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 in 1948 and he died at the same year.
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 in 1948 and he died at the same year.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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William R. Laughlin
"Our Gang" Froggy
1932 — 1948
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