Mickey Carroll (born Michael Finocchiaro, July 8, 1919 â€" May 7,
2009) was an American actor, who worked in radio and film, and was one
of the last surviving actors who portrayed a munchkin in the 1939 film
The Wizard of Oz.Born Michael Finocchiaro in St. Louis, Missouri,
Carroll was the son of Italian immigrants. He was born along with a
twin sister, who, unlike Carroll, was of average size.As a child
Carroll began dance lessons at the Fox Theater in St. Louis. At 17 he
was one of six bellhops in the 'Call for Phillip Morris' live radio
ads, and at 18 was appearing in shows with Mae West.While under
contract to MGM, he went to school with Judy Garland and Mickey
Rooney. It was Garland herself who offered him a part in The Wizard of
Oz. Carroll was cast as Munchkinland's "Town Crier". His costume
consisted of a purple cloak with a yellow flower sticking out of his
striped vest. He also marched as a "Munchkin Soldier", and as one of
the candy-striped "Fiddlers" who escorted Dorothy down the yellow
brick road towards the Emerald City.
2009) was an American actor, who worked in radio and film, and was one
of the last surviving actors who portrayed a munchkin in the 1939 film
The Wizard of Oz.Born Michael Finocchiaro in St. Louis, Missouri,
Carroll was the son of Italian immigrants. He was born along with a
twin sister, who, unlike Carroll, was of average size.As a child
Carroll began dance lessons at the Fox Theater in St. Louis. At 17 he
was one of six bellhops in the 'Call for Phillip Morris' live radio
ads, and at 18 was appearing in shows with Mae West.While under
contract to MGM, he went to school with Judy Garland and Mickey
Rooney. It was Garland herself who offered him a part in The Wizard of
Oz. Carroll was cast as Munchkinland's "Town Crier". His costume
consisted of a purple cloak with a yellow flower sticking out of his
striped vest. He also marched as a "Munchkin Soldier", and as one of
the candy-striped "Fiddlers" who escorted Dorothy down the yellow
brick road towards the Emerald City.
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