Actors of the Original Wizard of Oz Movie

Most people know the story told by the original Wizard of Oz movie by heart. The film continues to be a popular choice for both adults and children even though it was filmed over 60 years ago. Although the actors and actresses who portrayed the beloved characters are now almost all deceased, their memories and stories about making the film live on.


Judy Garland as Dorothy


Judy was not the first choice to play the part of Dorothy. MGM initially wanted Shirley Temple, who was insanely popular at the time the film was made. The deal fell through, and in 1937 plans were made to make the movie starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. During filming, the head honchos at MGM allegedly kept Judy on pills to control her weight, give her energy, and help her stick to the strenuous shooting schedule. As a result of this, Judy became a lifelong drug and alcohol addict, which ultimately caused her premature death in 1969 when she was only 47. She died practically penniless in spite of the fact the original Wizard of Oz movie was one of the most-watched films in history. Judy never received any royalties from the film, only the salary she agreed to during filming.

Frank Morgan as The Wizard


Frank's main role in the film was the part of the wizard, but he was also Professor Marvel, the Gatekeeper, the Carriage Driver, and the Doorman. He was given the additional roles in an attempt to balance out his screen time since the role of the Wizard seemed too small. The part of the Wizard was originally intended for W.C. Fields, but because the salary for Fields could never be agreed upon, Frank Morgan got the part.

Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch


Margaret Hamilton did such a good job portraying the scary Wicked Witch of the West that many of her scenes were cut out of fear that she might be too frightening for audiences. She received first and second degree burns on her hands and face during the second take of the scene where she emerges from the burst of red smoke and fire. Because of this, the producers used the first take, even though her cape got caught on the platform she was standing on as she walked away from it. After the popularity of the original Wizard of Oz, producers were considering making a sequel. Margaret Hamilton nixed the idea because she thought Wicked Witch had proven to be too scary for most children after the first film was released. After the film, and for the rest of her life, almost every child Margaret encountered was terrified of her because of the film. Margaret actually adored children and was a kindergarten teacher before she was an actress.

Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow


Ray initially had the part as the Tin Man, but finally convinced producers to let him be the Scarecrow. He had always idolized actor Fred Stone, who had played the part of the Scarecrow during the stage production in 1902. His costume was so scary to patrons in the MGM cafeteria during filming that he had to eat his lunch in his dressing room, along with co-stars Bert Lahr and Jack Haley. Apart from some of the Munchkins who are still alive, Ray Bolger was the last surviving main actor in the movie. He died in 1987 at the age of 83.

Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion


There almost was no human actor playing the part of the Cowardly Lion. The original plan was to use MGM's mascot, Leo the Lion, in the role and dub in a human voice. Luckily for Bert Lahr, that plan was dropped and he got the part. His lion costume weighed 90 pounds and his makeup made it very difficult for him to eat. His diet consisted of mainly milkshakes and soup to avoid ruining it. His inspiration for the role was comedic actor Curly Howard, best known from the show The Three Stooges.

Jack Haley as the Tin Man


Buddy Ebsen was supposed to get the role of the Tin Man, but he was allergic to the powder used in making the Tin Man's costume. Jack Haley got the role instead, and as an extra precaution they replaced the powder with aluminum paste. Jack Haley has frequently said that he did not enjoy making the original Wizard of Oz. He claims it was very hard work, and that his costume was so stiff that he had to rest on a board. He did not use his normal speaking voice when playing the part of the Tin Man. The only time in the movie that his normal speaking voice is used is during the initial scenes at the beginning of the film when he plays the farm hand. He died in 1979, just weeks after presenting an award at the Oscars with his old co-star Ray Bolger, who played the part of the Scarecrow.

The Munchkins


The Munchkins in the film did not even receive as much weekly pay as Toto, the dog. Toto received $125 for a week's work, while the Munchkin's only got $50 a week. The majority of the Munchkins came from Europe and took the opportunity of shooting the film as a chance to immigrate and flee from the Nazis. There were 124 Munchkins in the film, and some of them played more than one part.

Their Legacy Lives On


Thanks to the players and their parts, the original Wizard of Oz movie has gone down in history. Books, spin-off films, Halloween costumes, and cartoons continue to be made for the enjoyment of the masses. The actors may have passed on, but the story of their lives and the making of this timeless film has continued to fascinate and intrigue everyone who has ever seen it.

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