Hymie Lichtenstein (April 15, 1904 – December 28, 1999), better known as Harry Monty, was a Polish-American actor, dwarf actor and stuntman, whose most notable role was as a Munchkin and a winged monkey in the Wizard of Oz.^[1]

Early life

Monty was born April 15, 1904 in Dallas, Texas to Frank and Lydia Lichtenstein, who had immigrated from Poland in the 1890s. He had three brothers.^[2]

Career

Monty began his career in vaudeville, and appeared in various films from the 1930s to the 1970s, often uncredited.^[3] He appeared in Wizard of Oz in 1939 as a Munchkin, and also as one of the Winged Monkeys. He later said he considered his role as a Munchkin to be the most important of all his roles on stage and film in his 50-year career.^[3] His other film roles were in movies including Hellzapoppin', The Court Jester, Planet of the Apes, Papillon,^[1] a production of Swiss Family Robinson, Three Ring Circus, Hello, Dolly!, and as a rotoscope reference actor in the 1978 animated film The Lord of the Rings.^[3]

He worked as a stunt double for many child actors, and did all of Margaret O'Brien's stunt work.^[4] In addition, Monty served as a stuntperson in the films Tarzan Finds a Son!, Bad Bascomb, River of No Return, and Earthquake.^[5]

Monty also appeared in the television series Lost in Space, Bonanza, Bewitched,^[1] and H.R. Pufnstuf.^[5]

Death and burial

Monty died on December 28, 1999, at age of 95. After a private funeral service he was buried at Shearith Israel Memorial Park in Dallas.^[2]

Filmography

References

External links

• Harry Monty at Find a Grave