The Wizard Of Oz Cast: Who Is Still Alive In 2025 And The Tragic Secrets They Took To The Grave

The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most beloved and culturally significant films in cinematic history, but the story behind the magic is often as captivating as the journey down the Yellow Brick Road. As of today, December 18, 2025, the main cast members who brought Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion to life have all passed away, yet the legacy of their lives—both triumphant and tragic—continues to fascinate millions.

This deep dive explores the complete list of the iconic 1939 film's principal actors, providing full biographical details and revealing the incredible story of the one non-Munchkin-related person still alive today. We also pull back the curtain on the shocking, often dark, secrets that plagued the set of this timeless classic, offering a fresh perspective on the cost of Hollywood's golden age.

The Principal Cast: Full Biography and Fates

The core ensemble of The Wizard of Oz delivered performances that defined their careers, but their paths diverged dramatically after the film's release. Below is a complete profile of the main actors, their roles, and their ultimate fates.

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• Judy Garland (Dorothy Gale)
  • Born: June 10, 1922, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • Role(s): Dorothy Gale
  • Later Career: Garland became a legendary figure in music and film, starring in classics like Meet Me in St. Louis and A Star Is Born. Her career was marked by immense talent and personal struggles.
  • Died: June 22, 1969, London, England, at age 47.
  • Cause of Death: Accidental overdose of barbiturates.
• Ray Bolger (Hunk / The Scarecrow)
  • Born: January 10, 1904, Dorchester, Massachusetts
  • Role(s): Hunk (Farmhand) / The Scarecrow
  • Later Career: A vaudeville veteran and Broadway star, Bolger continued his dancing and acting career on stage and television, notably in Where’s Charley?. He was the last of the four main friends to pass away.
  • Died: January 15, 1987, Los Angeles, California, at age 83.
  • Cause of Death: Bladder cancer.
• Jack Haley (Hickory / The Tin Man)
  • Born: August 10, 1897, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Role(s): Hickory (Farmhand) / The Tin Man
  • Later Career: Haley was a seasoned vaudevillian, comedian, and singer. After Oz, he continued in film and television, and his son, Jack Haley Jr., became a notable film director.
  • Died: June 6, 1979, Los Angeles, California, at age 81.
  • Cause of Death: Heart failure.
• Bert Lahr (Zeke / The Cowardly Lion)
  • Born: August 13, 1895, New York, New York
  • Role(s): Zeke (Farmhand) / The Cowardly Lion
  • Later Career: Lahr was a major Broadway and vaudeville star known for his comedic delivery. Post-Oz, he gained critical acclaim for his role as Estragon in the original American production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
  • Died: December 4, 1967, New York, New York, at age 72.
  • Cause of Death: Pneumonia.
• Margaret Hamilton (Miss Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West)
  • Born: December 9, 1902, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Role(s): Miss Almira Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West
  • Later Career: Despite her terrifying role, Hamilton was a former kindergarten teacher and later became a strong advocate for education and animal welfare. She frequently appeared on television, often to reassure children that she was a kind person.
  • Died: May 16, 1985, Salisbury, Connecticut, at age 82.
  • Cause of Death: Heart failure.
• Frank Morgan (Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz)
  • Born: June 1, 1890, New York, New York
  • Role(s): Professor Marvel / The Wizard / Gate Guard / Carriage Driver / Palace Guard
  • Later Career: Morgan was a respected character actor who played multiple roles in Oz. He continued to work steadily in films until his death, often playing eccentric, charming men.
  • Died: September 18, 1949, Beverly Hills, California, at age 59.
  • Cause of Death: Heart attack.
• Billie Burke (Glinda, the Good Witch of the North)
  • Born: August 7, 1884, Washington, D.C.
  • Role(s): Glinda, the Good Witch of the North
  • Later Career: Burke was a highly successful stage and screen actress, best known before Oz for her role as Mrs. Millicent Jordan in the Topper film series. She continued to act into the 1960s.
  • Died: May 14, 1970, Los Angeles, California, at age 85.
  • Cause of Death: Natural causes.

The Last Living Links to the 1939 Classic in 2025

While the actors who played the central characters have long since passed, a few individuals who worked on the production of the 1939 film are still with us, providing a tangible link to Hollywood’s golden age. The most notable surviving person is not a Munchkin, but a crucial part of the on-set process.

Caren Marsh Doll: The 106-Year-Old Stand-In

The last surviving person with a significant, non-Munchkin role in the film's production is Caren Marsh Doll. Born on April 6, 1919, she celebrated her 106th birthday in 2025.

Marsh Doll served as Judy Garland's stand-in for the *Wizard of Oz*, meaning she spent countless hours on the set, standing in for Dorothy while the crew adjusted lighting and camera angles. This role made her an intimate witness to the daily production of the movie.

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Her life is a remarkable story of resilience. After her work on Oz (and a small role in Gone with the Wind), she survived a horrific plane crash in 1949 that doctors said would prevent her from ever dancing again. Defying the prognosis, she recovered and went on to have a long career as a dance instructor, teaching ballet for decades.

The Surviving Munchkins

The group of actors who played the Munchkins were a large ensemble. The last of the prominent Munchkin actors, Jerry Maren (who played a member of the Lollipop Guild), passed away in 2018 at the age of 99.

However, there are a few individuals who were children and background performers in the Munchkin sequence who may still be alive, including Priscilla Montgomery Clark, who was reported to be 96 years old as of the most recent reports.

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Behind the Curtain: The Shocking and Tragic Secrets of the Set

For all its charm, the production of The Wizard of Oz was notoriously difficult and, at times, dangerous. These dark secrets provide a stark contrast to the film's cheerful, Technicolor final product, contributing significantly to the film’s topical authority.

1. The Poisoning of the Original Tin Man

The role of the Tin Man was originally given to actor Buddy Ebsen, who was known for his dancing. Ebsen recorded all the songs and began filming, but the aluminum powder makeup used to give his character a metallic sheen proved toxic.

After just nine days of filming, Ebsen suffered a severe allergic reaction, leading to a near-fatal lung collapse. He was rushed to the hospital and had to be replaced by Jack Haley. The makeup was changed to a safer aluminum paste for Haley, although the incident left Ebsen with health issues for years.

2. The Wicked Witch’s Fiery Accident

The film’s most terrifying moment—the Wicked Witch’s fiery exit from Munchkinland—nearly became a tragedy. Margaret Hamilton suffered severe, third-degree burns on her face and hands when the special effects rig for her exit malfunctioned.

The trap door that was supposed to drop her out of sight before the smoke and flames erupted failed to open quickly enough. The severe injuries required a six-week recovery before she could return to the set. She reportedly refused to film any further scenes involving fire.

3. Judy Garland’s Abuse and Drug Use

Judy Garland’s experience on set was deeply troubling and has become one of Hollywood's most tragic tales. At just 16 years old, the young actress was reportedly subjected to intense pressure and control by the studio, MGM.

To keep her energy up and weight down for the grueling 13-hour days, it is widely reported that studio executives and handlers allegedly gave her methamphetamines (speed) to work and barbiturates (sleeping pills) to rest. This pattern of drug dependency started early in her career and tragically contributed to her lifelong struggles and premature death.

4. The Unruly Munchkin Actors

While the Munchkins’ performance is joyous, the atmosphere on set was reportedly chaotic. The 124 actors hired to play the roles were often housed in a single hotel, and many were said to have behaved inappropriately.

Stories of heavy drinking, gambling, and harassment of Judy Garland by some of the actors have become part of the film's dark folklore. The behind-the-scenes reality was far from the innocent fantasy portrayed on screen, adding a layer of complexity to the film’s legacy.

The Enduring Legacy of Oz

The enduring popularity of The Wizard of Oz is a testament to the cast's incredible talent and the groundbreaking production techniques of the time. The film is a beloved cultural artifact, and the stories of the actors—from the tragic fate of Judy Garland to the incredible longevity of Caren Marsh Doll—continue to capture the public imagination in 2025. The journey through the Land of Oz, for both the characters and the actors who played them, was a path filled with both wonder and unexpected peril.