Elaine Merk Binder, one of the last surviving performers from the 1939 Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz, has passed away at the age of 94. Her death was confirmed on September 21, 2025, by her daughter Annette Phillips, marking the end of another chapter from one of cinema’s most cherished films.
Early Life and Childhood Career
Born on December 19, 1930, in Colorado, Elaine Merk showed an early interest in performance. As a child actress, she appeared in shorts such as Reunion in Rhythm (1937) and Rushin’ Ballet (1937). It was this early start that eventually led her to audition for one of the most famous films ever made.
Role in The Wizard of Oz
At just eight years old, Elaine Merk was cast as one of the Munchkins in MGM’s The Wizard of Oz. She was among a select group of young performers who both sang and danced during the film’s whimsical Munchkinland sequences.
She can be spotted during the musical number “Come Out, Come Out,” wearing a dark green dress and hat, positioned in the background pavilion. While her screen time was brief, her contribution placed her forever in the history of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Life Beyond Hollywood
Unlike many child stars of her generation, Elaine chose a path outside the entertainment industry as she grew older. After completing her education at Occidental College, she went on to earn a master’s degree and pursued further studies in theology and computer science.
Her professional journey took her into the field of technology, where she worked as a consultant. Friends and family remember her as someone deeply curious, intelligent, and passionate about learning, even long after her days in front of the camera had ended.
Passing and Legacy
Elaine Merk Binder’s death at 94 has been met with tributes from film historians and fans of The Wizard of Oz. Although she only appeared briefly on screen, her role as a Munchkin captured a magical moment in cinematic history that continues to enchant audiences nearly nine decades later.
