One of the last surviving members of the The Wizard of Oz cast passed away on September 21. Elaine Merk Binder, who was 94 years old, played one of the Munchkins when she was eight years old.

Merk Binder was represented by the Mrs. Jessie Hirsch Agency. She was one of eight children selected to sing and dance with the Munchkin ensemble. She appeared in the iconic songs, Off to See the Wizard and Come Out, Come Out. In 2024, she provided an interview for the Mysteries of Oz documentary, where she detailed her experience working on this film.

After her role in the landmark 1939 MGM film, Merk Binder went on to study at Occidental College. She graduated in 1951 and later earned a master’s in music and education.

The Wizard of Oz was recently revitalized with the announcement that Wicked: For Good will feature new original songs paying tribute to the 1939 film that Merk Binder was a part of. The songs, No Place Like Home and The Girl in the Bubble, written by Stephen Schwartz, both contain references to The Wizard of Oz.

Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, commented in an interview with Empire: “I was really aware that if the words ‘no place like home’ are in her mouth, they have to mean something; it has to be really special.”

Merk Binder passed away with the legacy of participating in a historic film. She is survived by two children and six grandchildren. We at mxdwn offer our condolences to the family.