Jerry Maren, Last Surviving 'Wizard Of Oz' Munchkin, Dies At 98

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Jerry Maren, the actor best known for his role in the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz" has died, TMZ reported. He was 98. His cause of death is still unknown, but he had reportedly been suffering from numerous health issues, including dementia, according to TMZ. Maren died more than a week ago at a San Diego nursing facility and was mourned at a funeral over the weekend, the website reported.

Maren is best known as the "oldest member" of the Lollipop Guild in the "The Wizard of Oz," and was the last surviving munchkin. He later starred in "Bewitched," "Planet of the Apes," "Seinfeld," "Lidsville" and "No Soap, Radio," WFLA reported.

Maren received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007, and was honored at a handprint and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre six years later, the news station reported.

Maren's neice Stacy Michelle Barrington confirmed his death to Fox News.

“I wish I had grown up with him and had spent more time and being around him growing up," she told Fox. "I’m grateful to have had such important people in my family. Uncle Jerry would want the legacy of the 'Wizard of Oz' to continue.”

Actress Pam Dubois paid tribute to the late actor on Facebook, writing "From personal experience – Jerry was a kind, and loving man, who never let his stature get in the way of his eternal strive for happiness, and a good life for him, and his beloved wife Elizabeth who proceeded him in death several years ago."

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Photo: BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 03: Actor Jerry Maren attends the AMPAS Screening Of 'The Wizard Of Oz' at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on August 3, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)