Last Living Munchkin, Dead?

Posted by Leah on 3/2/2016 10:14:19 AM

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        On Monday, February 29 it seemed that every news outlet in the nation, online or otherwise, reported the death of actor Jerry Maren. Maren is best known for his role as one of the “Lollipop Guild” members in The Wizard of Oz (he was the middle one), but has also had roles in Spaceballs, the original Planet of the Apes, Hello, Dolly!, Where the Buffalo Roam, the animated version of The Lord of the Rings, and many more.

        His biggest claim to fame these days (well, until Monday, February 29) is that he’s the oldest surviving Munchkin from The Wizard of Oz. It has since come to light that the 96 year old actor is not dead. According to TMZ.com, who spoke to Maren’s close friend Steve Cox, “he doesn't have pancreatic cancer, and is well cared for by relatives in Southern California. He doesn't do appearances any more, but he's about as healthy as can be at 96.” I guess the major news outlets should get back to double and triple checking their sources before they declare someone dead.