LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Jerry Maren, one of the two surviving Munchkin actors from the original 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," was honored at the TCL Chinese Theatre here Wednesday for his role in portraying a member of Munchkins in the blockbuster movie.
Maren, 93, sank his hands and feet into a block of cement at the forecourt of the iconic venue, formerly known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, where the original movie premiered in 1939. He also sang a song from the film "We Wish to Welcome You to Munchkin Land."
More than 120 diminutive actors played the Munchkins in the classic movie which was based on L. Frank Baum's beloved book "The Wonderful World of Oz." The film has become one of Hollywood's most enduring films.
Maren played one of the three members of "The Lollipop Guild" that greeted Dorothy Gale, the title role played by Judy Garland, at the Munchkin village. As the Lollypop Kid, he handed a lollypop to the actress.
Another surviving Munchkin actor is 95-year-old Ruth Duccini who now lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
The group of Munchkins earned a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.
The 3-D edition of "The Wizard of Oz" will be screened on the new IMAX screen for one week beginning Friday in commemoration of the reopening of the 86-year-old theater on completion of a facelift.
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