Behind The Scenes Secrets: The Wizard Of Oz

Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion)

Bert Lahr was an actor and comedian, and he brought that comic relief element to the cast ofThe Wizard of Oz. But, he also has that lovable, sensitive personae on screen. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect actor for the part. Of course, Lahr also was unbearably tormented by his costume, while shooting on-set. No matter how cool the costume might have been, the 100-degree temperature under the hot Technicolor lights was horrible with what amounted to a “real-fur” coat. He was warned that he might be typecast after his famous role, to which he replied: “Yeah, but how many parts are there for lions?” He appeared in various roles in vaudeville, the burlesque, and on Broadway.