Elaine Merk Binder dead: One of last surviving Wizard of Oz stars dies as tributes pour in

Elaine Merk Binder, one of the last surviving actors from the beloved 1939 classic Hollywood film The Wizard of Oz, has died at the age of 94. The news was confirmed by her daughter Annette Phillips. She starred opposite screen icon Judy Garland playing a Munchkin in the enduring musical. While the majority of the Munchkins were played by Little People some children were also used. She audtioned for the role in in 1938 and was one of the eight children selected to be part of the Munchkin ensemble.

She later recalled: "I tried out for the Wizard of Oz Munchkins. For me it was scary. It was my first big call for girls from a major studio. I was relieved when Bud told the dance director, 'She's okay.' I did not have to perform like the others did. And they selected me as one of the eight who would both dance and sing. We learned later that they had added girls to the Little People because they had the mistaken impression that the Little People were not athletic."

Elaine, who was just eight years old when she appeared in the movie, featured in the memorable scene where Dorothy Gale, played by Judy, has just arrived in Oz and met the Good Witch Glinda (Billie Burke). The Munchkins are apprehensive about the stranger leading Glinda to sing the song Come Out, Come Out.

During that famous number Elaine can be seen several times. Also, just before Dorothy leaves for the Emerald City and they break into Off to See the Wizard, she can be seen as one of the eight dancers in a pavilion at the rear, wearing a dark green dress and hat.

When Elaine reached her teens Paramount offered her a contract but she turned it down in favour of college. She graduated in 1951 and completed her master's in 1953.

She went on to work as a computer consultant for USC and First Interstate Bank. She also contributed to Oz documentaries and events over the years.

Tributes poured in for the star as the news broke. "A piece of Hollywood history fades away Elaine Merk Binder reminded us how timeless The Wizard of Oz truly is. Rest in peace," one fan wrote on X.

"94 years old is definitely a blessed age. Wizard of Oz was a Hollywood classic musical film. I remember being terrified of tornadoes and my mom would sing Over The Rainbow to me at bedtime when I was like 5. I would fall straight to sleep. Wow. MEMORIES. RIP Elaine," another penned.

A third chimed in: "Another piece of Hollywood history gone Rest easy to one of Oz's last living links." A fourth shared: "Nearly a century later, that film still lives in people's hearts. Another piece of Hollywood history takes its final bow."

A fifth penned: "An era has ended. Thank you for a classic that will live on forever." Meanwhile a sixth said: "I had no idea any Munchkins were still with us. A piece of cinema history gone forever."