In the magical world of Oz, a little dog named Toto captured hearts, both on-screen and off. While many remember the dazzling performances of its human stars, few realize the significant role—and salary—earned by Dorothy's furry companion. The fact is true: Toto the dog commanded a weekly salary of $125 during the filming of the 1939 classic, 'The Wizard of Oz', while its leading lady, Judy Garland, received $500 a week.

This intriguing pay disparity highlights a unique aspect of old Hollywood contracts and the surprising value placed on animal performers.

Meet the Real Toto: Terry the Cairn Terrier

Toto wasn't just any dog; she was a highly trained Cairn Terrier named Terry. Born in 1933, Terry was already a seasoned Hollywood performer by the time 'The Wizard of Oz' came calling. Her owner and trainer, Carl Spitz, was a prominent figure in the animal acting world, known for his meticulous methods.

Terry's role as Toto was demanding, requiring her to perform numerous tricks and cues on a bustling set filled with bright lights, strange costumes, and loud noises. She had to sit, stay, retrieve, and even act distressed on command, all while navigating the elaborate Munchkinland and Emerald City sets.

A Paw-some Paycheck in 1939

At $125 per week, Terry's earnings were substantial for the era. To put it into perspective, many human actors in supporting roles or as extras would have earned less than this amount. Her salary reflects not just her talent, but the rigorous training and reliable performance she brought to the production.

Considering inflation, $125 in 1939 would be equivalent to approximately $2,800 today. This demonstrates the significant financial investment MGM made in their canine star. Terry's compensation was a testament to her star power and the specialized skills she possessed.

Judy Garland's Herculean Effort

Judy Garland, just 16 years old at the time of filming, faced an even more grueling schedule. Her weekly salary of $500, while seemingly modest for a lead, was also a considerable sum in 1939, roughly equivalent to $11,200 today. However, her work on 'The Wizard of Oz' was exceptionally challenging.

She worked six days a week, often for 12-16 hours a day.
She endured strict diet and exercise regimens imposed by the studio.
The physical demands of the role, including the iconic ruby slippers and flying sequences, were immense.
Garland's performance as Dorothy became legendary, but it came at a high personal cost.

The gap between their salaries—Judy earning four times that of Toto—reflects the hierarchical structure of Hollywood and the immense pressure placed on its human leads.

Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: Terry's Legacy

Terry's career didn't end with 'The Wizard of Oz'. She appeared in 16 films in total, even starring in a movie titled 'George Washington Slept Here' in 1942. Following the success of Oz, her name was officially changed to 'Toto' by her owner, capitalizing on her newfound fame.

She lived a long and celebrated life for a canine actor, passing away in 1945 at the age of 11. Her contributions to cinema helped pave the way for other animal stars and highlighted the incredible bond between humans and their animal companions.

The story of Toto's salary remains a delightful piece of Hollywood lore, reminding us that sometimes, the smallest stars can leave the biggest paw prints on our hearts and in cinematic history.

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