Clarence Swensen

August Clarence Swensen (December 29, 1917 – February 25, 2009) was an American actor and was one of the Munchkins in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.

Clarence Swensen
Swenson (third from left) with Jerry Maren, Karl Slover and Margaret Pellegrini (1998)
Born(1917-12-29)December 29, 1917
Austin, Texas
DiedFebruary 25, 2009(2009-02-25) (aged 91)
Pflugerville, Texas
Resting placeCook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, Austin
Years active1938–2005; 2007
SpouseMyrna Swensen

Early life

Swensen was born in 1917 and grew up in Austin, Texas. He was not allowed to attend a public school until he was nine because of his size.

Biography

At 4ft 6in, he played one of the 25 Munchkin soldiers in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.[1]

He also appeared in The Terror of Tiny Town as a preacher. Many of his Oz co-stars were cast members of this Western musical film. He wore a chimp suit for Tarzan Finds a Son! with Johnny Weissmuller.[2]

His wife Myrna was also up for a part in The Wizard of Oz, but illness forced her to miss the opportunity.[2]

After experiencing a stroke in 2005, he was unable to walk and ended up in a wheelchair as a result. He experienced poor health then after but still attended many events with the other surviving Munchkins, including the presentation of the Munchkins' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.

Death

Swensen died on February 25, 2009, at the age of 91. He outlived every major cast member of The Wizard of Oz.[3]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1938The Terror of Tiny TownPreacherUncredited
1939The Wizard of OzMunchkin SoldierUncredited

References
  1. Obituary for Clarence Swensen Lasting Tribute Archived March 3, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  2. "Clarence Swensen remembered". March 13, 2009.
  3. Banta, Bob (2009-02-26). "Former Munchkin dies at 91". Austin-American Statesman. Retrieved 2009-02-26.
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