Cherished ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Actress Passes Away & Tributes Pour In 

Valerie Lee was beloved for her role as one of the child Munchkins in the 1939 classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.” She was one of the last surviving members of the original cast. Her death was announced by Stephen Cox, the author of the 1996 book, “The Munchkins of Oz,” The Hollywood Reporter reports. 

Beloved Actress Valerie Lee Passes Away

Lee’s passing was reported by The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, April 13. The publication revealed that Cox had shared that the actress passed away on Sunday, April 12. She was 94. 

A post on Instagram by Hollywood Archivist shared more about Lee’s passing. It also included photos of her as a child and a recent picture. “The lovely Valerie Lee Shepard, one of three surviving cast members from The Wizard of Oz, has peacefully passed away at the age of 94,” the caption reads. 

The statement continues, “I was so fortunate to spend some time with Valerie a few years ago. Valerie spent the afternoon graciously sharing her stories of what Hollywood was like in the 1930s and on-set memories of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, where she was honoured to be cast as a ‘Child Munchkin.’ When Valerie started talking, you could see her mind vividly placing herself on the Oz set as a little seven-year-old. She shared how the cast and crew all gathered around to celebrate her seventh birthday on set with a cake, how Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion) would pull up a stool, pick up a Munchkin and perform a ventriloquist act. She also shared that Margaret Hamilton (The Wicked Witch) was the nicest lady and how she looked out for each of them, particularly the children.”

The comment section received condolences and messages of support. “I remember her in that little purple outfit!!” a fan wrote. “End of an era @hollywood.archivist … here‘s to Valerie‘s own contribution to the ‘Golden Era of Hollywood’ and in particular MGM. May she rest in peace,” another person shared. 

Remembering Valerie Lee’s Life & Career

The Hollywood Reporter reflected on Lee’s role in “The Wizard of Oz,” noting how she had been among the Munchkins who led Judy Garland’s character Dorothy out of Munchkinland. She was seven at the time. Lee would continue to act in comedy shorts. Her film credits include “Time Out for Lessons,” “Ye Olde Minstrels,” “Doin’ Their Bit,” and “Dancing Romeo.” 

In her personal life, Lee was a wife to Broadway Department Stores employee Robert Haynes. They were married from 1949 until his death in 2002, The Hollywood Reporter reports. She was also a mother of three, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. The actress will be dearly missed by all those who loved her. 

The last remaining member of the original “The Wizard of Oz” cast is now Priscilla Montgomery Clark, who is 96. She also appeared in the film as a child Munchkin, The Hollywood Reporter reports.

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