Margaret Pellegrini facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Margaret Pellegrini
Pellegrini in 2006
Born	Margaret Williams (1923-09-23)September 23, 1923 Tuscumbia, Alabama, U.S.
Died	August 7, 2013(2013-08-07) (aged 89) Glendale, Arizona, U.S.
Occupation	Actress vaudeville performer dancer
Years active	1938–2013
Spouse(s)	Willie Pellegrini
Children	2

Margaret Pellegrini (born Margaret Williams; September 23, 1923 – August 7, 2013) was an American actress and dancer. She was best known for playing one of the Munchkins in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.

Until her death in 2013, Margaret was one of only three Munchkin actors still alive. The other two were Jerry Maren and Ruth Duccini.

Early Life and Career

Margaret Williams was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama. When she was a teenager, she was helping a relative sell potato chips at the Tennessee State Fair. A group of performers, called Henry Kramer's Midgets, asked her to join their show. Margaret, who was about 3 feet 4 inches tall, decided to join them.

Her most famous role was in The Wizard of Oz. In the movie, she played a "sleepyhead" flower pot and a Munchkin villager.

Life After Oz

After filming The Wizard of Oz, Margaret married Willie Pellegrini. He was an average-sized former boxer. They had two children together.

For many years, Margaret Pellegrini often went to events that celebrated The Wizard of Oz. She loved meeting fans and sharing her memories of the movie.

Hollywood Recognition

From left: Jerry Maren (Lollipop Guild), Karl Slover, Clarence Swensen, and Pellegrini (1998)

On November 21, 2007, Margaret Pellegrini and the other surviving Munchkin actors received a special honor. They got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a famous sidewalk in Hollywood, California, where stars are placed to honor famous people.

Margaret was also chosen to be the Grand Marshal for the "Oz-Stravaganza" parade in Chittenango, New York. This is a yearly celebration of The Wizard of Oz. However, she was not able to attend because of health problems.

Near the end of her life, Margaret lived in Glendale, Arizona. She had a special room in her house filled with her favorite Oz items. These were things she had collected over the years.

Later Years and Passing

Margaret Pellegrini passed away on August 7, 2013, in Glendale, Arizona. She was 89 years old. She had a stroke two days before her death.

Margaret lived longer than all the main actors from The Wizard of Oz. She is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale, Arizona.

Film Appearances

Margaret Pellegrini appeared in several films and TV shows. Here are some of them:

See also

In Spanish: Margaret Pellegrini para niños