Hollywood has lost another connection to its golden age.
Elaine Merk Binder, one of the last surviving actors who appeared as a Munchkin in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, has passed away at the age of 94.
Her daughter, Annette Phillips, confirmed her death on Monday, though no cause was revealed.
A Childhood Role That Became Iconic
Elaine was only eight years old when she joined the film’s colorful ensemble.
Out of the 124 actors who made up Munchkinland, she was one of just eight children chosen to sing and dance alongside the adult performers.
Viewers can spot her in the musical numbers Come Out, Come Out and Off to See the Wizard, where she beams with the innocence of a child swept up in movie magic.
The Darker Side of Munchkinland
While Elaine’s role remained pure and lighthearted, the reputation of some of her fellow castmates has long been shadowed by scandal.
Over the years, troubling stories emerged about the behavior of certain adult Munchkin actors, many of whom were accused of heavy drinking, wild partying, and even harassing Judy Garland during filming.
Garland’s third husband, Sid Luft, wrote in his memoir that the teenage star endured inappropriate advances from some of the men.
Other crew members recalled police being called to the actors’ hotel on a near-nightly basis due to drunken brawls and rowdy antics.
Hollywood Rumors and Legends
The chaos surrounding the Munchkins has become part of Hollywood folklore, with tales of orgies, gambling, and even a rumored on-set suicide.
Some of these stories were exaggerated or dismissed as cruel stereotypes, while surviving Munchkin actors later admitted that a few “bad apples” gave them all a bad reputation.
Regardless, their antics contrasted sharply with their squeaky-voiced, childlike roles on screen—raising the infamous question of whether the Munchkins were, in fact, Hollywood’s most unruly stars.
Elaine’s Path Beyond the Yellow Brick Road
Unlike many who remained defined by The Wizard of Oz, Elaine went on to build a life and career far outside Hollywood.
As a teenager, she was offered a contract with Paramount but turned it down, choosing instead to pursue higher education.
She earned degrees in music and education before later studying computer science and theology.
Her professional career was just as impressive—she worked as a computer consultant for USC and First Interstate Bank, proving her talents stretched far beyond the silver screen.
A Gentle Memory
Though the legacy of the Munchkins is a complicated one, Elaine Merk Binder’s story stands apart.
She recalled her audition as a nerve-racking but defining moment, and she often expressed gratitude for the chance to be part of such a historic film.
She remained proud of her role, not for the infamy that clung to others, but for the joy that The Wizard of Oz continues to bring generations of fans.