One Of The Last Surviving Actors In The Wizard Of Oz Dies At 94

Elaine Merk Binder has pᴀssed away. Binder was one of the original stars of The Wizard of Oz. She was born on December 19, 1930. In 1939, at just eight years old, she played one of the Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz.

The Wizard of Oz went on to be one of the most influential movies of its time. Famous for mixing black and white and color, it is studied today as a shining example of early color film and its capabilities. The movie won two Oscars including Best Original Song and Best Original Score, and was nominated for Best Picture.

As per Discussing Film, Binder has pᴀssed away. She was 94 years old. She died on September 21, and is survived by a son, daughter, and six grandchildren.

Elaine Merk Binder’s Career

The Munchkins singing to Dorothy in Munchkin Land in The Wizard of Oz.

Binder, formerly Elaine Merk, began her career in the 1937 short film Reunion in Rhythm. She went on to play supporting roles in several other features, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and more, before stepping into Muchkinland in what would be her highest-profile movie role yet.

Binder went on to be credited in just two films following The Wizard of Oz. These were The Star Maker and Barnyard Follies, the latter of which was released in 1940. She then left acting, leaving her career relegated to just child acting.

She had a recent presence in the Wizard of Oz community. A 2024 documentary Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered included Binder in an interview. This has now marked her last movie appearance.

Binder is predeceased by nearly all of her Wizard of Oz cast members. The main cast members, including Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, and Ray Bolger, all died decades ago. As one of the youngest actors in the movie, Binder went on to live on into the next century.

The Wizard Of Oz’s Legacy Lives On Today

Fiyero stands half-turned toward Elphaba, holding her hand, in the forest in Wicked

The past year has truly shown that the legacy of The Wizard of Oz is still alive and well today. 2024 saw the release of Wicked: Part One, an adaptation of half of the stage musical Wizard of Oz spinoff. That movie did amazingly well, and is being followed up by Wicked: For Good this year.

While Binder herself may not have had a hugely notable career, her memory can be remembered through the extant love of The Wizard of Oz. The upcoming release of Wicked: For Good gives audiences yet another chance to appreciate The Wizard of Oz, including Binder’s performance, in the coming weeks.