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Beloved Oz Munchkin and Our Gang Star Has Died
13 Apr
Summary
- Valerie Lee, who played a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, died at 94.
- She also appeared in several Our Gang comedy shorts during the 1940s.
- Priscilla Montgomery Clark is now the last surviving Munchkin from Oz.
Valerie Lee, a notable figure from "The Wizard of Oz" and "Our Gang" comedies, passed away recently at the age of 94. Born in Los Angeles on December 14, 1931, Lee was among the many youngsters selected to portray Munchkin villagers in the 1939 cinematic classic. She even celebrated her seventh birthday on the MGM studio lot during filming.
Following her memorable role in "The Wizard of Oz," Lee appeared in several "Our Gang" comedy shorts, including "Time Out for Lessons" and "Doin' Their Bit." She often spoke fondly of her time on the Oz set, recalling unique interactions with cast members like Bert Lahr. Lee was married to Robert Haynes from 1949 until his death in 2002 and is survived by their three children.
With Lee's death, Priscilla Montgomery Clark, aged 96, is now recognized as the last surviving individual who appeared as a child Munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz." Lee's life and career, though marked by these iconic early roles, continued with appearances in documentaries such as the 2024 "Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered."
