Direct Answer: No Living Cast Members in 2025
As of 2025, no cast members who appeared in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz are alive. All principal performers, including those behind iconic characters such as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, have passed away. The last surviving cast member, Jerry Maren (who played a Munchkin), died in May 2022. Other notable cast members, such as Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, and Ray Bolger, died decades earlier. This status is based on publicly reported death dates, obituaries, and studio records.
Overview of the 1939 Film Cast
The 1939 MGM musical fantasy The Wizard of Oz featured a mix of actors, singers, dancers, and Munchkin performers. Many roles were performed by ensemble members, with some characters credited and others uncredited. Below is a table summarizing key cast members, their roles, and death dates where widely reported.
| Cast Member | Character or Role | Death Date |
|---|---|---|
| Judy Garland | Dorothy Gale | June 22, 1969 |
| Margaret Hamilton | Wicked Witch of the West | March 23, 1985 |
| Ray Bolger | Scarecrow | January 15, 1987 |
| Jack Haley | Tin Man | June 6, 1979 |
| Bert Lahr | Cowardly Lion | December 4, 1967 |
| Clara Blandick | Aunt Em | April 15, 1962 |
| Charles Ruggles | Professor Marvel | December 19, 1970 |
| Jerry Maren | Munchkin (coronation scene) | May 24, 2022 |
Timeline of Deaths by Role Type
Understanding when different types of performers passed away helps contextualize why no cast members remain. Lead actors and notable character performers died at various times, while many Munchkin-level performers passed away earlier or are undocumented in widely available public records.
Lead and Named Characters
Actors who played central or named characters, such as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion, generally died between 1962 and 1987. Ray Bolger and Bert Lahr, both iconic musical performers, died in the 1980s. Judy Garland, the film’s anchor, died in 1969 at age 47.
Munchkin and Minor Performer Passes
Munchkin cast members, often credited as "Munchkins" or listed under ensemble, have documented and undocumented deaths. Jerry Maren, one of the most recognized Munchkin performers, died in 2022 at age 99. Other Munchkin performers passed away earlier, and some deaths were not widely publicized.
Why Rumors About Survivors Persist
Despite the clear timeline of deaths, rumors occasionally surface suggesting that someone from the film is still alive. These claims often stem from confusion over similar-looking individuals, tribute events, or mistaken identity. In some cases, photos of attendees at nostalgia events are misidentified as surviving cast. No verified evidence supports any such claim.
Documenting Legacy and Memory
The enduring cultural memory of The Wizard of Oz contributes to ongoing interest in its cast. Tribute events, retrospectives, and fan discussions keep names alive even after performers have died. This interest is common for classic films, where each new generation discovers the story through broadcasts, home media, and digital streaming.
Verification and Source Context
Information in this overview is drawn from reputable obituaries, studio archives, and widely reported biographies. Death dates are presented as factual records based on available documentation. When specific cast roles are uncertain or unverified, such as many Munchkin performers, the table reflects only those with broadly accepted attribution and public confirmation.
- Primary status source: publicly reported death dates from obituaries and studio records
- Note on Munchkin performers: some identities and death dates remain incomplete in public archives
- No known living cast members as of 2025
Conclusion and Long-Term Status
There is no one from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz who is alive in 2025. The last known cast member, Jerry Maren, died in 2022. Future status may change only if previously undocumented performers are discovered and verified, but currently available evidence indicates that all cast members have passed away. This factual baseline supports accurate discussion about the film's cast across retrospective and commemorative contexts.