Priscilla Montgomery Clark Remembers The Wizard of Oz: The Last Surviving Munchkin’s Story

Interviews, Stories
Priscilla Montgomery Clark on The Wizard of Oz

Priscilla Montgomery Clark on The Wizard of Oz

Table of Contents

Judy Garland as Dorothy smiling with child Munchkin performers on the Munchkinland set of The Wizard of Oz; black-and-white photo, basket in lap.
Judy Garland as Dorothy smiling with child Munchkin performers on the Munchkinland set of The Wizard of Oz .

Introduction

We conducted this interview with Priscilla Montgomery Clark by mail correspondence and received her answers on 27 September 2025. As the last surviving child Munchkins from the 1939 classic, Priscilla shares concise, heartfelt memories of stepping into Munchkinland, watching Judy Garland at work, and later appearing alongside Jimmy Stewart.

Spotlight on Priscilla Montgomery Clark

From Alhambra to Munchkinland

Born in 1929 in Alhambra, California, Priscilla Ann Montgomery trained as a young dancer and was selected from the Bud Murray Dance Studio to appear as one of the child Munchkins in MGM’s 1939 classic. Director Victor Fleming took notice of her on set, giving her visible moments in key Munchkinland scenes.

Life on the Oz Set

Clark has described the Munchkinland set as lavish and other-worldly, and she vividly remembers the on-set emergency when Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch) was burned during a smoke-and-fire effect—an incident well documented by Oz historians. She also forged friendships with fellow performers, including Munchkin actress Margaret Pellegrini.

Beyond Oz & Lasting Legacy

After Oz, Montgomery danced in films such as It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947), and appeared in several Our Gang shorts before stepping away to focus on family life. She later married Revelle “Bud” Clark and raised two daughters, and has continued to receive fan mail as one of the last surviving cast members from Oz. The Munchkins collectively received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007, underscoring their enduring place in film history.

Interview with Priscilla Montgomery Clark

1. What do you remember most vividly about the day you were cast as a Munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz”?

I really didn’t know the story so each day was a new and very happy and magical experience!

2. Can you describe what it was like walking onto the Munchkinland set for the first time?

It was truly like stepping into a different world – so exciting and magical!

3. Do you recall any special direction Victor Fleming or the crew gave you during filming?

Such a nice gentleman and so were the crew. I believe they got what they were hoping to get – time has surely proven that!

4. What are your personal memories of seeing Judy Garland perform as Dorothy?

She was beautiful and so nice.

5. Your famous smile is still noticed by fans today—do you remember that moment, and did anyone comment on it at the time?

I don’t even remember that specifically. It was hard not to smile. It was all so magical.

Glinda the Good Witch speaks with Dorothy as Munchkins gather around in Munchkinland; signed by child Munchkin Priscilla Montgomery Clark.
“Welcome to Munchkinland” — Glinda (Billie Burke) greets Dorothy (Judy Garland) amid the Munchkins. Photo hand-signed by Priscilla Montgomery Clark, one of the child Munchkin performers.
6. Were there any costumes or props on set that particularly fascinated you as a child?

I loved the costumes – so creative and again magical.

7. What do you remember about the atmosphere on set after Margaret Hamilton’s accident?

The atmosphere was sheer panic, sirens were blaring, men came running from everywhere to try to help her. The ambulance came & took her out. My understanding is that she was in the hospital for 2 weeks, but was back to work after the Christmas holidays. She was such a nice and thoughtful person – especially to those of us who were just children. Very special!

8. Did you keep in touch with any of the other children who appeared as Munchkins after filming?

Yes for a while – one was a very good and life long friend.

9. What has it been like to receive fan letters and be remembered for this role over the years?

Very humbling and so blessed to be a part of such a beloved movie. Such fun memories!!

10. How do you feel about the “Wizard of Oz” Sphere presentation in Las Vegas, where the film has been altered with AI visuals and special effects?

I feel exactly like you do!

Context: In my letter to Priscilla, I expressed concern that the Sphere presentation uses AI-generated backgrounds, trims the runtime, and adds in-theatre effects (wind, fog, drones), potentially diminishing the original artistry and charm of Victor Fleming’s 1939 film. Priscilla’s reply indicates she agrees with that view.
11. Do you think younger generations who are first introduced to “Oz” through something like the Sphere can still discover the same magic you helped create in 1939?

No!

12. Outside of “Oz”, which moments from your career in other films are most meaningful to you?

Working with Jimmy Stewart in It’s A Wonderful Life – He loved playing the piano in long afternoon breaks we all gathered around – such fun!

Postscript: A Letter from Priscilla

Included with Priscilla’s responses to our interview questions, Priscilla enclosed a personal note reflecting on the magic of Munchkinland, her memories of Judy Garland and Margaret Hamilton, and the friendships that grew from the set. Presented here in full:

Dorothy holds Glinda’s hand on the Munchkinland set, with Munchkin characters in the background; autographed by Priscilla Montgomery Clark.
Glinda and Dorothy on the vibrant Munchkinland set. This still is autographed by Priscilla Montgomery Clark, who appeared as a child Munchkin in the 1939 classic.

Dear Tim,

I have so many wonderful memories of being in the “Wizard of OZ”. The set was so beautiful, it was like being in the middle of a fairy tale. Several things come to mind whenever I’m asked about what I remember most, here are a few:

Glenda’s beautiful dress and crown.
Dorothy’s sparkly red shoes and how cute Judy and Toto were – (she was very nice) and of course the emergency when Margaret Hamilton was burned while shooting her “disappearance” in a cloud of smoke. I loved doing the “We’re off to see the Wizard” step as we went down the yellow brick road – such fun!

All of my grandchildren learned it and would do it anytime anywhere when they were little, and the fun goes on!!!

Working with the little people was such a special experience and one of them became a very good friend of mine, Margaret Williams Pelligrini. Meeting her was the sweetest blessing of all!

I hope this adds a little interest and fun to your collections.

May God bless you and your loved ones in His awesome and wondrous ways.

Most Sincerely,
Priscilla Montgomery Clark

Thank you for the nice note, Tim.

Discover more from Tales From The Collection

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Tales From The Collection

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading