In a bizarre series of events, Carl Switzer was shot to death in the groin on January 21, 1959, over an argument involving $50 that Carl Switzer felt he was owed for training a hunting dog. What a piece of shit loser! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. IN 1954, ALFALFA WAS 26 YEARS OLD and had his best chance at moving on from the juvenile roles hed been saddled with since the days of Our Gang. WebCarl Dean Switzer, the actor who as a child played Alfalfa in the Our Gang comedy film series, dies at age 31 in a fight, allegedly about money, in a Mission Hills, California, home. Arguably, this ranks among Datalounge's most depressing threads. Alfalfas role was small but notable comic relief in a tense drama. Harold "Slim" Switzer is interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California, alongside his brother Carl.". What's the big deal? WebO n this day, Jan. 21, in 1959, Carl Dean Switzer, the actor who played Alfalfa in the "Our Gang" series, was killed during a fight over $50 and a hunting dog. Robert Blake grew up to be no walk in the park. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Alfalfa, wife Dian and son Justin. Within weeks, theyd split up, but in July, Hollywood gossip columnist Erskine Johnson wrote that Alf and his estranged bride had reconciled. Meanwhile, Stiltz had Jack Piott backed up against the kitchen counter at gunpoint, shouting that he was next. When Alfalfa stepped out of the courthouse, he had 40 days to live. Carl Switzer Not a dog like Pete the Pup; more like a Treeing Walker Coonhound, the dog that led to Alfalfas final confrontation, or the dirty dog who got away with his murder. On that same day in Hollywood, renowned director Cecil B. Yeah, things are much better now that we let the mentally ill sit in the oval office instead. Alfalfa would portray a 100-year-old Indian, in heavy makeup whose application aged him at a rate of almost fourteen years an hour. No one would mistake Joe Sam for the freckle-faced kid from Our Gang. The Defiant Ones starred Sidney Poitier and Tony Curtis as a pair of convicts, black and white, shackled together and on the run. The Defiant Ones. Courage of Lassie. Only he was holding the gun, having gone home to blow his brains out after using the gun to kill his partner in a laundromat business. WebAccording to Stiltz, Carl then pulled out a hunting knife and threatened him with it, telling him he was going to kill him. However, the decision ended up being for the best. Of course, the series of shorts followed a group of rambunctious young children. Neighbors recall Alfie to have been a lousy farmer, but an avid hunter, knocking on doors at 4 a.m. to awaken his buddies to get out and kill some rabbits while the getting was good. As a fan of Switzers, I have always wondered if Switzers death was justified or if he was murdered. He says that the actors who played the other popular characters on the Little Rascals were as charming as could be when the cameras werent rolling. Alfalfa agreed he was lucky the attack didnt take place on the mountain, where he most likely would have joined his dog. But she ended up spilling the beans on one of the most embarrassing chapters of her life instead. The truth, or the closest thing to it, wasnt disclosed until 2001, when a reporter took the testimony of a 14-year-old boy. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. Facts Verse The Wolbach Messenger, March 1, 1973, transcribed by Linda Berney:Rites were held Febr. He tortured his younger brother, Brussel. As Switzer grew older, he took odd jobs as a bartender, shoeshiner and bear hunting guide. Failed to delete memorial. There have always been rumors that the adorable Alfalfa was a pain to work with when the cameras werent rolling. The Human Comedy. Switzer was fatally shot by an acquaintance over a money dispute. Child stars, probably big risk of being molested by pedos. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. It seems that the legends of Alfalfa having a pain to work with are more than just rumors. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Its long-since rumored that most of the kids in the series of shorts had trouble getting along with Carl Switzer. "Though not saddled with the same problems his younger brother was faced with due to being typecast as a "child star," Harold had his own problems. With most of them choosing to leave the entertainment industry behind like Sidney did. Well, let's just say Spanky really lived up to his name on this one. The apartment was a less than a block from the entrance to Hollywood Memorial Park cemetery. He was posthumously honored with a star on Hollywoods Walk of Fame in January 1994. They found a bullet hole in the left front-door window and blood on the seat and floor. The deceased was born Aug. 25, 1898 at Odessa, South Russia to Simon and Rezian [sic] Hoffman Switzer.In 1905 he came to the United States. Tom Corrigan was Crash Corrigans son, and later, stepson to Bud Stiltz. Facts Verse If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Carl Switzer I found on Findagrave.com. In the history of celebrity murder stories, one case that confounded many is the death of actor Carl Switzer. He supported himself through other lines of work. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Its very possible for glass to hit you in the face in that scenario. The Our Gang shorts produced for two decades with a rotating cast of child actors. We have set your language to What a hilarious asshole. Including the fact the series of shorts somehow cursed. The John Wayne connection spun Alfalfa in an entirely different orbit that year, when Waynes brother Michael Morrison (remember, John Wayne was born Marion Morrison) set him up on a date with a grain heiress in town from Kansas. PRIDE TV: THE QUIET GAY HEROES OF SIXTIES SITCOMS, THE BALLAD OF CATHY WAYNE: KILLED ON STAGE IN THE VIETNAM WAR, JESSE MALIN: FROM D GENERATION TO REGENERATION, ONE MORE THING CATCHING UP WITH L7S JENNIFER PRECIOUS FINCH. Alfalfa and Dian Collingwood hit it off so well that they eloped to Las Vegas in May. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, Lynda Carter is an actress who makes a name for herself, playing on the hit 1970s television series Wonder Woman. WebCarl Dean Switzer. WPIX television in New York City was running Alfalfas childhood hits on a show called The Clubhouse Gang. OS Supported: Windows 98SE, Windows Millenium, Windows XP (any edition), Windows Vista, Windows 7 & Windows 8 (32 & 64 Bit). From time to time, the boys performed at local shows and fairs and proved to be popular among the locals. English April 23, 2023, 1:13 pm, by They figured the spent slug was somewhere in the station wagon, so they impounded the vehicle. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Island in the Sky (1953 The show is emanating from the belly of a Las Colinas sports bar. And while sometimes its simply the result of a tragic event that looms [] More, Barbara Walters, you dont have to know much about the news, television or even daytime talk shows to know the name. It constructs by the comic book character of the same name. Carl Alfalfa Switzer and Elizabeth Taylor led in song by Catherine Doucet in a scene from the film "There's One Born Every Minute" circa 1942. ", He was a real loser, take it from me Scotty Beckett. While Carl Switzer certainly had his own share of bad luck, one must wonder whether a curse plagued the cast of Our Gang. The Death of a Little Rascal - Medium TROUBLED FAMILY LEAVES SWITZER A ON SUNDAY EVENING, JANUARY 26, 1958, Alfalfa had Add to your scrapbook. To make ends meet, he worked odd jobs. ^ Funny. Carl Switzer said to have constantly abused his power as one of the more popular child actors in the Little Rascals series of shorts. He was just 38 years old. He also made an appearance in the Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life", opening up the gymnasium floor with the pool underneath, causing George and Mary to fall in. WebCarl Switzer (as Alfalfa), Darla Hood and George McFarland (as Spanky) on "The Pinch Singer" | Photo: Getty Images. You may simultaneously update Amibroker, Metastock, Ninja Trader & MetaTrader 4 with MoneyMaker Software. July 2, 2021, 6:38 am, by Alfalfa was said to be a has-been by the 1940s and a down-and-out alcoholic druggie on the fringes of show business by the time he died in 1959, bleeding out at age thirty-one in a sordid Hollywood Babylon scenario. Tommy said he told his story back then to a detective named Pat Poe. Carl Switzer Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family and Stats - CelebsAges Carl Switzer was an American child actor, singer, dog breeder, and hunting guide from Paris, Illinois. Popular, by This led to an argument. April 23, 2023, 1:31 pm, by Perhaps he refers to him as "Lothario" earlier, but in the scene in question - when he's about to open the gym floor - he specifically says "Othello" and it's specifically in reference to the fact that Freddie is seething with jealousy over Mary dancing with George. R63, there was a pedophile among the 'Our Gang' directors - Gus Meins, senior director for some sixteen of the films, 1934-36. Carl Switzer (1898-1973) - Find a Grave Memorial Freddie loses the girl but gets revenge by turning the key that opens the gymnasiums retractable floor, causing the couple and other dancers to fall into the swimming pool below. Despite, Sidney claims that working on the series of shorts was a positive experience. The sirens were approaching. Darla Hood "Darla" - (11/08/31 - 6/13/79) - Hospitalized for hepatitis in 1979, she soon died under what was later ruled to be "suspicious circumstances.". Carl Switzer let his celebrity status get to his small head. After Out Gang he never starred in anything but his filmography of bit parts was ling and steady until his death. Despite not facing Carl's problems due to being a child star, Harold had his own issues. ", Carl Switzer as Alfalfa, George McFarland as Spanky, Billie Thomas as Buckwheat and Eugene Lee as Porky in "Framing Youth," circa September 11, 1937. An Inside Look On The Strange Death Of Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer The series becomes an instant hit thanks to the iconic character and the actress that is playing her. Death. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. WebCarl "Alfalfa" Switzer was killed in this Mission Hills home of famous cowboy star "Crash" Corrigan's ex-wife. She is a true juggernaut, a legend of American television and journalism. He had an older sister named Janice Genevieve and his younger brother Carl. Sidney Kibrick has recently confirmed that Carl Switzer was, in deed, a pain to work with on the set of the Little Rascals shorts. There is little information regarding what he did after starring in bit-part roles on "Our Gang." If youre enjoying this video so far, be sure to hit the like button to show your support! Which featured a plethora of different child actors over the course of its production. Meanwhile, Stiltz had Jack Piott backed up against the kitchen counter at gunpoint, shouting that he was next. He died at age 31, shot during an argument with someone over a small amount of money (fifty dollars). After a night of drinking, Switzer, 31, and a friend went to collect $50 from dog owner Bud Stiltz. Is the picture at R23 a young Cosmo Kramer ? It seems that, after a century, the Little Rascals has truly achieved the status of a global phenomenon that doesnt appear to going anywhere soon. WebRites were held Febr. Web4.6M views 2 years ago In this exploration we take a look back at the life and death of child star Carl Alfalfa Switzer. One thing for sure is that Mr. Switzer could not be getting out and getting in the vehicle at the same time. He was the kid who was in the room when Alfalfa and Bud engaged in their fatal combat. He was just a bratty little kid. Switzer went to the home of a man he believed owed him $50 over a lost dog. Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer Net Worth I'm sure you all remember it ! Who would later go on to die tragically young at the age of only 31. Along the way, he stole Corrigans wife, Rita Jane, and moved in with her and their three kids. Harold and Carl were gifted singers, and this talent proved to be an outlet for their parents to make money. And while game show hosts are often humorous andlighthearted, even the most warm-hearted of hosts have had their patience tested from time to time and have displayed instances of losing their cool. And Sidney is grateful to have been a part of them. Robert Hutchins "Wheezer" - (3/29/25 - 3/17/45) - Died in an airplane accident at the age of 19. In 1967, Harold killed a customer over a dispute. As he grew into and out of his teens, he worked steadily in character roles with diminishing returns, always immediately and distractingly recognizable as Alfalfa. Jack cried and begged for his life. What become of Alfalfa's son? WebThe Stalking Death that Changed the Law. Tom Corrigan was Crash Corrigans son, and later, stepson to Bud Stiltz. He swore he couldnt think of anyone whod want to kill him. However, none of these other accounts have stood the test of time. ^ Alfalfa knew a wild beast when he saw one. Alfie was drunk. In reality, Bud Stiltz was too good with his hands. Some of these jobs included stints as a bartender and hunting guide. And that surviving cast member Sidney Kibrick claims that there is no such thing as a Little Rascals curse? But there is one thing that we find more engrossing than celebrity lives their deaths. Theres solid evidence he was scraping for money. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. The deal included a small role in Waynes disaster picture, The High and the Mighty, and a larger and potentially career-making part in a Robert Mitchum flick, Track of the Cat. If he was shot facing the car from the opposite side there should be a bullet hole in each window. The same year, he acted in the movies Gas House Kids and Courage of Lassie. The show, featuring Harold possessed limited acting abilities, and this made him not become as popular as his brother. It seems that the popularity of the shorts has endured in a way greater than most other works from that time. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. HowStuffWorks She was going to press for a real police investigation into her sons death but worried it might aggravate her husband Freds heart condition. According to his bride, money was scarce because Alfie never learned to read. CARTER Um, yeah, nice try. Of the handful of photos Id seen , the grown up Alfalfa didnt seem instantly recognizable as Alfalfa to me. 21 Jan 1959 (aged 31) Mission Hills, Los Angeles County, California, USA. He wrote the books TABLOID BABY and, with Jeff Abraham, THE SHOW WONT GO ON: THE MOST SHOCKING, BIZARRE, AND HISTORIC DEATHS OF PERFORMERS ONSTAGE. Carl borrowed the dogs to take some tourists on a bear-hunting trip. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. However, with Carl facing hard times, he visited Stiltz in the company of his friend, Jack Piott. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. WebCarl Switzers Tragic Death Having such difficulty finding film and television roles, Switzer afflicts by financial troubles. Documentary about Alfalfa's life, with new details suggesting his death by gunshot was most likely not accidental. On this day, Jan. 21, in 1959, Carl Dean Switzer, the actor who played Alfalfa in the "Our Gang" series, was killed during a fight over $50 and a hunting dog. PleaseKillMe.com is the home of Please Kill Me: the Uncensored Oral History of Punk. After their performance, Carl was given a lead role while Harold was offered a part but not as prestigious as that of his younger brother. Allen Hoskins's derogartory character, Farina, the archetypal pickanniny, belied his upper middle class, Boston bred upbringing. Did he have BDF, too? The deceased was born Aug. 25, 1898 at Odessa, South Russia to Simon and Rezian [sic] The bullet went through the wall or ceiling and a piece of plaster or shrapnel hit Tommy in the leg. Dixie. WebDirected by William A. Wellman Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) verified as complete Produced by Music by Cinematography by Archie Stout (photographed by) Film Editing by Ralph Dawson Art Direction by James Basevi Set Decoration by Ralph S. Hurst (as Ralph Hurst) Makeup Department Web Overlander makeup artist And surviving cast member Sidney Kibrick has recently confirmed this as fact. He also shared a child named Gladys with Rose Lavon. Here is what happened. After leaving "Our Gang," Carl took up more minor roles in films and television. So thats how well refer to him. That was a fancy way of saying that on November 29, Alfalfa went into the Sequoia National Forest and cut down fifteen trees on Poso Creek near the Sugar Loaf Lodge. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. In the century or so since [Switzers account]. The dog got loose, ran away, and was eventually found by a local rancher who demanded a $50 reward. I have no idea if he troubled any of the Rascals actors.