Good Old Times
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REMEMBERING SPANKY McFARLAND ON HIS HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY
Born October 2, 1928, George “Spanky” McFarland would have been 98 years old today.
For generations of movie and television fans, that face is instantly recognizable. As Spanky in Our Gang — later known to many of us as The Little Rascals — McFarland became one of the most famous child stars of the 1930s.
He was only 3 years old when he made his first Our Gang short, and he eventually appeared in 95 of the comedies over 11 years. His trademark beanie, baggy clothes and mischievous personality helped make Spanky one of the defining characters of the series.
What makes his story even more interesting is that little “Spanky” wasn't originally some carefully planned Hollywood creation. McFarland had modeled children's clothing and appeared in a Wonder Bread advertisement before Hal Roach's studio discovered him. During his screen test, the 3-year-old apparently started talking instead of simply sitting quietly — and the cameras kept rolling.
McFarland eventually left Hollywood as a teenager and lived a much more ordinary adult life, working in sales and other businesses and occasionally speaking about his childhood career. He later reunited with his Our Gang roots when he and Jackie Cooper presented an honorary Oscar to Hal Roach at the 1984 Academy Awards.
Spanky McFarland died on June 30, 1993, at age 64. His Hollywood Walk of Fame star was unveiled posthumously in 1994.
Did you grow up watching Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Buckwheat and the rest of the gang?
For generations of movie and television fans, that face is instantly recognizable. As Spanky in Our Gang — later known to many of us as The Little Rascals — McFarland became one of the most famous child stars of the 1930s.
He was only 3 years old when he made his first Our Gang short, and he eventually appeared in 95 of the comedies over 11 years. His trademark beanie, baggy clothes and mischievous personality helped make Spanky one of the defining characters of the series.
What makes his story even more interesting is that little “Spanky” wasn't originally some carefully planned Hollywood creation. McFarland had modeled children's clothing and appeared in a Wonder Bread advertisement before Hal Roach's studio discovered him. During his screen test, the 3-year-old apparently started talking instead of simply sitting quietly — and the cameras kept rolling.
McFarland eventually left Hollywood as a teenager and lived a much more ordinary adult life, working in sales and other businesses and occasionally speaking about his childhood career. He later reunited with his Our Gang roots when he and Jackie Cooper presented an honorary Oscar to Hal Roach at the 1984 Academy Awards.
Spanky McFarland died on June 30, 1993, at age 64. His Hollywood Walk of Fame star was unveiled posthumously in 1994.
Did you grow up watching Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Buckwheat and the rest of the gang?
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