Mickey Carroll

Mickey Carroll was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Wizard of Oz,” “Gold Diggers in Paris,” and various radio shows. Born Michael Finocchiaro, he had a unique presence in the entertainment industry.

Personal and Family Life

Mickey Carroll was born on July 8, 1919, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Italian immigrant parents. He had a twin sister and his actual godfather was the famous mobster Al Capone. Throughout his career, he worked with notable entertainers such as George Burns and Jack Benny. Mickey’s family also ran a tombstone company, and he took the effort to replace a deteriorating headstone of L. Frank Baum’s niece with a new one.

Career

At the young age of seven, Mickey began taking dance lessons at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. There, he met entertainer Jack Haley, which led him to Hollywood. He gained popularity as “Mickey” in the Spanky and Our Gang series and later appeared in radio ads for Phillip Morris. At just 18, he worked with Mae West and went on to have a memorable experience filming “The Wizard of Oz” alongside Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.

Death and Legacy

Mickey Carroll passed away on May 7, 2009, in Crestwood, Missouri, due to a heart ailment. He left behind a legacy as a beloved character actor remembered for his contributions to both film and radio. His unique height and youthful demeanor allowed him to make a significant impact during his lifetime, even if he chose to step back from acting to pursue other interests.

Filmography