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National Features

Sixty-eight years ago, a four-foot-seven actor named Mickey Carroll — then just eighteen years old — donned a purple elf's outfit and joined some 130 fellow Munchkins in filming The Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy's tornado-tossed house killed the Wicked Witch of the East, Carroll's character memorably effused: "We thank you very sweetly, for doing it so neatly."

Later in the iconic 1939 film, Carroll is seen as one of the tiny soldiers parading Dorothy through Munchkin Land. Many of the performers who played Munchkins had fled Nazi Germany for fear of persecution, and it was Carroll who provided their voice-overs. It's his voice, in fact, that first advises Dorothy to "follow the yellow brick road."

Today, the 87-year-old Carroll is one of just nine surviving Munchkins from the classic movie, and each passing year seems to bring him ever-greater recognition. Last week Carroll and his fellow Munchkins were inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In April 2006 Carroll earned a star on the Missouri Walk of Fame in Marshfield.

Surprisingly, no similar honor awaits Carroll in his hometown of St. Louis — but it's not for lack of trying. Since early spring Carroll's caretaker and friend Linda Dodge has distributed thousands of petitions urging Joe Edwards, founder of the St. Louis Walk of Fame in the Delmar Loop, to honor the Munchkin with a gold star. Dodge says everyone she's presented the petitions to is thrilled with the idea. Everyone, that is, except Edwards.

"Mickey and I ran into Joe two years ago at an Albert Pujols benefit dinner," recalls the 46-year-old Dodge. "We mentioned that Mickey was being considered for a Hollywood star and asked why he didn't have a star here in St. Louis. Joe was very noncommittal. He acted like he didn't want Mickey to have a star."

In recent weeks, Edwards estimates, he's received several hundred of Dodge's petitions signed by Munchkin enthusiasts across the region. Edwards says he wrote back to the first few people who sent him the letters but has now taken to throwing the petitions out.

"I think Mickey is a wonderful person, and I'm a huge fan of the movie," says Edwards, who first organized the Walk of Fame in 1988 as a way to showcase significant St. Louisans. "But inductees into the Walk of Fame are chosen by a committee. No volume of letters I receive about an individual nominee is going to change that."

The letter — available on Carroll's Web site, www.munchkinmickeycarroll.com — states that the actor began his career taking free dance lessons at the Fox Theatre. By the age of ten, a hormonal disorder permanently stunted Carroll's growth, and he found work as a singer and dancer in vaudeville. He was signed to MGM in the late 1930s when he met Judy Garland, who played Dorothy. Carroll says it was Garland who offered him a role as a Munchkin.

Carroll's modest bungalow in the north St. Louis suburb of Bel-Nor stands as a time capsule of his days in showbiz. Wizard of Oz bric-a-brac lines the walls. Scrapbooks burst with photos of him warming up the crowd for Harry Truman, or dressed as a tiny Mae West in his vaudeville days.

"I was a song-and-dance man for gangsters," boasts the 72-pound Carroll, who claims his real-life godfather was the Godfather, Al Capone. "My dad and he were friends from Brooklyn. I worked Capone's clubs in Chicago."

The ex-Munchkin also says Ripley's Believe It or Not once named him the fastest dancer in all the land. A lifelong Cardinals fan, Carroll cites a USA Today article from earlier this year in which he says Tony La Russa credits him with the team winning the World Series last October. A close read of that article, though, has the quote coming from Carroll, not the Redbirds' skipper.

Honest mistake or gross hyperbole? That's the question Joe Edwards has aimed at Carroll and Linda Dodge. Edwards says he's been unable to verify several statements made on the Munchkin's petition letter, including a claim that Carroll appeared in the Spanky and Our Gang series.

"I haven't been able to verify it," says Edwards. "I told them if they can show me what episodes he was in, that would help me a lot. Finally, they called me and said I was right. Apparently he wasn't on the show."

Edwards says he reviews every candidate's qualifications before passing the information along to the 120-person committee that ultimately decides who is inducted into the Walk of Fame. Composed of librarians, historians, journalists, academics and past Walk of Fame inductees, the committee makes its decision on the basis of two categories: a nominee's impact on the nation's culture and heritage, and his or her ties to St. Louis.

"These aren't just film stars," notes Edwards. "They're scientists, authors, educators and professional athletes. With just two to three people chosen each year, it's getting harder and harder to get in." Among the first round of inductees to the St. Louis Walk of Fame were Chuck Berry, T.S. Eliot, Joseph Pulitzer and architect James Eads.

In the case of Mickey Carroll, Edwards says, he'll wait until the last minute to pass along the ex-Munchkin's letter of recommendation to the committee. But, he warns, the biographical information had better be accurate.

Linda Dodge argues that many of Carroll's deals in vaudeville were struck with a handshake, and the few contracts he did sign have been lost to time. Besides, Dodge contends, Carroll's role in The Wizard of Oz should suffice.

After his career in vaudeville ended in the 1940s, Carroll took over his family's St. Louis business, making and selling cemetery headstones. He's also used his celebrity status from The Wizard of Oz to raise thousands of dollars for local charities.

Write Your Comment show comments (12)

  1. CHAD
    YOU DID A GREAT STORY !!! BUT JOE EDWARDS YOU ARE SOOO WRONG ON TRASH THE NOMINATIONS FORM. PEOPLE OF ST LOUIS IS SPEAKING TO YOU AND THE COMMITTEE . YOU REALLY HAVE NO RIGHT ON THROWING THOSE AWAY. THAT SHOULD BE UP TO THE COMMITTEE. JOE EDWARDS THE AUTHOR OF THE MUNCHKIN OF OZ . STEVE COX HAVE WRITING YOU A LETTER OF SUPPORT AND A BIO THAT HE DID ON MICKEY CARROLL ON HIS 80 BIRTHDAY FOR THE POST- DISPATCH. SO THE PEOPLE OF ST LOUIS HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU LOUD . BUT I FEEL THAT THE PEOPLE SHOULD PROTEST YOUR PLACE OF BUSINESS ON THE BLUE BERRY HILL AND NOT COME TO YOUR PLACE OF BUSINESS UNTIL YOU HAVE THE SUPPORT OF MICKEY CARROLL.. HE HONOR ENOUGH TO GET STATE OF MISSOURI AND STATE OF CALIFONIA . BUT NOT THE CITY OF ST LOUIS . WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM MAN....

    Comment by LINDA DODGE — June 27, 2007 @ 10:28PM

  2. We first got to know Mickey Carroll, his nephew Frank, and his friends, Linda and Gus Dodge over a year ago at the Casino Queen's "Club Sevens" live TV sports broadcast by Channel 11 of "The Fan Show" hosted by sportscaster Rich Gould following the Sunday Night News on air around 9:25pm. We have grown to love Mickey and his friends, and have been impressed with their numerous and varied appearances for charitable events both locally and across the country. They are constantly on the go, supporting one charity fund raiser or another.

    Mickey has a heart as big as this country, and represents both the fictional City of Oz and the real City of St. Louis with equal gusto. Few could keep up with this St. Louis native's tiring pace. Yet, no cause is too large or too small for his contributions, whether it be donations, gifts, or endorsement through personal appearance, especially if it raises funds for children, or for the policemen and firemen who serve us all.

    We have read copies of the letters of recommendation written by Steven Spielberg, Ted Turner, and many others in the entertainment industry, who recognize the value of Mickey's contributions to the silver screen era, and to his tireless path as ambassador of goodwill and good fortune to those in need. Mickey, who could be enjoying his golden years following less humanitarian pursuits, instead, continues to encourage all to get busy helping others and to continue to "follow the Yellow Brick Road!"

    We do not understand why anyone would trash the thousands of letters of endorsement for Mickey to receive a star on the St. Louis Walk Of Fame. Those same letters were requested and required by Mr. Edwards, and according to the article, he himself disposed of them. After witnessing countless citizens happy to sign those letters, we would like to learn the reason why they were disposed of prior to sending them to the official committee. It is the least that Mr. Edwards could do in light of what has happened.

    Thanks for your enlightening article,
    Roger and Sue Bergheger "The Illinois Munchkin Crew"

    Comment by Sue + Roger Bergheger — June 28, 2007 @ 03:26PM

  3. Mickey Carroll has been lying to St. Louisans for decades. He used to tell people he was the Munchkin Coroner who pronounced the Wicked Witch dead. I recall when he used to have coffee mugs and memorabilia printed with that image and sell them from the family business. He was not the Coroner Munchkin, but he was in the movie of course. He was NOT in any Our Gang films, and Al Capone was certainly NOT his godfather. Mickey adopted that story some time ago and I just don't know why he perpetuates such silly stories. I think he tells that Al Capone story so people won't harm him, like it's some sort of protective label or something like that. He was not friends with Judy Garland and she did not offer him his role. I'm a member of his family and I know better. Why would Joe Edwards and that committee want to give a liar such an honor on the walk of fame? At some point, they must come to a conclusion whether this guy is on the up and up and there are many many many discrepencies about his reputation and career. I commend Mr. Edwards for being up front and actually handling this in a delicate and proper manner. He could have come out and called Mickey a liar, but he didn't. It wasn't necessary. Most of St. Louis already knows. And those who don't are fools.

    Comment by Mike — July 2, 2007 @ 09:11AM

  4. I would like to make a comment about what "Mike" has noted above. I don't know how you are connected to our family, the only Mike that I know in our family does not even use the internet and has given me his permission to write this comment. You must be a miserable person to slander such a generous person as Mickey. Mickey's bio is on his website and speaks volumes for itself. If you need further clarification email Mickey at mickey@munchkinmickeycarroll.com

    Mickey's niece,
    Jan Finocchiaro

    Comment by Jan Finocchiaro — July 4, 2007 @ 06:27PM

  5. Way to go Jan!

    Comment by Carrie Scott — July 4, 2007 @ 10:37PM

  6. Addressing "Jan F." above: I would hardly call catching Mr. Carroll in his own lies as slanderous. Sounds to me like his family is embarassed that he has been lying to so many fans for so long, and some family members are standing at his side so they remain in the will.
    I have a coffee mug on my shelf that says "Mickey and Judy" on it and it has a picture of the Munchkin Coroner and Judy Garland from The Wizard of Oz. Mr. Carroll gave it to me personally and signed it and regaled me with stories about being the coroner Munchkin and prononuncing the Wicked Witch dead when I met him at Standard Monument years ago. He autographed a Coroner Munchkin photo for me, too. I treasured it until recently when I found out he was a fraud. Now I find out that it is not Mr. Carroll on the mug at all and I recently met the real coroner Munchkin, Minehard Raabe, at a Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton, Indiana. He is still alive. He has proof of what part he played in The Wizard of Oz. If anyone is going to label anyone's statements, Jan, I would say we should label Mr. Carroll's as "fraudulent" and yours as "ridiculous."

    Comment by Hazel — July 7, 2007 @ 09:07AM

  7. Have to confirm Mike's comments: I lived in St. Louis in late 1970's and early 80's and worked in local theater and movie business. Micky was dishing out his BS about being the coroner character in Oz and it was widely known that he was full of it. As to his claim about doing various Munchkin voiceovers, it's well-established now that those effects were done by MGM's sound engineers, using other adult voices, and speeding up the playback to give that "Munchkin" voice. Having said that, it's nice to know he's still with us!

    Comment by Mark — July 7, 2007 @ 01:05PM

  8. To all the St. Louisana out there making these ridiculous statements about Mickey. Let's stop the name calling and nitpicking. I am a long time friend of Mickey's familly that has been following Mickey's career. There is a small time author, originally from St. Louis, who got his start from Mickey's kindness. This author wrote his 1 st book called "Munchkins of Oz". I think it was this author who gave the negative of the "Munchkin Coroner"for Mickey to put on a coffee Mug mentioned in the above comment. This small time author, claimed he did the research. I found out that this same author,who has since moved away from St. Louis, has a somewhat shady past himself.He may be spreading these rumors just to steal some of Mickey's spot light or to promote his books . I don't understand the jealously. Mickey's niece and friends who wrote good comments above,stated their last names after their comments and pointed everyone concerned to Mickey's website-they get my vote of confidence. By the way, I think Mickey has said that he is gvining everything to charity when he leaves this world and his family knows this. If any of Mickey's Fans that are upset at him for the old coffee mug, just show up where Mickey is signing autographs,I am sure he will give you a signed picture for free, he has given thousands away to his St. Louis fans. Mickey has done so much for your community. I wished he lived in my city. You should stand up and raise your glass and be thankful you have this wonderful person in your city Everyone loves Mickey's stories, I hope all of you can accurately remember everything you have ever done in your life when you are 88 years of age.
    Also, I have seen the spin about Mickey and the Our Gang series, there were actually several spin off's Our Gang Comedies, Spanky and Our Gang and The Little Rascals. I have an old newpaper article that mentions Mickey, which I am mailing to him . Like this Riverfront time article states, many deals in the 20"s & 30"s were made with a hanshake not with contracts. I would stick with Mickey's website since that is where everyone turns for information these days. I had my assistant type this comment for me.....

    long distance family friend,
    Alphonse Smith II

    Comment by Alphonese Smith II — July 9, 2007 @ 09:11PM

  9. To Give the facts about the voiceovers. If you had read Steve Cox Comments that was made in a news article call "OZ" Midgets Recall the Munchkin Myth writer by Marian Zailian
    Steve Cox had made the comments that all musical sequences were dubbed by the Kings Men Quartet and the Debutantes, plus three munchkin who could speak english did the voice over. Which you should know that MGM hired a man call Leo Singer who had a European vaudeville troupe of midget to scour the United States and come up with a lot of little people . Between the ones he found-- and those who drifted to Hollywood on their own-- there were 124 midgets assembled. So ,if anyone like to make statements you all above should get the facts right and place your full name for creditably and be happy that you have some one in the movie Wizard of Oz in our own backyard ." Praise and cheer "that we could make a difference here in St. Louis to have some one postive to have on our St. Louis Walk Of Fame." Life is too short "to look at the negative . I will praise anyone who stand up but the fact out there with there names attach to the article. You should know that one day our beloved Mickey Carroll pass away . Were will the people of St. Louis go to honor this man Hollywood Ca or the State of Missouri . Why not in his own City of St. Louis!!!!!!!!!

    "WIZARD OF OZ FAN"
    Nick Overton

    Comment by nick overton — July 10, 2007 @ 12:04AM

  10. A friend brought to my attention this article and thread of commentary. I found Mr. Alphonse Smith above to be amusing--if not hypocritical and incorrect. His comments actually border on libelous. Funny, he begins by asking readers for a cease-fire with the "name calling and nitpicking"...and then proceeds to attack me. Why? I have no idea. I have never met this dubious person. How did my name get dragged into all of this?

    Yes, I wrote a book about the midgets who were Munchkins from "The Wizard of Oz" nearly twenty years ago, and I thank God it's still in print after all this time. It is an accurate and credible book with a shelf life I could have never imagined. But Mr. Alphonse's information is false. That was not my first book. My first book published by a major publisher was a history of the television classic, "The Beverly Hillbillies," from Contemporary Books, 1988. (It had nothing to do with Mickey Carroll, midgets, or The Wizard of Oz. Nor is it true that Mr. Carroll gave me my start in writing. I made my own breaks, and attended college and earned a degree without the help of Mr. Carroll, thank you. If anyone is to be thanked, it is my journalism professors, personal mentors, and wonderful parents.) As for my Oz books, "The Munchkins Remember" from E. P. Dutton Publishers, NY., was the original title in 1989 and the second and third editions came much later, retitled and revised as "The Munchkins of Oz." These books were dedicated to Mickey, because he was definately the inspiration. I'm not quite sure why Mr. Alphonse wishes to be childish and call me a "small time author." I'm 40 now, I've written for the L.A. Times, TV Guide, and dozen different periodicals; I've just completed my twentieth book, so I would hardly call these accomplishments "small time." That remark obviously comes from a small time thinker, or a small person... "A mental midget" as Moe of the Three Stooges would say.

    Also, as for Mr. Alphonse's "shady past" remark toward me, well, I consider the source and pity the old gentleman for his lack of education. I wish him well, as I wish Mr. Carroll. I hope Mickey gets his St. Louis star, if for nothing else than for his participation in "The Wizard of Oz." But in the future folks, leave me out of your petty addled arguments. Life indeed is too short, it's filled with short people and short fuses, and I really don't feel like I need to explain my career paths to the likes of Alphonse Smith III.

    Comment by Stephen Cox — July 11, 2007 @ 11:41AM

  11. Mr. Cox- Thanks for your Resume and Book Advertisement. I will be looking for your books,never seen them in the Book Stores. So, you ARE the Author that Mr. Alfonse II mentioned, did you give Mr. Carroll the questionable negative of the picture/mug that Hazel wrote about ? Do you really KNOW all of Mr. Carroll's family and friend?? And what about this shady past he mentions?? You don't have to have a "lack of education" to check someone's criminal record, do you ....

    Confused RFT Reader...Sgt. Jones

    Comment by Sgt. Jones — July 11, 2007 @ 04:41PM

  12. I have read all the above comments. First off, I would like to ask Joe Edwards who does he think he is? You stated that you have nothing to do with the nomination committee. But on the other hand you took it upon yourself to trash thousand of nomination forms that were mailed to your attention in good faith. Then began to trash talk Mickey Carroll about him telling stories! Where did Joe Edwards got elected Judge and Jury on this story. I would like to ask a simple question? As a individual have you every told a lie? We all will have to answer that on judgement day! I do know before that article came out that there were over 7,750 nomination forms mailed to Joe Edwards. Now why didn't he just forward them to nomination committee? St. Louisana's has spoke out loudly. Let me ask another simple question? Was Mickey Carroll ever accused or convicted of having hidden camera's installed in his family business ladies restrooms? NO! Now Mickey is being hung out to dry for telling a story! What is Joe Edwards scared of? Maybe that St. Louisana's has spoke out loud clear about this nomination for the Walk of Fame. Mickey Carroll has worked hard on giving St. Louisana's his support when ever needed without ever have to being asked. Let stop name calling and blaming each other and do what we all start with and that is get Mickey Carroll Walk of Fame star. Mickey Carroll can't be that bad if he has support from policemen/policewomen and fireman/firewomen and many more people here in the state of Missouriand other stares. Let's give him his honor in his own back yard. Joe Edwards I am asking you to correct the wrong. Let's look a the big picture here. The Walk of Fame Star!

    Comment by Carrie Scott — July 15, 2007 @ 10:38AM

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