Billy Laughlin

Billy Laughlin
Born William Robert Laughlin
July 5, 1932(1932-07-05)
San Gabriel, California U.S.
Died August 31, 1948(1948-08-31) (aged 16)
La Puente, California U.S.
Cause of death Road accident
Occupation Child actor
Years active 1932-1944

William Robert "Billy" Laughlin (July 5, 1932 - August 31, 1948) was an American child actor. He is best known for playing the character Froggy in the Our Gang short films in its final stretch, from 1940 to 1944.

Contents

Career

Born in San Gabriel, California, Laughlin 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, 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).

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

Death

Laughlin died on August 31, 1948, when a bus hit him from behind while he was delivering newspapers and riding a motor scooter in La Puente, California. He and his friend, who was also delivering newspapers, were killed instantly.[1]

Laughlin lived the shortest life of the actors who appeared in the Our Gang films, dying at age 16.

References

  1. ^ 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

External links