One of the last munchkins (94) from the Wizard of Oz has passed away—closing a golden chapter

The curtain has fallen on another piece of Hollywood history. Elaine Merk Binder, one of the last surviving Munchkin performers from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, has died at the age of 94. Her passing not only marks the loss of a beloved link to the golden age of cinema but also closes the chapter on a remarkable life lived far beyond the sound stages of MGM.

Elaine’s daughter, Annette Phillips, confirmed that she died on 21 September 2024, leaving behind memories of dancing in Munchkinland as well as a lifetime of achievement beyond Hollywood. Born into a world of lights and cameras, Elaine stepped into film history at just 8 years old when she was cast as one of only eight child performers to both sing and dance as part of the Munchkin ensemble. But while audiences saw magic, she remembered the nerves of a child stepping into a world much larger than herself.

On screen, Elaine appeared during the song ‘Come Out, Come Out’ and again just before the transition to ‘Off to See the Wizard,’ where she could be spotted at the rear pavilion in a dark green dress and hat. These small moments connected her forever to one of the most enduring films of all time.

The path beyond Hollywood

Before The Wizard of Oz, Elaine had already appeared in Our Gang shorts and in the film Nothing Sacred alongside Carole Lombard and Frederic March. As a teenager, she was even offered a contract with Paramount Pictures, but instead of chasing stardom she chose to pursue higher education at Occidental College. This decision set her apart from many child stars of her era, trading the glamour of Hollywood for the quieter power of knowledge.

She graduated from Occidental in 1951, then earned a master’s degree in music and education at Cal State Los Angeles in 1953. Her love of learning continued with studies in computer science and theology, leading to a career as a computer consultant at USC and First Interstate Bank—an extraordinary leap for someone whose first job had been inside the fantasy world of Oz.

Holding on to Oz

Elaine never completely left her connection to The Wizard of Oz behind. She participated in documentaries, including the 2024 film Mysteries of Oz, which captured her final reflections on the movie that shaped her childhood. Her passing came in the same year that Wicked: Part One was released, reminding audiences that even as new adaptations emerge, the original magic still echoes through the decades.

She lived independently until her death at 94, survived by her daughter Annette, her son George, and six grandchildren. Fans shared tributes on social media, celebrating both her contribution to cinema and her achievements beyond it. One tribute read: ‘Elaine Merk Binder reminded us how timeless ‘The Wizard of Oz’ truly is,’ while another noted: ‘At 8, she danced as a Munchkin, bringing joy to millions. Her life extended far beyond: degrees in music, education, and more, plus a tech career.’

A legacy beyond the screen

Elaine’s story is also the story of Hollywood itself—its glitter, its choices, and the people who walked away to create their own destinies. Predeceased by almost all her fellow cast members, she lived into a century where Oz continued to inspire, carrying with her the rare memories of a vanished era.

Her life stood as proof that true legacy is built not only on screen but also in the courage to walk a different path.

Stories like Elaine Merk Binder’s remind us how deeply film and entertainment can shape our memories, even long after the cameras stop rolling.

Just as her journey showed a life of dedication and reinvention, there are others in the film world whose contributions deserve recognition.

One such story pays tribute to a pioneer whose legacy left a lasting mark on the industry.

Read more: 'Much-loved, highly respected and long serving': Farewell to a film pioneer (75)

May Elaine Merk Binder’s memory endure as both a part of cinematic history and as the story of a woman who chose substance over stardom. May she rest in peace.