ELAINE MERK BINDER, ONE OF THE LAST SURVIVING ACTORS FROM THE 1939 CLASSIC “THE WIZARD OF OZ,” HAS DIED AT 94.(PHOTO).

 The Wizard of Oz actor dies at 94, one of the last surviving cast members

Elaine Merk Binder, one of the last surviving actors from the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” has died at 94, her daughter Annette Phillips announced Sunday. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Binder, who was 8 when she appeared as a Munchkin in the iconic MGM film based on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” novels were part of an ensemble of eight children who sang and danced. She is remembered for wearing a dark green dress and hat in the second little house up the steps during the song “Come Out, Come Out.” Binder recalled her first audition as intimidating, but was relieved when she was chosen to both dance and sing, a role added because the studio initially doubted the Little People could perform the choreography.

Her early acting credits also included “Our Gang” (later “The Little Rascals”) in 1937, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” in 1938, and “Barnyard Follies” in 1940. Most recently, she appeared in the 2024 documentary “Mysteries of Oz,” commemorating the film’s 85th anniversary.

Binder declined an offer to continue acting as a teen, instead pursuing higher education at Cal State Los Angeles, earning degrees in music and education. She later studied computer science and theology and worked as a computer consultant for USC and First Interstate Bank.

She is survived by her son George, daughter Annette, and six grandchildren.

“The Wizard of Oz” remains one of cinema’s most beloved films, following Dorothy Gale’s journey from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz. The original cast, including notable Munchkins Jerry Maren, Karl Slover, and Margaret Pellegrini, has largely passed away. Caren Marsh Doll, Judy Garland’s stand-in and the model for Dorothy’s ruby slippers, is believed to be one of the last surviving cast members at 106.