How About The Wizard of Oz Munchkins

The Munchkin actors in The Wizard of Oz (1939) hold a unique place in film history as part of one of the most beloved fantasy films. These actors, many of whom were part of the "Singer's Midgets" troupe managed by Leo Singer, were cast as the Munchkin residents of Oz. Their roles were memorable, though for many years, the personal lives of these actors were less documented. Here are a few notable Munchkin actors and details of their lives:

 

1. Jerry Maren (1919–2018) Role: Member of the Lollipop Guild Life and Career: Jerry Maren is among the best-known Munchkin actors, as he was one of the three Lollipop Guild members who greeted Dorothy. He continued to work in entertainment long after The Wizard of Oz, appearing in commercials, TV shows, and films. Maren had a long career, with appearances in Seinfeld, The Twilight Zone, and more. He was one of the last surviving Munchkin actors before his death at the age of 98.

 

2. Margaret Pellegrini (1923–2013) Role: Flower Pot Munchkin Life and Career: Pellegrini played a Munchkin adorned with flowers. She joined the entertainment industry at a young age and maintained an active role in celebrating The Wizard of Oz legacy, frequently appearing at conventions and events. Her warmth and dedication to fans made her a beloved figure in the Oz community until she passed away at 89. 

3. Meinhardt Raabe (1915–2010) Role: Coroner of Munchkinland Life and Career: Raabe portrayed the coroner who pronounced the Wicked Witch of the East "most sincerely dead." Beyond The Wizard of Oz, he worked as a pilot and was an active member of the Shriners. He later published an autobiography detailing his life and experiences on the set of The Wizard of Oz. 

4. Ruth Duccini (1918–2014) Role: One of the Munchkin villagers Life and Career: Ruth Duccini was one of the last surviving Munchkins, appearing in the background scenes. She spoke fondly of her time on set and enjoyed interacting with fans at events. She worked in defense plants during World War II and later supported the Oz legacy.

 5.(No Pic) Olga Nardone (1921–2010) Role: Member of the Lullaby League Life and Career: Nardone played a ballerina in the Lullaby League. Although she left the entertainment industry shortly after The Wizard of Oz, she occasionally participated in events dedicated to the movie. She led a relatively private life after the film. 

6. Lewis Croft (1919–2008) Role: Munchkin Soldier Life and Career: Croft, who appeared as a soldier, lived in Utah and worked in a variety of professions, including a stint as a bartender and a business owner. He enjoyed meeting fans and was one of the Munchkin actors who shared his memories of the filming process. 

These actors faced various challenges, including limited career opportunities and social stigmas. Despite these obstacles, they left an indelible mark on cinema, and their portrayal in The Wizard of Oz remains iconic. Many Munchkin actors later connected through conventions, reunions, and fan gatherings, helping to keep the legacy of their work alive.....A Little Clip

                         BJ 🙈🙉😁

Anthony Perkins...Starring in "Psycho" Movie Classic

Anthony Perkins had a complex and fascinating personal life that included both challenges and joys, often as compelling as the roles he portrayed. Here are some key aspects of his life outside of Hollywood:

1. A Complicated Relationship with His Father

• Perkins was born in 1932 in New York City to a show business family; his father, Osgood Perkins, was a famous stage and film actor. Unfortunately, Osgood passed away when Anthony was just five years old. This loss deeply impacted him, leaving him with feelings of insecurity and a longing for male role models throughout his life.

2. Early Struggles with Identity and Self-Acceptance

• Growing up, Perkins struggled with his sexual orientation in a time when homosexuality was largely stigmatized and even criminalized. He had relationships with men, including with high-profile actors like Tab Hunter. This internal conflict became a source of stress, particularly with his rising fame and public attention.

3. A Late-in-Life Marriage

• 
  Perkins didn’t marry until 1973 when he met photographer and actress Berry Berenson. They married within a year, and their relationship became one of the most stable parts of his life. Despite the
  challenges they faced, including Perkins’s well-documented emotional complexities, the two were known for their strong bond and mutual devotion.

4. Fatherhood

• 
  Perkins and Berenson had two sons, Oz and Elvis, and Perkins embraced fatherhood, finding it to be a rewarding and grounding experience. His older son, Oz Perkins, later became a film director and actor, while Elvis Perkins became a musician. Both sons have spoken about their father with warmth, noting his loving, if sometimes
  enigmatic, nature.

5. Struggles with Depression and Therapy

• Perkins experienced recurring bouts of depression and anxiety throughout his life. He sought therapy and explored psychoanalysis in an effort to better understand himself. Ironically, his role in Psycho required him to portray a character with mental health struggles, a theme that touched on his own inner conflicts.

6. A Secret Battle with HIV/AIDS

• In the early 1990s, Perkins was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, though he kept his diagnosis a closely guarded secret, only revealing it to his family. He passed away in 1992 from AIDS-related pneumonia. In one of his final statements, Perkins spoke openly about the stigma surrounding AIDS, expressing sorrow over the suffering caused by fear and misunderstanding.

7. Legacy and Berry Berenson’s Tragic Death

• Tragically, Berry Berenson, Perkins’s wife, died in the 9/11 attacks while aboard American Airlines Flight 11. Her untimely passing compounded the sadness of Perkins’s early death, marking a tragic end for the family. His sons have kept his legacy alive, with Oz even directing a horror film, The Blackcoat's Daughter, which nods to his father's impact on the genre.

8. His Enduring Influence

• Despite personal challenges, Perkins’s vulnerability and openness in his performances left a lasting impact. His experience with mental health struggles informed his portrayals of complex characters, particularly his role in Psycho, allowing him to capture layers of human emotion that many fans and critics found compelling.

Anthony Perkins’s life was marked by love, loss, creative passion, and personal battles. His legacy continues to resonate in the worlds of film and theater, as well as in the lives of those he touched personally and professionally.

                 

                                            BJ🙈🙉😱

Lassie..."that's my dog"

Lassie is one of the most iconic and enduring characters in the history of film and television, beloved for her intelligence, loyalty, and bravery. Originating as a fictional Rough Collie in Eric Knight's 1938 short story, Lassie Come-Home, the character quickly captured the hearts of readers. The story was later expanded into a novel and eventually adapted into a successful film in 1943 by MGM, starring a young Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall alongside a dog named Pal, who would go on to become the first and most famous canine actor to play Lassie. The Lassie franchise became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring multiple sequels, a long-running television series, and even radio shows. The 1954 television series Lassie, which ran for 19 seasons until 1973, followed the adventures of Lassie as she helped various owners in times of need. Lassie’s intelligence and devotion turned her into an idealized symbol of the family dog, representing loyalty, courage, and a strong moral compass. The show resonated with audiences not only because of Lassie's thrilling rescues but also because of the strong emotional bond she shared with her human companions. The dogs who portrayed Lassie were all descendants of the original Pal, creating a lineage of dogs that carried on the role over the years. Interestingly, all the on-screen Lassies were male, as male collies tend to have a thicker coat and a more impressive stature, which translated better on camera. Over the decades, Lassie has remained a beloved pop culture icon, with adaptations and references appearing across various media. Her influence has extended to animated series, comics, merchandise, and even a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making Lassie one of the most enduring symbols of loyalty and friendship in entertainment history.

  

                  BJ 🙈🙉💩