Summary
- Terry the dog, who played Toto in The Wizard of Oz, was paid $125 a week, more than some human actors on set.
- While Terry's earnings surpassed some actors, Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, made more at $500 a week.
- The Munchkin actors, despite singing, dancing, and taking on multiple roles, earned less than Toto.
Wage disparity in Hollywood, especially with the gender pay gap, is an ongoing concern, but in the case of The Wizard of Oz, Toto the dog made more than some of the human actors. The Wizard of Oz is a timeless masterpiece brimming with imagination and whimsy, which boasts an ensemble of cherished characters. Among them is Judy Garland's captivating portrayal of Dorothy Gale, who embarks on a journey to find her way home with her loyal companion Toto. The film's release in 1939, also known as "Hollywood's Golden Year," saw numerous classics come to the big screen.
Within this lineup, The Wizard of Oz stands out due to its delightful songs, captivating characters, and the utilization of Technicolor technology. However, there are many controversies surrounding The Wizard of Oz, lincluding stories of dangerous makeup and workplace harassment. The film also had significant wage gaps; Terry the dog, cast as Toto, was paid more weekly than several of her human co-stars.
Toto Was Paid $125 A Week For The Wizard Of Oz
The cairn terrier, Terry, worked on the production of The Wizard of Oz with her trainer, Carl Spitz. She was paid $125 per week for her role of Toto, which when adjusted for inflation, translates to $2,729.38 today. Given Terry's canine status, all the earnings naturally went to her trainer, Spitz. Terry's weekly earnings surpassed those of certain human actors on set, but she is an integral part of the whole film and performed her own stunts.
Terry was also injured on set, getting a broken foot due to a Winkle guard accidentally stepping on her. Terry was experienced in performing on set, as she had participated in seven films prior to her work on The Wizard of Oz, notably Bright Eyes, where she shared the screen with Shirley Temple. The film studio's requirement for a canine performer matching the description for L. Frank Baum's original book series makes it understandable that Terry was paid well for The Wizard of Oz.
How Much Toto's Salary Was Compared To Other Wizard Of Oz Actors
While Terry made more than certain actors on set, she did not make more than Garland, whose $500 weekly earnings would equate to almost $11,000 after adjusting for inflation. In contrast, the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) and the Tin Man (Jack Haley) made six times that of Garland, with $3,000 per week, while the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) made $2,500. Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, earned $1,000 weekly. As well as the pay disparity between the male and female actors in the film, the Munchkin performers earned less than Toto, with most receiving approximately $50 per week.
Those with speaking roles among the Munchkins made around $75, and a select few who were directly hired by the studio, MGM, managed to get $100. Unbelievably, the Munchkin actors made less than Toto, even though they had to sing, dance, and often take on multiple roles to bring this classic to life. Notably, while Toto's compensation exceeds theirs, the Munchkin actors earned a collective star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, commemorating the 124 performers who played a role in making The Wizard of Oz a timeless classic that endures today.
Sources: LA Times
