‘The Wizard of Oz’ Munchkin
Elaine Merk Binder Dead at 94
Published September 21, 2025 5:35 PM PDT
Elaine Merk Binder, who famously played one of the munchkins in “The Wizard of Oz,” has passed away.
Elaine died on Sunday, according to her daughter, Annette Phillips. The cause of death is currently unclear.
Most of the actors who portrayed munchkins in the 1939 movie have passed away, and Elaine was one of the last few still living.
Elaine auditioned for “The Wizard of Oz” back in 1938 and was one of eight munchkins who danced and sang in the film.
Her daughter mentions that Elaine appears in the film during the performance of “Come Out, Come Out,” staged in the second little house up the steps. Just before they go into “Off to See the Wizard,” Elaine can be seen as one of the eight dancers in a pavilion at the rear, wearing a dark green dress and hat.
Elaine turned 8 years old during filming on the MGM lot.
Elaine once 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.”
She was 94 years old.
RIP
