'Munchkin' actor Clarence Swensen dies; was regular at Chittenango Oz celebrations (original) (raw)

Al Campanie / The Post-Standard

Clarence Swensen waves to spectators during the 2000 Chittenango Oz-Fest parade.

Clarence Swensen, one of the "Munchkins" who appeared in the 1939 classic movie "Wizard of Oz" and a regular visitor to annual Chittenango Oz celebrations, died Wednesday at his home in Pflugerville, Texas. He was 91.

Swensen, affectionately known as "Shorty," was born Dec. 29, 1917. He grew up in Austin and got his start in show business in the mid-1930s with the Stanley Graham All-Midget Circus. In 1938, he played a stagecoach driver and a preacher in the all-midget Western, "Terror of Tiny Town," said Colleen Zimmer, co-director of Chittenango's OzStravaganza event.

He was one of 25 Munchkin soldiers in the "Wizard of Oz." Filming took eight weeks, and Swensen was paid $50 per week plus room and board, Zimmer said.
Swensen appeared at a number of OzFests in Chittenango. The annual celebration was renamed OzStravaganza several years ago. He missed the 2007 event after suffering a stroke the previous year, but he returned in 2008, joining original Munchkins Margaret Pellegrini, Jerry Maren and Karl Slover.

"To the people of Chittenango he became a dear friend and family member over the many year he attended Oz celebrations," Zimmer said. "Clarence never failed to thank his fans. He always said their love of the movie made it the timeless classic that it has become. His ever-present smile, energetic step, and loving hugs will be remembered forever."

In 2007, Swensen and his fellow Munchkins received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Swensen and six others made the trip to California for the Nov. 20 celebration. At the time, nine of the original 124 Munchkin actors were still living, according to news reports.

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