'Wizard of Oz's' flowerpot munchkin dies at 89 (Margaret Pellegrini)

http://www.today.com ^ | August 7, 2013 | Ashley Majeski

[lowbridge]

Margaret Pellegrini, one of the latest surviving munchkins from the "Wizard of Oz," died Wednesday from complications from a stroke at the age of 89, her close friend Bunny McCloud confirmed to TODAY.com.

Known as the "Flowerpot Munchkin," Pellegrini spent her later years living in Glendale, Ariz., and attending "Wizard of Oz"-themed events and festivals. She was a regular at the Oztoberfest held each year at the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kan.

-snip

Pellegrini, who would have turned 90 in September, was only 16 years old when she acted alongside Judy Garland in the 1939 film. In March 2013, during promotions for "Oz," she told a Glendale news station that she was paid $50 a week for her work in the movie. While that was a substantial salary at the time, it was still less than the film's canine star, Toto.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Hmmmm...paid less than a dog.

[Excellence]

More likely the dog’s trainer, who deserved every penny.

[boop]

This is the passing of an era. Although I was stunned to see that Jerry Maren is still alive.

He was probably the most famous little person in Hollywood behind Billy Barty.

I remember him because he was in a film called "Little Cigars" that I saw when I was a kid.

It was about a group of dwarves who robbed banks.

Ironically, he's known for smoking cigars, too.

[Rebelbase]

She’s not only merely dead, She’s really, most sincerely dead.

[JoeProBono]

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

As cooorrrroner...I must aver..... I thoroughly examined her. And she's not only merely dead, she's really most sincerely dead.

[muir_redwoods]

The dog was in more scenes

[laplata]

RIP

[Cyber Liberty]

A *LOT* more scenes.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

I actually visited that woman’s house, years ago. Wizard of Oz paraphernalia all over the place. She had a large family, but being in that movie was the highlight of her life, and how she defined herself.

Truthfully, it was sad.

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

I’ve heard from several sources that those little-folk were party animals.

[jodyel]

“She’s not only merely dead, She’s really, most sincerely dead.”

LOL

[Liberty Valance]

Rest in peace Margaret Pellegrini.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[a fool in paradise]

Will Robert B. Reich be attending the funeral?

[GeronL]

If they ever remake it, he could play the Munchkin Mayor

[a fool in paradise]

He’s going to star in the reboot of the Leprechaun horror franchise.

[GeronL]

I thought that was him in the original, heh