Last of the Munchkins (almost)

Karl Slover, one of the last of 124 Munchkins from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, has passed away at 93. At four-foot-five, Slover was one of the smallest male Munchkins, best known for playing the lead trumpeter in the Munchkins' band. He was also among the seven little people at the 2007 Hollywood Walk of Fame dedication to their contingent, and he continued to appear at events as recently as last week, according to friends. "It wasn't until the Munchkins started making their appearances in 1989 that they all came to realize how potent the film had become and remained," prolific Oz author John Fricke said. "He was wonderfully articulate about his memories, he had anecdotes to share." [AP via HuffPo]