‘The Wizard of Oz’ Munchkin
Elaine Merk Binder Useless at 94
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Elaine Merk Binder, who famously performed one of many munchkins in “The Wizard of Oz,” is useless.
Elaine died Sunday … in accordance with her daughter, Annette Phillips. The reason for dying is unclear.
A lot of the actors who performed munchkins within the 1939 film are useless … Elaine had been one of many previous couple of who have been nonetheless alive.
Elaine tried out for “The Wizard of Oz” means again in 1938 … and she or he was one in every of 8 munchkins who dance and sing within the film.
Elaine’s daughter says he seems within the movie in the course of the efficiency of “Come Out, Come Out” … she’s staged within the second little home up the steps. Simply earlier than they go into “Off to See the Wizard,” Elaine might be seen as one of many eight dancers in a pavilion on the rear, sporting a darkish inexperienced costume and hat.
Elaine turned 8 years previous throughout filming on the MGM lot.
Elaine as soon as recalled … “I attempted out for the ‘Wizard of Oz’ Munchkins. For me it was scary. It was my first huge name for women from a serious studio.”
She was 94.
RIP