Betty Ann Bruno, best known for her role as a “Wizard of Oz” munchkin, died Sunday at age 91. Her cause of death was not immediately reported.
Bruno died at her home in Sonoma, California, according to KTVU. She thrilled audiences for decades and remained immersed in the entertainment industry for the rest of her life. She’s credited for her skills as an Emmy-winning television producer and an admired local news reporter, according to People.
Betty Ann Bruno, Best Known as ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Munchkin and TV Reporter, Dead at 91 https://t.co/NRPEWkLWOH
— People (@people) August 1, 2023
Bruno worked at KTVU for decades alongside her long-time friends and colleagues. “Other reporters would try to get [interviews, and] those same people they would say ‘no, no, no way.’ Betty Ann was always able to get the interview,” said retired reporter Rob Roth in an interview with KTVU.
He spoke about her personality and her dedication to not only her job, but also her community.
“She really did care about the community, cared about reporting. She was just a real treasure, a joy to know,” he said.
Bruno was cast as a munchkin when she was just 7 years old. She spent her childhood in Hollywood, and grew up in front of the cameras. She enjoyed a wildly successful career as a child actor, and starred in roles such as John Ford’s 1937 film, “The Hurricane,” according to Deadline.
Bruno penned a memoir in 2020 called ‘The Munchkin Diary: My Personal Yellow Brick Road,” where she shared her emotions and documented her time on screen with Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.” (RELATED: Pee-Wee Herman Actor Paul Reubens Dead At Age 70)
Details surrounding funeral arrangements have not been made public at this time.
Bruno is survived by her husband Craig Scheiner and their three sons.