Another Munchkin has died

Very sad news this morning actor and munchkin Mickey Carroll has died in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 89.

By Mike Owens

KSDK -- St. Louis' most famous munchkin, Mickey Carroll, died at his Crestwood home Thursday morning. He was 89-years-old.

Carroll was his stage name: his real moniker, Michael Finocchiaro. He grew up in St. Louis and made it to Hollywood to play in the role that defined his life. He spent a lot of time on charitable work, and would talk to anyone, at any time, about his part in the "Wizard of Oz."

But there's an odd twist to this story about Mickey Carroll. About the same time he died, a lawyer was filing suit in his behalf, asking for an accounting of his finances, and raising concerns that his caretaker Linda Dodge had improperly taken control of his finances and his personal affairs.

Dodge said Carroll moved in with she and her husband in December as his health deteriorated. Carroll's nephew, Frank Parenti, also moved in.

Dodge has become caretaker not only of Carroll's health, but his memory too, pushing for him to be included in various Walks of Fame, and having him promoted at various events celebrating the "Wizard of Oz" movie. She said he played three roles in the film: as a soldier, a fiddler and town crier.

But attorney Patrick McCarthy said Carroll's family believes he was also being played the fool and had signed paperwork giving Dodge control of his life.

McCarthy said the state department in charge of adult affairs is investigating the case and a probate judge has called for a hearing next week to hear the allegations.

Among them are that Carroll signed a power of attorney when he was in fact mentally incapable of doing so.

In addition, McCarthy said there needs to be an accounting of Carroll's finances and he wonders why Dodge kept Carroll from talking to his family members. McCarthy says Dodge changed phone numbers several times, and when Carroll's family got the new number, she would change it again.

Dodge denies wrongdoing and said the suit is just a family spat over money, as much as a million dollars.

Visitation will be next Tuesday at Kutis Funeral Home on Gravois near Grant's Farm, with a Catholic mass on Wednesday at the St. Louis Cathedral. Prior to the funeral, there will be a court hearing.

Of the 125 Munchkins who starred in the Wizard of Oz, only seven are still alive. Most recently, actor Clarence Swensen, who played one of the Munchkin soldiers, passed away in late February at the age of 91.