Actor and Circus Entertainer. An Austrian native and dwarf performer who emigrated to the United States aboard the steamship 'President Roosevelt' in 1936. Known professionally as Jackie Gerlich or Jack E. Gerlich, his first acting role was an uncredited appearance as the character "Bobby" in the 1938 film "Terror in Tiny Town." His most recognized performance, also uncredited, was as one of the Lollipop Guild Members in the 1939 motion picture "Wizard of Oz". Another uncredited acting role was in "East Side of Heaven", also from 1939. He was a veteran circus clown with The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, and a well-known figure in the Sarasota, Florida area where he could be spotted in public both in clown makeup and in street clothes, often seen smoking a favorite cigar. His last known interview was on the Mike Wallace Show in December of 1959. According to a December 1960 article in The Sarasota Journal, Mr. Gerlich's death came unexpectedly, following violent stomach cramps. An early autopsy determined his death was not due to natural causes.
Actor and Circus Entertainer. An Austrian native and dwarf performer who emigrated to the United States aboard the steamship 'President Roosevelt' in 1936. Known professionally as Jackie Gerlich or Jack E. Gerlich, his first acting role was an uncredited appearance as the character "Bobby" in the 1938 film "Terror in Tiny Town." His most recognized performance, also uncredited, was as one of the Lollipop Guild Members in the 1939 motion picture "Wizard of Oz". Another uncredited acting role was in "East Side of Heaven", also from 1939. He was a veteran circus clown with The Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, and a well-known figure in the Sarasota, Florida area where he could be spotted in public both in clown makeup and in street clothes, often seen smoking a favorite cigar. His last known interview was on the Mike Wallace Show in December of 1959. According to a December 1960 article in The Sarasota Journal, Mr. Gerlich's death came unexpectedly, following violent stomach cramps. An early autopsy determined his death was not due to natural causes.
Bio by: Michael
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