In the beloved classic film, “The Wizard of Oz,” the adorable Munchkins guide Dorothy on her journey along the yellow brick road to find her way back home.
However, beneath their cheerful facade, some of the Munchkins may have hidden dark secrets.
According to a new posthumous memoir by Sid Luft, Judy Garland's former husband, the actress playing Dorothy was purportedly subjected to repeated molestation by certain actors portraying the Munchkins in the iconic musical.
During his marriage to Garland from 1952 to 1965, Luft disclosed the alleged abuse in his memoir titled “Judy and I: My Life with Judy Garland.”
He described how the individuals, who were over 40 years old, tormented Judy on set by inappropriately touching her under her attire.
Luft further elaborated that the diminutive stature of the actors led them to believe they could engage in such misconduct without consequence.
This revelation sheds light on a darker side of the production that has been kept hidden for many years.
Garland herself had hinted at the actors' misbehavior prior to her passing in 1969.
In a 1967 interview with Jack Paar, she referred to the Munchkins as “little drunks” who indulged in heavy drinking each night and were often found inebriated.
Over the years, rumors have circulated within Hollywood about the Munchkin actors engaging in various illicit activities, including wild parties, gambling, and even involvement in prostitution.
Julie Lugo Cerra, whose father worked near the studio where “The Wizard of Oz” was filmed, recounted stories of the actors reveling in their newfound camaraderie during the production.
Despite the allegations, many of the Munchkin actors have refuted the claims, asserting that they worked diligently for meager wages.
Margaret Pellegrini, one of the Munchkin actresses, dismissed the narratives of excessive drinking and unruliness, emphasizing that the majority of the actors were simply enjoying themselves without causing any disturbances.
Jerry Maren, the last surviving Munchkin who passed away at the age of 97, challenged the allegations by questioning how the actors could afford to get drunk on their modest weekly earnings.
He recalled a few instances of minor infractions involving some of the actors but clarified that the overall atmosphere was harmonious and devoid of any major issues.
In addition to shedding light on the alleged misconduct by the Munchkin actors, Luft's memoir delves into his tumultuous relationship with Garland, chronicling her struggles with substance abuse and numerous suicide attempts.
The memoir provides a poignant insight into the private life of the legendary actress and the challenges she faced behind the scenes.
