Billy Laughlin

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Billy "Froggy" Laughlin
Born	William Robert Laughlin July 5, 1932 (1932-07-05) San Gabriel, California U.S.
Died	August 31, 1948 (aged 16) La Puente, California U.S.
Occupation	Film actor
Years active	1922-1940

Billy Laughlin (William Robert Laughlin) (July 5, 1932 - August 31, 1948) played the character Froggy in the Our Gang short films in its final stretch, from 1940 to 1944.

Born in San Gabriel, California, Billy rose to fame at the age of eight when he appeared in his first Our Gang film, The New Pupil. His character was known for his strange, Popeye-esque guttural voice which was reminiscent of a frog's croak. Contrary to popular belief, Laughlin did the voice himself without dubbing (in the 1994 film, the character's voice was dubbed by E.G. Daily). His character was also born on a leap year, making him 2-3 years old.

When Our Gang stopped production in 1944, Laughlin voluntarily moved away from show business and enjoyed relatively peaceful teenage years.

Laughlin died on August 31, 1948, when a truck hit him from behind while in La Puente, California while riding a motor scooter. He was killed instantly ^[1].

Laughlin is the Our Gang member to have the shortest life, living to 16 years old.

[edit] References

^ Maltin, Leonard and Bann, Richard W. (1977, rev. 1992). The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang, p. 277. New York: Crown Publishing/Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0-517-58325-9