Pflugerville Resident to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
When Clarence Swenson was twenty-two, he joined over 100 little people to play a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz. Later this month, he (along with the other Oz Munchkins) will be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is one of the nine Munchkins still alive today; seven of the other surviving Munchkins will also attend the ceremony.
Swenson appeared in the classic film as a Munchkin soldier. He was raised in Austin and came to be in the film through his participation in a Dallas circus. In later years, he worked for UT and the State of Texas before retiring.
Swenson, 89, suffered a stroke in 2005 and is still undergoing physical therapy. Despite not having traveled anywhere since his stroke, he and his wife flew out yesterday to prepare for the ceremony.
Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
