|
|
Actor Jerry Maren Passes Away at Age 98
by Neil Cole
Actor Jerry Maren who was best known for starring roles in such productions as "The Wizard of Oz" and "Superman and the Mole Men" has died at the age of 98.
One of Hollywood's most prolific little person actors, Maren made his mark in history as one of the Lollipop Guild in "The Wizard of Oz", which launched a six-decade career that encompassed everything from appearances with the Marx Brothers to midget wrestling for the USO.
His role opposite actor George Reeves in "Superman and the Mole Men" was that of a member of a race of small, furry, though bald-headed and bald-faced humanoids. The film would lead to the launch of the "Adventures of Superman" TV series where it would be re-titled into the two-part episode, "The Unknown People".
Standing at 3'4," Maren found few roles of substance in his career, but tackled any project with boundless enthusiasm. He was frequently used as a costumed performer in films like the original "Planet of the Apes" and in commercials for McDonalds, among countless other film and TV appearances.
Some of his last on-screen roles were in a 1997 episode of "Seinfeld" where he played an aging circus performer and as a mime in the 2010 comedy horror movie "Dahmer Vs. Gacy".
Maren was the last surving munchkin actor from the "Wizard of Oz" and passed away late last May at a San Diego, CA nursing facility after suffering from dementia.
