Our Gang

From Hal Roach Studios and then Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the 'Our Gang' short films series were made in Hollywood in the 1930's and 1940's, and then were later re-formatted as 'The Little Rascals' for television in 1955. On the left, William "Billie" Thomas Jr. (March 12, 1931 – October 10, 1980) was an American child actor best remembered for portraying the character of "Buckwheat" in 'Our Gang' short films from 1934 until the series' end in 1944. Billie Thomas first appeared in the 1934 'Our Gang' shorts 'For Pete's Sake!', 'The First Round-Up', and 'Washee Ironee' as a background player. Thomas began appearing as "Buckwheat" with 1935's 'Mama's Little Pirate'. Thomas remained in 'Our Gang' for ten years, missing only one film due to illness. Thomas remained in 'Our Gang' when the series changed production from Hal Roach Studios to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1938. Thomas was the only cast member to appear in all 52 of the MGM-produced entries and was the only holdover from the Hal Roach era to remain in the series until its end in 1944. On the right, child actor William Robert "Billy" Laughlin (July 5, 1932 – August 31, 1948) was an American child actor. He is best known for playing the character of "Froggy" in 'Our Gang' short films in the years 1940–44, its final years of production. Laughlin rose to fame at the age of eight when he appeared in his first 'Our Gang' film, 'The New Pupil' as "Harold", in 1940. He worked in support of "Alfalfa" Switzer in his first three films and then replaced the now too old Switzer as the comic lead of the group with the 1941 films. His character was known for his strange, guttural voice, which was reminiscent of a frog's croak, hence the nickname "Froggy". Laughlin's last 'Our Gang' short film was the last film of the series in 1944 called 'Dancing Romeo'. Laughlin did the voice himself without dubbing, basing it on a Popeye impersonation he had been doing for friends. When Our Gang stopped production in 1944, Laughlin appeared in a cameo in Monogram's 'Johnny Doesn't Live Here Any More', his only non-'Our Gang' film, speaking in his natural voice for the only time on film. Laughlin was tragically killed in a traffic accident in 1948. Only 16, Laughlin died younger than any of the other actors who appeared in the 'Our Gang' films.