| Birth: | Jul. 5, 1932 | | Death: | Aug. 31, 1948 | 
Actor. He won fame as Froggy in 29 "Our Gang" comedies from 1940 to 1944. Blonde and bespectacled, his defining trait was a croaking voice that sounded like Popeye on helium. Although the character had no real personality, Froggy became the most popular "Little Rascal" to emerge from that series' final years. Among Laughlin's appearances in the role are "Waldo's Last Stand" (1940), "Fightin' Fools" (1941), "Going to Press" (1942), "Dancing Romeo" (1944), and "Tale of a Dog" (1944). William Robert Laughlin was born in San Gabriel, California. Afflicted with crossed eyes, he had to wear thick glasses and was teased by the neighborhood kids. To boost his confidence his mother enrolled him in drama classes, where he revealed a talent for imitating cartoon characters. Laughlin joined "Our Gang" at age seven after an MGM talent scout spotted him doing his Popeye impression at a local theatre. During his stint as Froggy he used his real voice only once, as a gag, in the film "1-2-3 Go!" (1941). When "Our Gang" ended Laughlin left show business, and according to his family he relished his teen years away from the spotlight. He was delivering newspapers with a friend on a motor scooter in La Puente, California, when a speeding truck hit them from behind. Both boys were killed. Laughlin was 16, the youngest former Rascal to die. (bio by: Bobb Edwards)
Search Amazon for Billy Laughlin | | | Burial:
Rose Hills Memorial Park
Whittier
Los Angeles County
California, USA
Plot: Myrtle Lawn, Lot 743, (Curb #1011) |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Jun 28, 1999
Find A Grave Memorial# 5774 |
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