Katrina benefit features 'Wizard of Oz' Munchkin

Perhaps one of the world’s best-known little people -- a Munchkin in the 1939 movie classic "The Wizard of Oz" -- will appear on campus at a Hurricane Katrina benefit the evening of Friday, Sept. 23.

Actor Mickey Carroll stands a diminutive 4-feet, 7-inches tall and is now 86 years old.

A former Vaudevillian, he still relishes his film appearance with Judy Garland, Glinda the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch of the West and of course the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man.

Catch Carroll at a free reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, in the atrium of the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center (150 E. Pleasant Hill Road).

In addition to music by the bluegrass band Coal Train, Carroll will talk about his storied acting career and sign autographs. "Wizard of Oz" photos, posters and other memorabilia will be available for purchase.

A free Saturday morning autograph party with Carroll is set for 9:30-11 a.m. at Panera Bread Co. near University Mall.

All proceeds from his appearances will go to a special "Feed the Children" charity drive to help hurricane-stricken families in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

The SIUC School of Music is hosting the events.