice[18] Played a villager Sandor Roka[18][105] 1896[106] 1954[106] Played a villager Jimmie Rosen 1892[107] 1973[107] Played a villager Charles F. "Wojnarski" Royal[18] 1900[108] 1947[108] Played a soldier Helen J. "Wojnarski" Royal[18] 1897[108] 1958[108] Played a villager Stella A. "Wojnarski" Royal 1903[108] 1959[108] Played a villager Albert Ruddinger[18] Played a villager Elsie R. Schultz[18] 1892[20] 1987[20] Played a villager Charles Silvern[18] 1976[109] Played a villager Garland Slatton ("Earl") 1917[26] 1995[26] Played a soldier Karl Slover[110] 1918[111] 2011[111] Played the lead trumpeter, a soldier, and a villager[111] Ruth E. Smith[18] 1985[14] Played a villager Elmer Spangler[18] 1910[112] Played a villager Pernell St. Aubin 1922[35] 1987[35][113] Played a soldier[35] Carl Stephan[18] Played a villager Alta M. Stevens[18] Played a villager[114] George Suchsie[18] Played a villager Charlotte V. Sullivan[18] Played a villager Clarence Swensen 1917[115] 2009[116] Played a soldier[117] Betty Tanner[118] 1994[119] Played a villager Arnold Vierling 1919[120] 1949[120] Played a villager Gus Wayne 1920[121] 1998[121] Played a soldier[121] Victor Wetter 1902[122][123] 1990[122][123] Played the Captain of the Army[10][122][123] Grace G. Williams[18] Played a villager Harvey B. Williams[18][124] Played a soldier Gladys V. Wolff[18] 1911[42] 1984[42] Played a villager Murray Wood[18] 1908[125] 1999[125] Played a city father

#### Child actresses

About a dozen children of average height were hired so they could be used for background fill. Sources differ on the number of children used for these roles ranging anywhere from 10 to 12.[126] The names used for the women are [maiden names](/source/Maiden_and_married_names) with known aliases present in italics and quotation marks.

Priscilla Ann Montgomery Clark is the earliest born of the Munchkins listed below and the final living Munchkin actress.[127]

Actor Born Died Part(s) played Source Betty Ann Cain ("Bruno") 1931 2023 Munchkin hatchling [128][129][130][131][132][133] Priscilla Ann Montgomery Clark 1929 Living Munchkin Child [129][130][134] Donna Jean Johnson ("Stewart Hardaway") 1933 2008 Background fill [135][136] Joan Kenmore 1931 2022 Background fill [128][129][130][126][137] Eva Lee Kuney 1934 2015 Background fill [17][138][139] Rae-Nell Laskey ("Alsbury") 1930 1991 unknown [140][141] Elaine Mirk ("Merk") 1930 2025 Background fill [126][130][142][143] Valerie Lee Shepard[l] 1931 2026 Background fill [126][127][130][144][10] Ardith Dondanville ("Mae") Todd 1930 2022 Background fill [128][129][130][145] Shirley Ann Kennedy ("Vegors") 1932 2005 Background fill [146][147] Viola White ("Banks") 1931 2000 Background fill [10]

### Later works (1940–1989)

The 1939 film was adapted into a musical that was released in 1942 that includes the Munchkin characters. The events that take place mirror the film including the song "[Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead](/source/Ding-Dong!_The_Witch_Is_Dead)".[148] Twenty-seven years later an animated film called *[The Wonderful Land of Oz](/source/The_Wonderful_Land_of_Oz)* was made featuring [Jinjur](/source/Jinjur) as a main antagonist.

### Other works

See also: [Adaptations of The Wizard of Oz](/source/Adaptations_of_The_Wizard_of_Oz)

- The Munchkins appeared in *[The Wiz](/source/The_Wiz_(film))* and were played by children and teenagers. (1978)
- The Munchkins appear at the end of *[Return to Oz](/source/Return_to_Oz)*. They are seen celebrating Dorothy's return after defeating the [Nome King](/source/Nome_King) and are present at Princess Ozma's coronation. Tommy Kwikstep was also seen there. (1985)
- In *[The Muppets' Wizard of Oz](/source/The_Muppets'_Wizard_of_Oz)*, the Munchkins were played by Rizzo the Rat (as the "Mayor of Munchkinland") and his fellow rats, allowing them to also pull double duty as the Field Mice that rescue Dorothy from the poppies. (2005)
- The Munchkins appeared in *[Dorothy and the Witches of Oz](/source/Dorothy_and_the_Witches_of_Oz)*. The Munchkins were first seen in the battle against the Wicked Witch of the West's forces in Oz. They were later brought to Earth by Glinda in order to combat the forces of the Wicked Witch of the West. (2012)
- The Munchkins appear in *[Oz the Great and Powerful](/source/Oz_the_Great_and_Powerful)*. They alongside the [Quadlings](/source/Quadling_Country) and the Tinkers as inhabitants of Glinda's protectorate. Although the film is not otherwise a musical, the Munchkins sing and dance much as they do in the 1939 film. (2013)
- The Munchkins appear in *[Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz](/source/Dorothy_and_the_Wizard_of_Oz)* with the "Mayor of Munchkinland" voiced by [Bill Fagerbakke](/source/Bill_Fagerbakke) and the background Munchkins voiced by [Steven Blum](/source/Steven_Blum) and [Jessica DiCicco](/source/Jessica_DiCicco). Ojo, Dr. Pipt, the Lollipop Guild, and the Lullaby League are also featured. Also, Smith & Tinker are depicted as Munchkins in this show.
- The Munchkins appear as a culture of farmers in *[Wicked](/source/Wicked_(2024_film))*. Director [Jon M. Chu](/source/Jon_M._Chu) decided to cast people closer to the book's original description being about as tall as Dorothy, rather than the 1939 film's cast of much shorter Munchkins. The main Munchkin character in this story, Boq Woodsman, is played by [Ethan Slater](/source/Ethan_Slater) who stands at 5'7". Chu also chose to focus more on their culture than their physical appearance.

## Explanatory notes

1. Frank Cucksey, and Joseph Koziel were the only two munchkins whose real voices were used. Their dialogue is as follows: "We thank you very sweetly, for doing it so neatly" (Joseph), "You've killed her so completely, that we thank you very sweetly" (Frank).[16]

1. The "Braggart" can be heard saying: "and ohhhh what happened then was rich".

1. It was falsely reported in 1984 that Prince Denis played the role of the Munchkin Mayor.[20]

1. Although often disputed as 1917 or 1925, Gerlich was born Leo Fuks in 1925, but used the passport of his older brother, Jakob Gerlich (born 1917) in order to emigrate to the U.S. at age thirteen; he continued using his older brother's name post-Oz.

1. According to Stephen Cox, Herbst was born in Birkfeld Austria on April 19, 1908 and died on July 6, 1993 in Joliet, Illinois.[39] However this contradicts claims made by Joseph Herbst's cousin who claimed he died in 1989 and was in his "late 80s" in 1988.[149]

1. According to Stephen Cox it is unknown what became of Jakob Hofbauer; he is rumored to have died in the late 1950s.[57]

1. There is a source that mentions Robert Kanter aka "Little Lord Robert" signing a postcard in 1908 when he was 22 years old. This means he was born in 1886 at the latest.[150]

1. According to friends, Yvonne died sometime in the 1970s.[20]

1. Nels was interviewed in the 1993 documentary "We're off to see the munchkins".[89]

1. Raabe certifies the death of the *[Wicked Witch of the East](/source/Wicked_Witch_of_the_East)*.[100]

1. During production, [MGM](/source/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) officials discovered that Raia was underage (child actresses were hired for background fill). She was subsequently expelled from the set halfway through filming.[151]

1. Also known as "Lois Valerie Shepard".[144]

## References

### Citations

1. Lyman Frank Baum & Martin Gardner (2000). [*The Annotated Wizard of Oz: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*](https://archive.org/details/annotatedwizardo0000baum). W. W. Norton & Company. p. [39](https://archive.org/details/annotatedwizardo0000baum/page/39). Retrieved 20 July 2018.

1. Corinna Erhard: *Das Münchner Kindl auf dem Rathaus – wer stand Modell?* In: Corinna Erhard: *München in 50 Antworten.* München-Verlag, München 2011, ISBN 978-3-937090-57-3, S. 16.

1. Emily and Per Ola d'Aulaire, "Mannequins: our fantasy figures of high fashion," *[Smithsonian](/source/Smithsonian_(magazine))*, Vol. 22, no. 1, April 1991

1. Fisher, Jill A. (Spring 2006). "Investigating the Barons: narrative and nomenclature in Munchausen syndrome". *Perspectives in Biology and Medicine*. **49** (2): 250–62. [doi:10.1353/pbm.2006.0024](https://doi.org/10.1353/pbm.2006.0024). [PMID 16702708](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16702708). [S2CID 12418075](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:12418075)

1. [Jack Snow](/source/Jack_Snow_(writer)), *Who's Who in Oz*, Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1954; New York, Peter Bedrick Books, 1988; p. 144.

1. Fricke, Stillman, Scarfone. *The Wizard of Oz: The 50th Anniversary Pictorial History*

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1. Yours Retro magazine; Summer 2024; Issue No. 78; page 40

1. ["Margaret Pellegrini dies at 89; actress played Munchkin in 'Oz'"](https://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-margaret-pellegrini-20130808,0,3512643.story). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. 8 August 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141229103424/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/aug/07/local/la-me-margaret-pellegrini-20130808) 29 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 April 2017.

1. Harmetz, Aljean (2013). [*The Making of the Wizard of Oz*](https://books.google.com/books?id=nSFQAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA193). 75th Anniversary Updated ed. Chicago: [Chicago Review Press](/source/Chicago_Review_Press). p. 193. ISBN 978-1-61374-832-9.

1. ["IOWA'S MUNCHKIN: Paullin Sets The Record Straight"](http://whotv.com/2013/04/10/iowas-munchkin-paullin-sets-the-record-straight/). *whotv.com*. 10 April 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170204155331/http://whotv.com/2013/04/10/iowas-munchkin-paullin-sets-the-record-straight/) 4 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 7 July 2017.

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1. Roger Catlin (4 July 2002). ["We're Off to Sing the Wizard"](https://www.courant.com/2002/07/04/were-off-to-sing-the-wizard/). *Hartford Courant*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140921024712/http://articles.courant.com/2002-07-04/features/0207040446_1_wizard-song-judy-garland-fairy-tales) 21 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 12 February 2018.

1. Jay Scarfone, William Stillman (June 2004). [*The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 M-G-M Classic*](https://books.google.com/books?id=D0w5WxGi0ggC&pg=PA239). Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 978-1-61774-843-1.

1. Rob White & Edward Buscombe (2003). [*British Film Institute Film Classics, Volume 1*](https://books.google.com/books?id=V96tee1l2q8C&pg=PA451). Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-57958-328-6. Retrieved 2 February 2014.

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1. Cox 2002, p. 163.

1. Rushdie, Salman (1992). [*The Wizard of Oz*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Rq46IH1nWb8C&q=Josefine). Macmillan. p. 67. ISBN 0851703003.

1. Billy H. Doyle (1999). [*The Ultimate Directory of Silent and Sound Era Performers: A Necrology of Actors and Actresses*](https://books.google.com/books?id=xqUYAQAAIAAJ&q=John+Bambury+1891+Pennsylvania). Scarecrow Press. p. 30. ISBN 9780810835474. Bambury, John ( 1938 ) : b . Pennsylvania, 10 Jul 1891; d . Los Angeles County, CA, 4 Nov 1960

1. Scott Wilson (2016). [*Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.*](https://books.google.com/books?id=7-DgDAAAQBAJ&dq=Charlie+Becker+died+1968&pg=PA51). McFarland. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-7864-7992-4.

1. Cox 2002, p. 173.

1. "Little People". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 25 September 1949. p. 140.

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1. ["Billboard Mar 17, 1945"](https://books.google.com/books?id=yBEEAAAAMBAJ&q=Teddy+Boers+1894&pg=PT32). *[Billboard Magazine](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. 17 March 1945. Retrieved 24 April 2017.

1. ["Billboard October 4, 1947"](https://books.google.com/books?id=JiAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT35&dq=Kristina+Buresova+midget&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiw38bip_WTAxVKMlkFHeW_DXEQ6AF6BAgHEAM#v=onepage&q=Kristina%20Buresova%20midget&f=false). *[Billboard Magazine](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Vol. 59, no. 39. October 4, 1947. Retrieved April 17, 2026.

1. ["Ludmila Buresova, alias Buresh; Kristina Buresova, alias Buresh; and Edward Buresh, alias Eduard Bures"](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Report/2_HphvJr7vkC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=buresova+midget&pg=RA38-PP32&printsec=frontcover). *Congressional Report*. No. 1077. April 17, 1948. Retrieved April 17, 2026.

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1. ["Lot #455: BALSAM, Casper "Col." (1904-1968). Colonel Casper."](https://auctions.potterauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=55025). *Potters Auctions*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241203211905/https://auctions.potterauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=55025) December 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 3, 2024.

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1. ["EX-ACTOR THOMAS J. COTTONARO, A 'WIZARD OF OZ' MUNCHKIN, DIES"](https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-22351965.html). Highbeam. 9 February 2001. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160505065538/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-22351965.html) 5 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2 March 2016.

1. Philip Potempa (11 May 2008). ["'Wizard of Oz' Munchkin soldier Lewis Croft dead at age 88"](http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/wizard-of-oz-munchkin-soldier-lewis-croft-dead-at-age/article_6bcaa4e3-1d46-59c2-9337-cb8691ab0cc2.html). nwitimes.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421020301/http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/wizard-of-oz-munchkin-soldier-lewis-croft-dead-at-age/article_6bcaa4e3-1d46-59c2-9337-cb8691ab0cc2.html) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 February 2016.

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1. Burt A. Folkart (12 November 1988). ["Actor, Double: Billy Curtis; Midget Had Film Career"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-12-mn-388-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160424150130/http://articles.latimes.com/1988-11-12/news/mn-388_1_billy-Curtis) 24 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2 March 2016.

1. Ron Baxley Jr. (26 July 2015). ["Two 'Munchkins' actors in 'Wizard of Oz' worked at SRP"](http://thetandd.com/lifestyles/two-munchkins-actors-in-wizard-of-oz-worked-at-srp/article_28131251-c9f1-50f6-a3d8-661df1593cc7.html). thetandd.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421024549/http://thetandd.com/lifestyles/two-munchkins-actors-in-wizard-of-oz-worked-at-srp/article_28131251-c9f1-50f6-a3d8-661df1593cc7.html) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 February 2016.

1. Cox 2002, p. 217.

1. *Obituaries (12/25/68)*. The Arizona Republic. 25 December 1968. p. 54.

1. ["Prince Denis, 84, Performer Who Played Munchkin Mayor"](https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/24/obituaries/prince-denis-84-performer-who-played-munchkin-mayor.html). *The New York Times*. 24 June 1984. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421025827/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/24/obituaries/prince-denis-84-performer-who-played-munchkin-mayor.html) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 22 January 2014.

1. Cox 2002, p. 156.

1. Kathee Yamamoto (9 June 1985). ["Remembering Life Over the Rainbow: Former Munchkin Returns to Oz"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-06-09-cb-10158-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421032013/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-06-09/news/cb-10158_1_wizard) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 February 2016.

1. Kérchy, Anna & Zittlau, Andrea (2013). [*Exploring the Cultural History of Continental European Freak Shows and 'Enfreakment'*](https://books.google.com/books?id=S8AwBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA272). Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4438-4642-4.

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1. Anna Kérchy (2013). [*Exploring the Cultural History of Continental European Freak Shows and Enfreakment*](https://books.google.com/books?id=S8AwBwAAQBAJ&dq=Gracie+Doll+born+1899+munchkin&pg=PA272). Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 272. ISBN 978-1-4438-4642-4.

1. Edwin L. Carpenter (27 November 2007). ["The Munchkins of Oz: Exclusive Dove Interviews (Part 2)"](http://www.dove.org/the-munchkins-of-oz-exclusive-dove-interviews-part-2/). dove.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160312081813/http://www.dove.org/the-munchkins-of-oz-exclusive-dove-interviews-part-2/) 12 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 February 2016.

1. Cox 2002, pp. 159–160.

1. ["Munchkin actress Ruth Duccini dies at 95"](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-25758075). BBC. 17 January 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421035955/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-25758075) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 April 2017.

1. ["The Final Curtain"](https://books.google.com/books?id=7goEAAAAMBAJ&q=Carl+Erickson+midget&pg=PA61). *Billboard Magazine*. 21 April 1958. p. 61. Retrieved 8 July 2017.

1. Howard Reich (18 March 1991). ["50 Years After Entering Oz, 2 Munchkins Still Step Along The Yellow Brick Road"](http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-03-18/features/9101240885_1_munchkins-margaret-pellegrini-oz). *Chicago Tribune*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421041126/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-03-18/features/9101240885_1_munchkins-margaret-pellegrini-oz) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2 March 2016.

1. Weinstock, Matt (11 July 2018). ["The Wizard of Oz, The Last Munchkin, and The Little People Left behind"](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-wizard-of-oz-the-last-munchkin-and-the-little-people-left-behind). *[The New Yorker](/source/The_New_Yorker)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180711225627/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-wizard-of-oz-the-last-munchkin-and-the-little-people-left-behind) July 11, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 30, 2024.

1. David J. Hogan (June 2014). [*The Wizard of Oz FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Life, According to Oz*](https://books.google.com/books?id=PuYMBAAAQBAJ&q=jackie+gerlich+1960&pg=PT143). Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 978-1-4803-9719-4.

1. ["A Munchkin soldier's jacket from The Wizard of Oz"](https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22486/lot/68/). bonhams.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421051656/https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22486/lot/68/) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 February 2016.

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1. Jamie Ward (8 May 2014). ["Return to Oz with Plenty of Munchkins for Company"](http://www.geaugamapleleaf.com/arts-and-theater/return-to-oz-with-plenty-of-munchkins-for-company/). *geaugamapleleaf.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231101015501/https://www.geaugamapleleaf.com/arts-and-theater/return-to-oz-with-plenty-of-munchkins-for-company/) November 1, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 8 July 2017.

1. Cox 2002, p. 172.

1. Marc Hartzman (21 September 2006). [*American Sideshow: An Encyclopedia of History's Most Wondrous and Curiously Strange Performers*](https://books.google.com/books?id=_ruXJxuyNfgC&pg=PA191). Penguin Group USA. p. 191. ISBN 978-1-58542-530-3.

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1. ["The Final Curtain"](https://books.google.com/books?id=xREEAAAAMBAJ&q=Marguerite+Hoy+midget&pg=PT32). *Billboard Magazine*. 10 March 1945. p. 33. Retrieved 8 July 2017.

1. Per records at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, OH James R. Hulse IV died in 1964 and is buried in section 106

1. ["Circus Midget Dies in Mexico"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XM4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=4921,470062&dq=harry-klima+1957). *St. Petersburg Times*. December 17, 1957. p. 11. Retrieved December 3, 2024.

1. Cox 2002, p. 218.

1. ["Willi Koestner photo"](http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/11189/11537056_2.jpg?v=8CE8190A887E290). liveauctiongroup.net. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421215640/http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/11189/11537056_2.jpg?v=8CE8190A887E290) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 February 2016.

1. ["Eddie Adams "Munchkin Fiddler" orange jacket designed"](https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/30470562_eddie-adams-munchkin-fiddler-orange-jacket-designed). *liveauctioneers.com*. 18 October 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2018.

1. Goldie Rapp (January 30, 2021). ["Did you know one of 'The Wizard of Oz' munchkins was a Spring Valley native?"](https://www.shawlocal.com/bureau-county-republican/news/local/2021/01/29/did-you-know-one-of-the-wizard-of-oz-munchkins-was-a-spring-valley-native/). *Shaw Local*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210130012133/https://www.shawlocal.com/bureau-county-republican/news/local/2021/01/29/did-you-know-one-of-the-wizard-of-oz-munchkins-was-a-spring-valley-native/) January 30, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.

1. ["Charter Members"](https://lpaarchive.org/charter-member-info/). *[Little People of America](/source/Little_People_of_America)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231031212555/https://lpaarchive.org/charter-member-info/) October 31, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.

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1. ["Jeane La Barbera and Robert Drake"](http://missioncreep.com/mundie/gallery/little/little15.htm). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085434/http://missioncreep.com/mundie/gallery/little/little15.htm) 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 April 2017.

1. ["John Leal; Played Munchkin in 'Wizard of Oz'"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-12-me-63921-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. 12 November 1996. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180125150608/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-11-12/local/me-63921_1_john-leal) 25 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 January 2018.

1. ["Come out, come out, wherever you are. A memorable munchkin from The Wizard of Oz"](https://pastimes13.wordpress.com/tag/ann-rice-leslie/). *pastimes13.wordpress.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170425135931/https://pastimes13.wordpress.com/tag/ann-rice-leslie/) 25 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 April 2017.

1. ["Midgets Break Ground for their City"](http://www.sideshowworld.com/13-TGOD/2008/tgod-MidgetCity.html). *sideshowworld.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151016142601/http://www.sideshowworld.com/13-TGOD/2008/tgod-MidgetCity.html) 16 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 6 July 2017.

1. ["Two Killed When Sedan Skids into Bus on Bay Bridge; Midget Hit, Dies; Fatal Heart Attack Follows Auto Crash"](https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150043449/). Oakland Tribune. 1 April 1941. p. 19. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170707022114/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150043449/) 7 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 6 July 2017.

1. Scarfone, Jay (2004). The Wizardry of Oz: The Artistry and Magic of the 1939 M-G-M Classic. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 248. ISBN 1557836248.

1. "Obituaries: Dominick Magro". *[San Diego Union](/source/The_San_Diego_Union-Tribune)*. January 5, 1959. p. b5.

1. ["The Final Curtain"](https://books.google.com/books?id=FCEEAAAAMBAJ&q=Carlos+Manzo+midget+died&pg=PA51). *Billboard Magazine*. 2 July 1955. p. 51. Retrieved 8 July 2017.

1. ["RB Registrants, 45–65, Get Big Play in Met Press"](https://books.google.com/books?id=EQwEAAAAMBAJ&q=Howard+Marco+midget&pg=PT39). *Billboard Magazine*. 9 May 1942. p. 40.

1. ["OFFBEAT: 'Wizard of Oz' Munchkin's wife, Elizabeth Maren, dead at 69"](http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/article_0d30beff-4719-5852-a813-0659e9cf1d39.html). January 31, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120927065843/http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/article_0d30beff-4719-5852-a813-0659e9cf1d39.html) September 27, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 3, 2024.

1. ["Jerry Maren, Who Sang and Danced as a Munchkin in Oz, Dies at 98"](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/06/arts/jerry-maren-dead-wizard-of-oz-munchkin.html). *The New York Times*. 6 June 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180607043628/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/06/arts/jerry-maren-dead-wizard-of-oz-munchkin.html) June 7, 2018 at the Wayback Machine.

1. [*Shortest Twins*](https://books.google.com/books?id=N2ExOXxw6cAC&pg=PA133). Guinness World Records. 30 April 2013. ISBN 978-0-345-54711-8.

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1. ["Full text of "Billboard" June 12, 1954"](https://archive.org/stream/bub_gb_Ux8EAAAAMBAJ/bub_gb_Ux8EAAAAMBAJ_djvu.txt). Billboard Magazine. 12 June 1954. Retrieved 26 April 2017.

1. Cox 2002, p. 151.

1. ["Lichtenstein, Hymie (obituary)"](https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/161386438/). *The Los Angeles Times*. December 30, 1999. p. 26.

1. ["Wizard of Oz 'Munchkin' dies aged 95"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/587029.stm). *BBC News*. 1 January 2000. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160313040150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/587029.stm) 13 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Cox 2002, p. 158.

1. Michael Sragow (November 30, 2010). ["Olga Nardone, 1921-2010: 'Oz' loses more of its living memory"](https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-12-olga_nardone_19212010_oz_loses-story.html). *Baltimore Sun*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210711012445/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-12-olga_nardone_19212010_oz_loses-story.html) July 11, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 3, 2024.

1. ["LITTLE PEOPLE…HUMONGOUS HEARTS – Part Five"](https://ozmuseum.com/blogs/news/16444324-little-people-humongous-hearts-part-five). *[OZ Museum](/source/Wamego,_Kansas#Area_attractions)*. Retrieved February 3, 2020.

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1. [Boyd Huppert](/source/Boyd_Huppert) (June 19, 2023). "Minnesotan who played Munchkin in 'The Wizard of Oz' gets monument in her hometown". *[KARE (TV)](/source/KARE_(TV))* Mary Couser, Hildred’s grandniece, was 15 years old when Hildred died in 1958 at the age of 52.

1. ["Margaret Pellegrini dies at 89; actress played Munchkin in 'Oz'"](https://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-margaret-pellegrini-20130808,0,3512643.story). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. 8 August 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141229103424/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/aug/07/local/la-me-margaret-pellegrini-20130808) 29 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 April 2017.

1. Mark W. Maxwell (2010). [*Egg Harbor City*](https://books.google.com/books?id=MN3Huu6A7FcC&q=Leon+Polinsky+midget+munchkin&pg=PA125). Arcadia Publishing. p. 125. ISBN 978-0-7385-6572-9.

1. Cox 2002, p. 219.

1. Cox 2002, p. 18.

1. ["Lilian Porter - Autographed Incribed Photograph - HFSID 22717"](https://www.historyforsale.com/lillian-porter-autographed-inscribed-photograph/dc22717). *History For Sale*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210519172456/https://www.historyforsale.com/lillian-porter-autographed-inscribed-photograph/dc22717) May 19, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 4, 2024.

1. Fox, Margalit (9 April 2010). ["Meinhardt Raabe, Famous Munchkin, Is Dead at 94"](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/10/movies/10raabe.html). *The New York Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161104023339/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/10/movies/10raabe.html) 4 November 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 15 November 2011.

1. Michelle Miller (30 August 2003). ["'Oz' film actor never measured stature in inches"](http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/20/news_pf/Pasco/_Oz__film_actor_never.shtml). *St. Petersburg Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065250/http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/20/news_pf/Pasco/_Oz__film_actor_never.shtml) 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 26 February 2016.

1. ["Travel Ban Lifted for German Midget"](https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/52681106/). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 13 January 1942. p. 17. Retrieved 8 July 2017.

1. Hank Davis (January 2018). [*Classic Cliffhangers: Volume 1 1914–1940*](https://books.google.com/books?id=RrNGDwAAQBAJ&q=Billy+Rhodes+1967&pg=PT89). Midnight Marquee & BearManor Media.

1. John Willis (June 1983). [*Screen World 1968*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Kq7KDU038mUC&q=Billy+Rhodes+midget+1967&pg=PA238). Biblo & Tannen Publishers. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-8196-0309-8.

1. Walter Bodin, Burnet Hershey (1934). [*It's a Small World: All about Midgets*](https://books.google.com/books?id=NQ2BAAAAMAAJ&q=Sandor+Roka). Coward-McCann. p. 289.

1. ["Roka Dies; Famous Midget"](https://newspaperarchive.com/sarasota-news-dec-04-1954-p-13/). Sarasota News. December 4, 1954. p. 13. Retrieved February 4, 2020.

1. Cox 2002, p. 220.

1. ["Wojnarski family midgets"](http://www.phreeque.com:80/stella_royale.html). *phreeque.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140926015210/http://www.phreeque.com/stella_royale.html) 26 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 22 April 2017.

1. Jay Hickerson (May 1979). ["Hello Again"](http://www.otrr.org/FILES/Magz_pdf/Hello%20Again/HA_V10_%2805%29_May79.pdf). *otrr.org*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150422223310/http://www.otrr.org/FILES/Magz_pdf/Hello%20Again/HA_V10_(05)_May79.pdf) April 22, 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 7, 2017. Charles Silvern, Apr 1, 76, midget-actor, performer...

1. ["Munchkins Get Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame"](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312413,00.html). *Fox News*. 21 November 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170110141547/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/11/21/munchkins-get-star-on-hollywood-walk-fame.html) 10 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 21 April 2017.

1. ["Karl Slover dies at 93; among the last of the Munchkins"](https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-xpm-2011-nov-17-la-me-karl-slover-20111117-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. November 17, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421144204/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/17/local/la-me-karl-slover-20111117) April 21, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 27, 2016.

1. ["Elmer Spangler professes"](https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/97654940/). Detroit Free Press. 22 August 1933. p. 1. Retrieved 9 July 2017.

1. ["The Midget Club"](http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0508290065aug29-story.html). *Chicago Tribune*. 29 August 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151017054801/http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0508290065aug29-story.html) 17 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 February 2016.

1. Cox 2002, p. 141.

1. ["'Munchkin' actor Clarence Swensen dies; was regular at Chittenango Oz celebrations"](https://www.syracuse.com/news/2009/02/munchkin_actor_clarence_swense.html). *Syracuse*. February 26, 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241201162356/https://www.syracuse.com/news/2009/02/munchkin_actor_clarence_swense.html) December 1, 2024 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Banta, Bob (February 26, 2009). ["Former Munchkin dies at 91"](http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/austin/entries/2009/02/26/former_munchkin_dies_at_91.html/). *Austin-American Statesman*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140203074142/http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/austin/entries/2009/02/26/former_munchkin_dies_at_91.html/) February 3, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 4, 2024.

1. ["Clarence Swensen Actor: Died in 2009"](http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/swensen/3031710). *Lasting Tribute*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090303135446/http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/swensen/303170) March 3, 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 4, 2024.

1. ["8 Munchkins Find There Is No Place Like Kansas"](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/05/10/8-munchkins-find-there-is-no-place-like-kansas/). *Orlando Sentinel*. May 10, 1992. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421152409/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1992-05-10/news/9205100438_1_oz-fest-munchkins-emerald-city) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 2, 2016.

1. Cox 2002, p. 145.

1. Cox 2002, p. 160.

1. ["Midget actor appeared in 'Wizard of Oz'"](https://variety.com/1998/film/news/gus-wayne-77-1117468285/). *[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))*. 2 March 1998. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421152703/http://variety.com/1998/film/news/gus-wayne-77-1117468285/) 21 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 February 2016.

1. Cox 2002, p. 146.

1. John D. Katerba (2020). [*Jamesburg and Monroe Township: Years Gone By*](https://books.google.com/books?id=CHXADwAAQBAJ&dq=Victor+Wetter+1902+munchkin&pg=PA54). Arcadia Publishing. p. 54. ISBN 978-1-4671-0452-4.

1. [North Dakota State University](/source/North_Dakota_State_University). ["Harvey Williams with William and Dorothy Haverstraw, Rugby, N.D."](https://www.digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/ndsu-strand/id/38/). *Digital Horizons*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231101015500/https://www.digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/ndsu-strand/id/38/) November 1, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 10, 2020.

1. Harris M. Lentz III (24 October 2008). [*Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 1999*](https://books.google.com/books?id=0HjGCwAAQBAJ&q=Murray+Wood+wizard+1999&pg=PA239). McFarland. p. 239. ISBN 978-0-7864-5204-0.

1. Debbie L. Sklar (11 May 2011). ["Life Beyond the Yellow Brick Road"](http://patch.com/california/lagunaniguel-danapoint/life-beyond-the-yellow-brick-road). patch.com. Retrieved 26 February 2016.

1. Barnes, Mike (13 April 2026). ["Valerie Lee, One of the Young Munchkins in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Dies at 94"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/valerie-lee-dead-munchkins-wizard-of-oz-our-gang-1236562703/). *[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260415001014/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/valerie-lee-dead-munchkins-wizard-of-oz-our-gang-1236562703/) 15 April 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 15 April 2026.

1. Debbie L. Sklar (17 November 2011). ["Local 'Wizard of Oz' Child Actress Remembers Munchkin, Karl Slover, 93, Who Died Tuesday"](http://patch.com/california/lagunaniguel-danapoint/local-wizard-of-oz-child-actress-remembers-munchkin-k86c11bad86). patch.com. Retrieved 26 February 2016.

1. Cox, Stephen (December 2, 2008). ["Child actors recall joining Munchkin ranks in 'Oz'"](https://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/02/entertainment/et-munchkins2). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090304200859/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/02/entertainment/et-munchkins2) 4 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 22 January 2014.

1. ["Meet Joan Kenmore who once danced on the yellow brick road"](http://www.allvoices.com/article/100001141). *allvoices.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141128140631/http://www.allvoices.com/article/100001141) 28 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 26 November 2014.

1. Dianne Reber Hart (October 24, 2019). ["One of last living Munchkins reflects from her home in Sonoma"](https://www.sonomanews.com/article/lifestyle/one-of-last-living-munchkins-reflects-from-her-home-in-sonoma/). *Sonoma News*

1. ["𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐊𝐚'𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐨 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟏 – 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑"](https://twitter.com/ATO_museum/status/1685807491546746880). *All Things Oz Museum on Twitter*. Retrieved 31 July 2023.

1. ["Former KTVU reporter Betty Ann Bruno dead at 91"](https://www.ktvu.com/news/former-ktvu-reporter-betty-ann-bruno-dead-at-91). KTVU. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.

1. ["'The Wizard of Oz' 3D Screening in LA"](http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/ClSamEADSfl/Wizard+Oz+3D+Screening+LA/cdKObQy9AyH/Priscilla+Montgomery). Retrieved 22 January 2014.

1. ["Memories & Candles"](http://www.tributes.com/show/Donna-Stewart-Hardway-84538063). *tributes.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170706153945/http://www.tributes.com/show/Donna-Stewart-Hardway-84538063) 6 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 6 July 2017.

1. Dee Dunheim (September 18, 2013). ["She was a child munchkin"](https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/she-was-a-child-munchkin/article_92ccf4a9-e05d-5870-a0c6-8347c85a26d1.html). *NWI Times*. Retrieved August 9, 2020.

1. ["So long and R.I.P Joan Kenmore, whose death earlier this year on July 26, 2022, aged 90, was just announced by her daughter to Marcos @marcosinwonderland"](https://www.instagram.com/p/ClGUJ5boQ4Y/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D). *Austin & Howard Mutti-Mewse on Instagram*. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.

1. ["Eva Feldman"](http://obits.reviewjournal.com/obituaries/lvrj/obituary.aspx?pid=174984751). *Las Vegas Review Journal*. Retrieved 2 March 2016.

1. Atreides, Paul (June 4, 2015). ["Farewell to a friend whose star never faded"](https://www.pressreader.com/usa/las-vegas-review-journal/20150604/282205124499102). *Las Vegas Review-Journal*. Retrieved February 24, 2020.

1. ["Actress, former "munchkin." dead at 61"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27127323/great-falls-tribune/). [Great Falls Tribune](/source/Great_Falls_Tribune). August 20, 1991. p. 8. Retrieved August 9, 2020.

1. ["Rae-Nell Laskey during the filming of Wizard of Oz"](https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1093/?name=_Alsbury&count=50&fh=500&fsk=MDs1MDA7NTA-61-). *Ancestry.com*. Retrieved August 9, 2020.

1. Dave Lord Heath. ["Elaine Merk"](https://www.lordheath.com/Elaine_Merk.html). *Lord Heath*. Retrieved May 19, 2021.[better source needed]

1. Jack Dunn (September 21, 2025). ["Elaine Merk Binder, One of the Last Surviving Munchkins from 'The Wizard of Oz', Dies at 94"](https://variety.com/2025/film/news/elaine-merk-binder-dead-munchkin-wizard-of-oz-1236525749). *Lord Heath*. Retrieved September 21, 2025.

1. Dave Lord Heath. ["Valerie Lee"](https://www.lordheath.com/Valerie_Lee.html). *Lord Heath*. Retrieved March 21, 2023.[better source needed]

1. ["Ardith Mae Todd"](https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ardith-todd-obituary?id=37072996). *Legacy*. Retrieved 24 July 2023.

1. ["Shirley Ann Kennedy Vegors Obituary"](http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?n=shirley-ann-kennedy-vegors&pid=3299434). *legacy.com*. Retrieved 26 November 2014.

1. Cox 1989, p. 37.

1. ["Wizard of Oz (MUNY 1945)"](http://www.tams-witmark.com/musicals/wizard.html). Tams–Witmark Music Library. 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130210114148/http://www.tams-witmark.com/musicals/wizard.html) 10 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 January 2011.

1. Philip Potempa (12 September 2008). ["Reader proud of family roots to famed 'Oz' Munchkin"](http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/reader-proud-of-family-roots-to-famed-oz-munchkin/article_6a9c8858-4062-50bf-8f00-45ed79f21083.html). nwitimes.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210126210908/http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/reader-proud-of-family-roots-to-famed-oz-munchkin/article_6a9c8858-4062-50bf-8f00-45ed79f21083.html) January 26, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 February 2016.

1. ["Little Lord Robert cabinet card, signed in 1908 midget in Wizard of Oz"](https://www.pbagalleries.com/view-auctions/catalog/id/349/lot/106182/Cabinet-Card-photograph-of-Little-Lord-Robert-signed-at-the-age-of-22-traveled-with-the-Ringling-Bros-Circus-and-appeared-in-the-movie-The-Wizard-of-Oz-as-a-munchkin). *pbagalleries.com*. Retrieved 14 June 2018.

1. Cox 2002, p. 6.

### Works cited

- Cox, Stephen (2002). *The Munchkins of Oz*. Cumberland House Publishing. ISBN 1-58182-269-3.
- Cox, Stephen (1989). [*The Munchkins Remember: "The Wizard of Oz" and Beyond*](https://books.google.com/books?id=zRYIAQAAMAAJ&q=Shirley+Ann+Kennedy+munchkin). E.P. Dutton. ISBN 978-0-525-48486-8.

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Munchkin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munchkin) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munchkin?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.
