The early life of Jerry Maren, a diminutive individual born to Italian emigrant parents, Emilio Marenghi and Raffaella Scanzillo, was marked by a youthful fascination with the art of dance, which laid the groundwork for his future aspirations as a thespian.
As a young boy, Jerry's passion for performing was evident, and he pursued dancing lessons, a hobby that would later serve as a foundation for his career in the entertainment industry.
In November 1938, Jerry's life took a dramatic turn when he encountered a group of little people traveling to Oz in New York. With a desire to be part of this extraordinary journey, he boarded a bus to California, where his remarkable height of just 3' 4" would soon make him a standout member of the cast.
Upon arrival in California, Jerry's unique stature and charming demeanor caught the attention of the filmmakers, who selected him to play the memorable role of the Munchkin who warmly greets Dorothy with a welcoming lollipop.
