Sources including The LA Times and Today are confirming that actor and Massachusetts native Jerry Maren has passed away. His niece confirmed that his death took place on May 24, 2018 in San Diego, stemming from congestive heart failure. The Hollywood performer and stuntman achieved an eight decade career in the business, and was 98-years-old at the time of his passing.
Jerry Maren was most known for his role in The Wizard of Oz (1939), as the green Munchkin that welcomes Dorothy to Oz. Of course, Maren also filled in during group shots, and had the unfortunate recognition as being the last surviving Munchkin from the movie. Following his biggest claim to fame, Maren went on to appear in a number of horror, scifi, and fantasy films including Fingers at the Window (1942), Flesh and Fantasy (1943), That’s the Spirit (1945), Superman and the Mole-Men (1951), Planet of the Apes (1968), Bigfoot (1970), Prophecy (1979), Side Show (1981), Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983), The Being (1983) and House (1985).
His last two credited roles were in horror films – Frankenstein Rising (2010) and Dahmer vs. Gacey (2010).
Though he only stood at 4’3″, Maren had a warmth and ethic that were miles high. All of us here at HorrorSociety.com send our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
R.I.P. Jerry Maren
January 24, 1920 – May 24, 2018
