Jerry Maren
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jerry Maren (January 24, 1920 - ) is an actor of diminutive stature. Jerry was born Gerard Marenghi, in Boston, Massachusetts. He acted in The Wizard of Oz playing a member of the Lollipop Guild, handing the lollipop to Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland). When Jerry acted in "The Wizard of Oz" he stood three foot four inches. As a young man he appeared in a local act known as " Three Steps and One Half."
After "The Wizard of Oz" Jerry continued acting and appeared in many movies and television shows. Some of these were several of the Our Gang comedy shorts, the Marx Brothers "At The Circus" and as an ape in "Battle For The Planet of The Apes."
In the 1950's Jerry worked as a Little Oscar for the Oscar Mayer Company and as Buster Brown on television and radio commercials. Later he joined his friend Billy Barty in organizing Little People of America. Jerry has also portrayed Mayor McCheese and The Hamburglar in commercials for McDonald's.
Jerry continues to occasionally act in movies and television shows as well as traveling the country appearing at "Wizard of Oz" festivals and autograph signings.
Jerry and His wife currently reside in Southern California.
References: Cox, Stephen, "The Munchkins of Oz" Cumberland House ISBN 1-58182-269-3
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[edit] Events
[edit] Erie County Fair (Hamburg, NY)
Jerry has appeared at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg,NY. He is one of the biggest draws at the fair and has proven to be a kind and giving man to all his faithful fans.
[edit] Minnesota State Fair (Falcon Heights, MN)
Jerry has appeared for many years at the Minnesota State Fair, held in late August through Labor Day at the State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, a suburb of St. Paul. He is located on the bottom level of the State Fair Grandstand, near Dan Patch Ave and Underwood, closest to the Sweet Martha's Cookie Stand and the Turkey Legs. He is there to sign autographs yearly.
[edit] Oztoberfest (Liberal, KS)
Jerry is a recurring guest at the Oztoberfest Wizard of Oz celebration in Liberal, Kansas, signing autographs and meeting his fans.
[edit] Udall Road Middle School (West Islip, NY)
Jerry appeared at a Wizard of Oz play and at some rehearsals. He took autographs and appeared onstage to make a small speech.
