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Like many of his Little Rascals co-stars, Carl Switzer — more popularly known as Alfalfa — had a really difficult time transitioning from child star to more adult roles. It’s a problem that’s plagued young performers since pretty much the advent of movies, but Carl would try to make the best of the hand he was dealt — though it would all ultimately have a tragic end with his murder. He may not be winning Oscars, but Hall certainly has managed to stay in the industry, and that's not easy for child stars. Young actors have also often had a hard time avoiding scandal, and while Hall hasn't spiraled that badly, he recently spoke about his difficult life experiences.
The Tragic 1959 Death Of The Little Rascals' Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer
Some of his credits include Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1942), Johnny Doughboy (also 1942, co-starring Spanky), The Great Mike (1944) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). In the latter he played Donna Reed’s date until James Stewart’s George Bailey shows up. A few more small roles followed as did several guest appearances on television in the 1950s.
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Switzer began his career as a child actor in the mid-1930s appearing in the Our Gang short subjects series as Alfalfa, one of the series' most popular and best-remembered characters. After leaving the series in 1940, Switzer struggled to find substantial roles owing to typecasting. Unfortunately, typecasting was a thing a century ago just as much as it is today, and once he was no longer an adorable child, he had a hard time finding roles. He worked odd jobs to support himself, including training dogs, according to Film Daily. It would be a dispute over a hunting dog that would set into motion the series of events that cost Switzer his life. After Bug, whose real name is Brandon, brought the lovesick Alfalfa to life, he went on to star in other '90s films like The Big Green, The Stupids and Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves.
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See What the Cast of The Little Rascals is Up to Now! - Life&Style Weekly
See What the Cast of The Little Rascals is Up to Now!.
Posted: Tue, 27 Jun 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In Bond's words, he and Switzer became good friends because "neither of us could replace the others". The original actor from the movie ”Our Gang” was named Carl Dean Switzer. This movie came out in the 30s, and Carl tragically took his own life away when he was 32, letting people remember him for his big role – Alfalfa. This role became even more popular in the 90s when Little Rascals popped off on TV. Any older folks and grandparents were excited to watch this new movie along with their younger ones, as well as enjoy its unique take on their old-time favorite. After playing Butch's right-hand man Woim, Blake made a few TV appearances before his final role in the 1998 direct-to-video Richie Rich's Christmas Wish.
It’s almost as if Alfalfa’s spirit is laughing mischievously from the silver screen, giving classic comedy a high-five through time. By the end of 1937, Switzer's "Alfalfa" had surpassed the series' nominal star, George "Spanky" McFarland, in popularity. While the boys got along, their fathers argued constantly over their sons' screen time and salaries.[3] Switzer's best friend among the Our Gang actors was Tommy Bond, who played his on-screen nemesis "Butch".
The two arrived at Stiltz's home in Mission Hills, at Columbus Avenue. Stiltz shared the home with his wife, Rita Corrigan, and his stepchildren. Though differing accounts of the event exist, all agree that Stiltz was struck over the left side of his head with a glass clock. He later retreated to his room to retrieve a .38-caliber revolver, which Switzer wrestled him for. Their struggle caused the gun to discharge and almost shot Tom Corrigan, Stiltz's 14-year-old stepson.
Why Does Alfalfa’s Hair Stick Up in The Movie ‘The Little Rascals’?
Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer died at age 31, and even in death he probably would have felt cheated by Hollywood. Director Cecil B. Demille (who had shot both versions of The Ten Commandments, among other big-screen epics) died the same day. With all of the attention paid to him, Carl was very much overlooked. Yet his legacy lives on so long as we remember The Little Rascals.
Stay tuned, as each fact unfurls like the petals of a flower, revealing a story as rich and complex as the characters we’ve come to cherish on screen. The now-36-year-old actor was arrested in Texas after police responded to his hotel room for a report of a possible overdose. He was arrested on a misdemeanor charge and assigned a $1,500 bail. He did, however, post a YouTube video in October 2020 where he partly addressed what happened.
RELATED: Here’s What Happened to Spanky from ‘The Little Rascals’ as Told by a Close Friend
Jordan worked a lot in the '90s, appearing on shows like Coach, Baywatch and Walker, Texas Ranger, while also providing voice work in animated series like Hey Arnold! His last on-screen appearance was an uncredited role in a 2003 episode of Touched by an Angel. The former child star tied the knot with his wife Sandra in October 2018 and currently works as a professional poker player having competed in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. After playing Stymie, Kevin went on to guest star in 14 episodes of Blossom and provide the voice of a puppy in Babe, but his acting career stalled a bit after that. The openly gay former child star also currently resides in Texas, where he reportedly works for a marketing firm.
See how Alfalfa from 'The Little Rascals' looks today - UPI News
See how Alfalfa from 'The Little Rascals' looks today.
Posted: Tue, 14 Jul 2015 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Cosmopolitan magazine reported how the actor won America's heart with a "slick signature hairdo and...adorable wiggling ears" transformed into a "sexy woodsman." We see a clearer image forming, of Hollywood’s embrace warming rather than singeing. Alfalfa’s tale whispers counsel into industry ears, championing the guardianship of juvenile talents who dance across our screens and into our hearts. The discussion, once a murmured undercurrent, is now a roar – echoing calls for the nourishment of these bright but fragile blossoms in the heady star garden.
He wasn't sporting his full facial hair, but the actor did speak positively about the experience. We all remember Alfalfa from the 1994 film version of The Little Rascals, but just in case you don't, this is Alfalfa. Alfalfa’s hair is black, straight, and sleek throughout his head, aside from one single strand or a small section of hair that sticks straight up.
The same year that Ross brought Buckwheat to life, he began what would become a 48-episode stint on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, playing little Nicky Banks. His relationship with Will Smith continued in the 1996 film Independence Day, playing the star's son Dylan. Aside from a few guest appearances on some TV dramas, Ross' career cooled off by the mid-2000s, though he did pop up in a pair of horror films in 2015. He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he also works as a DJ.
In 1952, he played a busboy in the film Pat and Mike starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. It's been over 20 years since that movie premiered, and Bug Hall, the now 30-year-old actor who played Alfalfa has spent at least some of that time amassing a giant beard. 51 stock photos on the topic alfalfa little rascals are available for licensing.
Half a century before Haim, another former child star, slugging away in anonymity after his career fizzled, died in violence. Carl Switzer, who portrayed the lovable but dorky Alfalfa in the "Our Gang"/"Little Rascals" shorts, worked various odd jobs and had run-ins with the law as an adult, as History reports. Unfortunately, one night he got a bit too ambitious going after money he thought was his, and he paid for it with his life. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as we delve into the captivating life and untimely demise of Alfalfa. From yesteryear’s hearty laughs to today’s poignant echoes, the legacy of Alfalfa Little Rascals continues to ripple through the annals of entertainment history.
In September of the same year, his appendix burst, which resulted in his being rushed to the hospital in what, for a time, was actually a serious situation. Then, in October, his wife of three years — Dian Collingwood, with whom he had had one child — sued him for divorce. At some point, Switzer and his friend, Jack Piott, decided that Stiltz should pay back Switzer the $50 (about $400 in 2022 dollars), and on January 21, 1959, the two became intoxicated and went to Stiltz' home to collect. Stiltz wasn't interested in paying, and fight broke out, during which Switzer allegedly assaulted Stiltz with a clock and then produced a knife. It was then that Stiltz shot Switzer, who died en route to the hospital. As Calisphere reports, a coroner's jury cleared Stiltz of any wrongdoing.
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