#5: Some Actors Weren’t Allowed to Enter the Canteen
The transformation of actors Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and Ray Bolger into the iconic characters of the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow was so convincing and, at times unsettling that they were denied entry into the studio canteen during lunch breaks. The elaborate makeup and costumes that brought these characters to life were not only visually striking but also a testament to the dedication of the actors.
However, their appearance was deemed too eerie for them to dine alongside other studio personnel, highlighting the remarkable job done by the makeup and costume departments in crafting these memorable personas. Despite this lunchtime exclusion, Lahr, Haley, and Bolger’s performances continue to be celebrated as integral to the enduring magic of The Wizard of Oz.