The Oz Lion Portrayer is Bert Lahr, an American actor and comedian who is best known for his role as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Lahr was born in New York City in 1895 and began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to Broadway and eventually Hollywood. He is remembered for his comedic timing and physical comedy, as well as his iconic performance as the Cowardly Lion.