Elaine Merk Binder, who appeared as one of the munchkins in the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, has died at the age of 94.
Her daughter, Annette Phillips, confirmed she passed away on Sunday. The cause of death has not been made public.
Elaine was among the last surviving actors who played munchkins in the iconic movie. She was only 8 years old when she was cast in 1938 after auditioning at MGM Studios.
In the film, she can be seen during the number “Come Out, Come Out,” standing at the second little house up the steps. She also appears in the pavilion scene just before the group breaks into “Off to See the Wizard,” dressed in a dark green outfit with a matching hat.
Recalling the experience, Elaine once said: “I tried out for the Wizard of Oz munchkins. For me it was scary. It was my first big call for girls from a major studio.”
Elaine remained proud of her part in Hollywood history, as The Wizard of Oz went on to become one of the most beloved films of all time.
She is remembered by her family and fans as one of the last living links to the magical world of Oz.
Who is Elaine Merk Binder?
Elaine Merk Binder was an American actress best known for playing one of the munchkins in the 1939 Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz. She was only 8 years old when she was cast in the film, making her one of the youngest performers to appear in the beloved musical.
Elaine auditioned for the role in 1938 and became one of eight munchkins chosen to sing and dance in the movie. She can be spotted in the “Come Out, Come Out” scene, where she stands by the second little house up the steps. She also appears later in the pavilion scene just before the song “Off to See the Wizard,” wearing a dark green dress and hat.
In interviews, Elaine described her audition as nerve-wracking, saying it was her “first big call for girls from a major studio.” Despite her nerves, her role in The Wizard of Oz became a memorable part of her childhood and of Hollywood history.
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Elaine lived a long life and remained proud of her connection to the timeless film. She was one of the last surviving actors who played munchkins, a group of characters who became iconic for their role in welcoming Dorothy to the land of Oz.
