A Child Star in Oz
Valerie Lee was just six years old when she was cast as a Munchkin alongside Judy Garland. A student at the Bud Murray Dance School in LA, she was part of the group of children recruited to fill out the Munchkinland sequences.
On-Set Memories: In later years, Lee fondly recalled the playful atmosphere of the 1938 shoot, including watching Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion) perform ventriloquist routines for the child actors between takes.
Final Credit: Her last contribution to the franchise was an appearance in the 2024 documentary Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered.
Life After Hollywood
Unlike many child stars, Lee chose a quiet life away from the cameras once she reached adulthood.
The Bookshop: For over 20 years, she was a fixture in her Los Angeles community as the owner of a local bookshop.
Family: Predeceased by her husband, Robert Haynes, Lee is survived by her three children: Elise, Sharon, and Larry.
The Final Survivors of the 1939 Classic
Lee’s passing marks a bittersweet milestone in cinematic history. According to film historian Stephen Cox, there are now only two surviving cast members from The Wizard of Oz:
Priscilla Montgomery Clark (96): Who also portrayed a Munchkin as a child.
Caren Marsh Doll (107): A professional dancer who served as a body double for Judy Garland.
Tributes from Fans
Admirers across social media have shared their condolences, reflecting on the “bittersweet” transition of the film’s history from living memory to the archives. As one fan noted, “It is odd and bittersweet approaching these moments where our common history moves firmly into the past.”a