Bert Lahr, the star of 'The Wizard of Oz,' was 'tormented' by his Cowardly Lion costume: daughter.

A great deal of bravery was required for Bert Lahr to become the "Forest's Monarch."

The Cowardly Lion, famously portrayed by a comic actor in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz," was a risky role for the veteran vaudevillian, according to the late star's daughter.

The film turned 85 on Aug. 15.

"Jane Lahr stated that her father was greatly troubled by the costume. The costume weighed nearly 100 pounds and was made of real lion fur. It was extremely hot, causing her father to be unable to eat. He had to consume his lunch through a straw. The studios had wonderful dining rooms. Jack Haley, who portrayed the Tin Man, also faced difficulties due to the heavy costumes. They were required to lie down on boards in order to eat, as they were unable to do so in the dining room. Unfortunately, Jane's father could only drink something through a straw."

"Jane stated that it wasn't enjoyable. The campers were unhappy with the costumes, but when the reviews arrived, it was a different tale."

Lahr's costume was reportedly attached to a square block, and he wore a wig made of Italian human hair and footwear constructed out of a lion pelt, according to Bonhams. The hot studio lights would make the set feel like a sweltering 100 degrees.

"My dad was really tortured by the costume. It weighed almost 100 pounds. It was real lion fur, and it was hot. He couldn’t eat. He had to drink his lunch through a straw." — Jane Lahr, Bert Lahr's daughter

Lahr grumbled, but when cameras began rolling, he made light of the situation. It has been reported that the film required multiple takes because Garland – along with the rest of the cast and crew – burst into laughter.

"Jane stated that there's a scene where the Lion chases Toto. Judy grabs Toto, slaps the Lion, and then the Lion starts to cry. Judy always broke up laughing. The director scolded her, saying 'You cannot do this.' However, in the movie, you can still see Judy putting the dog in front of her mouth because she is smiling. Despite this, it was a significant issue because she would always laugh. I believe it's fantastic."

While Lahr received positive reviews for his performance, Frank Morgan, who played the Wizard, issued a warning.

"Jane stated, 'Bert will receive all the reviews, while Judy will also get all the reviews, but it won't benefit you in Hollywood since there are no other lion roles available,'" said Jane.

After the film premiered, MGM dropped Jane's father's contract, as Morgan had predicted.

Jane exclaimed, "The loss of my parents' dream house, a magnificent structure in Coldwater Canyon on an acre and a half, designed by the first African American architect in the nation, was a devastating blow."

"After residing in apartments, they bought their first house, which they cherished. My dad, who loved gardening, planted lime trees, apple trees, pear trees, and avocado trees. However, the house was sold, and they relocated to New York because Broadway was dad's preferred medium. I was one, and my brother John was three."

Jane continued, explaining that her dad felt Hollywood was not trustworthy after the movie's release and positive reviews. He believed he would become a permanent movie star, but his talent was better suited for the Broadway stage. He had a powerful voice.

"Although he made a few movies after 'The Wizard of Oz,' nothing could compare to the stage. It was where he felt the love from an audience and where he preferred to act."

In New York, Jane stated that she observed a different aspect of her father.

"My father was very shy and quiet at home, but he was quite outgoing on TV. He enjoyed playing solitaire and doing crossword puzzles. But there was something different about him - he had a big voice and was quite assertive. It made sense because my father was a Leo."

Jane watched "The Wizard of Oz" with her father for the first time when she was visiting from college, although she had seen it before when she was 6 years old.

"Dad was a perfectionist who never liked watching himself. However, one day, when I was alone with him and the movie was playing on TV, we watched it together. He looked at me and said, 'That was pretty good.'"

Lahr took pride in being a father, especially when he scolded his daughter for treating a suitor poorly on the phone, warning her that in his neighborhood growing up, such behavior would result in her ending up in the East River with her feet in cement.

Jane recalls her father not as a famous actor, but as a "compassionate and caring" individual.

In 1967, Jane returned home from a date and discovered her father sitting in a contemplative mood. She retired to her room and picked up a book. Upon opening it, the page she landed on dealt with the topic of death.

"Jane explained that he was making a movie, "The Night They Raided Minsky's," but he got sick on the set. He was always afraid of dying from cancer and although they said he died of pneumonia, his doctor had tested him, and he had bone cancer. He was also having trouble walking around at that time."

On December 4, 1967, in New York City, Lahr passed away at the age of 72.

"Jane recounted how she wanted a Christmas tree for her mom, but Dad, who was Jewish, said he didn't want one. Despite their different religious backgrounds, they still celebrated Christmas every year."

"After dad passed away, I thought a Christmas tree would lift mom's spirits, so I got one for her. However, when I returned a few days later, I noticed that the tree had almost no needles. It turned out that dad didn't want a Christmas tree that year, and mom didn't receive one."

"Several other things made one question the immortality of the soul," she chuckled.

Jane and her brother were stunned by what they saw when they visited their father's gravesite together.

"The mention of the child placing a toy lion near the gravestone moved both her and John deeply."

Jane is committed to preserving her father's legacy. She frequently attends the annual Oz-Stravaganza festival, which honors all aspects of "Oz."

Beverly Hillbillies star Buddy Ebsen lost the role of the Wizard of Oz for this horrifying reason, daughter says.

"Jane explained why the film remains popular, citing the music, costumes, sets, and stars as reasons for its perfection. Additionally, the film was released before World War II with a happy ending, providing hope for viewers. Lastly, children began playing the parts in school, making it a part of American culture."

Jane stated that she simply wants her father to be remembered.

""He was a kind, caring soul who brought joy and laughter to those around him. That's how he should be remembered," she said."