Leonard Murphy; ‘Wizard of Oz’ Casting Director

Leonard Murphy, 87, casting director who found actors to play the Munchkins in “The Wizard of Oz.” A native of London, Murphy served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He began his 40-year career at MGM as a mail clerk and worked his way up to central casting. Among the stars he worked with were Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Judy Garland. For the classic “Oz” film, in addition to casting the Munchkins, he also cast Margaret Hamilton in her memorable role as the wicked witch of the West. On March 4 in the Motion Picture and Television Hospital in Woodland Hills.