As a specialist in film history and the cultural impact of classic cinema, I'm often asked about the legacy of iconic films and the fates of their cast members. "The Wizard of Oz," released in 1939, is undoubtedly one of the most enduring and beloved films in history. The question about the cast's survival is a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring legacy of the film.
Firstly, it's important to clarify that "The Wizard of Oz" featured a variety of actors and performers, including the main cast such as Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and others, as well as the ensemble of Munchkins. The main cast, unfortunately, has all passed away. Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, passed away in 1969. Frank Morgan, who played the Wizard (among other roles), died in 1949. The other main actors, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, and Jack Haley, passed away in 1987, 1967, and 1975, respectively.
Regarding the Munchkins, who were a group of actors playing the diminutive inhabitants of the Land of Oz, it's a bit more complex. The film employed several hundred actors to portray the Munchkins, and many of them were children at the time of filming. As of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, the last known surviving Munchkin actor was Jerry Maren, born Gerard Marenghi on January 24, 1920. Maren portrayed a member of the Lollipop Guild in the film, and he was indeed the last surviving member of the ensemble as far as publicly available information suggests.
However, it's important to note that determining the survival status of every single actor who played a Munchkin is challenging due to the large number of actors involved and the passage of time. It's also possible that there may be surviving family members or descendants of the Munchkin actors who could carry on their legacy in some way.
The impact of "The Wizard of Oz" extends far beyond its original cast. The film's themes, music, and characters have become deeply ingrained in popular culture, influencing generations of filmmakers, writers, and artists. The film's status as a cultural touchstone is a testament to the power of storytelling and the universal appeal of its narrative.
In conclusion, while the main cast of "The Wizard of Oz" is no longer with us, the film's legacy endures through its influence on popular culture and the memories it continues to create for new audiences. The survival of any cast member from such a long-ago production is a testament to the film's enduring appeal and the indelible mark it has left on the hearts of viewers around the world.

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Gerard Marenghi (born January 24, 1920), known as Jerry Maren, is an American actor and the last surviving Munchkin of the 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz, in which he portrayed a member of the Lollipop Guild.read more >>