In 1987, former Our Gang co-star Spanky McFarland recalled a meeting with Switzer concerning the farm: "The last time I saw Carl was 1957. Nationality. So that's how we'll refer to him. Source: Tumblr. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Description. Browns wide receiver Ryan Switzer said his infant son is recovering after undergoing surgery in a Boston hospital. Stiltz confronted them with the revolver, which Switzer grabbed while Piott crowned Stiltz with the clock. Add to your scrapbook. Their lives also ended similarly and under tragic circumstances. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Oct 17, 2011. In 1940, he left the show at age 12 and appeared in minor roles in movie classics such as It's a Wonderful Life and The Ten Commandments. He said Switzer pounded on the door and demanded Stiltz let him in. For several years, he operated a Speed Queen Company franchise, installing and servicing washers and dryers. There is little information regarding what he did after starring in bit-part roles on "Our Gang." . Carl Switzer decided to train a hunting dog for an individual named Moses Samuel Stiltz. And then I never saw him again. Carl Switzer was an American child actor, singer, dog breeder, and hunting guide from Paris, Illinois. He was fatally shot by an acquaintance in a dispute over money in January 1959. Unfortunately, the dog disappeared after running after a bear. George "Spanky" McFarland, Darla Hood, and Carl Switzer as "Alfalfa" in Our Gang Follies of 1938. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. They attended Redmon Elementary School and enjoyed picnicking and swimming during their leisure time. The Life Summary of Carl Dean. Portrait of Carl Switzer as Alfalfa for "The Little Rascals" series, originally know as "Our Gang" dated December 5, 1936 | Photo: Getty Images. He was always a motherfucking asshole. [2], Switzer had an uncredited role as Auggie in the 1943 film The Human Comedy. The producer of the studio was impressed after seeing their performance and signed them to appear in Our Gang productions. Hello. He was an uncredited slave in the movie. [11], Corrigan said a Los Angeles Police Department detective interviewed him and asked if he would testify before the judge. Carl Dean Switzer (August 7, 1927 - January 21, 1959) was an American actor, professional dog breeder and hunting guide. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, circa 1938. Relatives. He was handsome as an adult. . Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Your email address will not be published. Born 1956 Garden City Also known as. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Carl Switzer was born in Paris, Illinois in 1927. The following year, he starred as Alfalfa in the comedy films 'Gas House Kids Go West' and 'Gas House Kids in Hollywood' respectively. When Carl Dean Switzer was born on 7 August 1927, in Paris, Edgar, Illinois, United States, his father, George Frederick Switzer, was 22 and his mother, Pamela Gladys Shanks, was 23. During this time, he also had roles in a few films, such as 'I Dream of Jeannie', 'Island in the Sky', 'The High and the Mighty', 'Track of the Cat', 'Not as a Stranger' and 'Francis in the Navy'. However, they divorced in 1957. Corrigan said that Switzer grabbed the revolver and Stiltz and Switzer struggled over it. lance switzer son of carl switzer biography: lance eldridge son of carl switzer: lance switzer: carl switzer: Maybe you would like to learn more about one of these? The brothers first appeared in the 1935 Our Gang short Beginner's Luck. . George Spanky McFarland was the nominal star of the Our Gang series. He married Diantha Collingwood in 1954 and had a son named Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer before divorcing in . Lance Switzer is the son of Carl Switzer. On January 24, 2001, Bud Stiltzs stepson, Tom Corrigan, came forward with another version of Switzers death. In the history of celebrity murder stories, one case that confounded many is the death of actor Carl Switzer. Allen Hoskins's derogartory character, Farina, the archetypal pickanniny, belied his upper middle class, Boston bred upbringing. After Out Gang he never starred in anything but his filmography of bit parts was ling and steady until his death. He married Diantha Collingwood in 1954 and had a son named Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer before divorcing in 1957. I have no idea if he troubled any of the Rascals actors. Sign up for the newsletter today. Heiress of the grain elevator empire Collingwood Grain, Inc. and first wife of murdered Our Gang actor Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer who met and married the troubled child star on a blind date in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954 and became the mother of his only known son Justin Lance Collingwood-Switzer, but the marriage lasted less than two years, ending in divorce in 1956. Here he is, out of "costume" with his mother. In 1952, he played a busboy in the film Pat and Mike starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Diantha married Richard Rosswell "Ross" Elridge (19332007), who adopted and raised Lance as his own, and had two other children by him, sons Chris and Lee Elridge. I think he was a fug kid who became handsome as an adult. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? This is a carousel with slides. Death. [5] They divorced in 1957. Sorry! Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. George Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, and Carl Switzer as Alfalfa in Our Gang Follies of 1938, Carl Switzer guesting with George Burns on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Carl Switzers grave on August 7, 2012, the 85th anniversary of his birth. Corrigan said he agreed to, but he was never called before the court. The threat was followed by a struggle that began with one of the men, Switzer or Piott, striking Stiltz with the clock. Seems some of these "little rascals" grew up to become legit rascals: Alfalfa, Beckett, Robert Blake Alfalfa has BDF for days in that pic R23. This browser does not support getting your location. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Switzer suffered severe internal bleeding and was pronounced dead on arrival when taken to the hospital. After quitting the show, Harold did not pursue an acting career. Their struggle caused the gun to discharge and almost shoot Tom Corrigan, Stiltz's 14-year-old stepson. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? In r23 he looks just like a guy I knew in high school who was a scary, aggressive asshole. Hello and thank you for registering. Harold and Carl outgrew the series in the 1940s and left. 1 Mar. There was an error deleting this problem. He had an older sister named Janice Genevieve and his younger brother Carl. Their son, Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer [5] (now Eldridge), [6] was born that year. Meet Jean Smart's 2 . 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. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Um, yeah, nice try. Stiltz fired and shot Switzer in the groin, damaging an artery that caused massive internal bleeding. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Switzer had agreed to train a hunting dog for Moses Samuel Stiltz. Carl Switzer Alfa Alfa in Simpatiche canaglie (dal 1935 al 1940). Aw Miss Crabtree, you can call me Chubsy Ubsy. He also had multiple run-ins with law enforcement officers. Managed by: Private User. I was starting a tour of theme parks and county fairs in the Midwest. When Carl Switzer was cast as Alfalfa in 1935, he was incredibly lucky. It is not widely known but Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) from the Our Gang comedies had an older. In January 1958, Switzer was getting into his car in front of a bar in Studio City, when a bullet smashed through the window and struck him in the upper right arm. SWITZER - Friends of Carl E. Switzer, who died Friday, March 2, 2018, will be received from noon until 3 and 6 to 8 p.m . You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Username and password are case sensitive. The sirens were approaching. 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The show was a favorite across the nation, and many parents were dying to get their own children to appear on the show. "Well, we shot Tommy, enough of this," he said he recalled Switzer saying, just before Switzer and Piott started to leave the house. Help us build the largest biographies collection on the web! Corrigan said he had just stepped out the front door when he heard, but did not witness, a second shot behind him. Actor: Second Childhood. Shockingly, both Shirley Temple and Mickey Rooney attempted to get onto the show, but they both failed. While the boys got along, their fathers argued constantly over their sons' screen time and salaries. Portrait of Carl Switzer as Alfalfa for "The Little Rascals" series, originally know as "Our Gang" dated January 1, 1936 | Photo: Getty Images. He was named Carl Dean after a member of the Switzer family and many relatives on his grandmother's side (respectively). Immediate Family: Daughter of Lelo Paul Collingwood and Faye Collingwood. Carl Dean "Alfalfa" Switzer (August 7, 1927 - January 21, 1959) was an American child actor, professional dog breeder and hunting guide, most notable for appearing in the Our Gang short subjects series as Alfalfa, one of the series' most popular and best remembered characters. Drag images here or select from your computer for Diantha Musette Diana Collingwood Switzer Eldridge memorial. Knowing Carl, I knew that wasn't going to last. They also acted together four years later in one of those Lassie films. He could cry great big tears in just a few seconds. During the struggle, a shot was fired into the ceiling and Corrigan was struck in the leg by a fragment. He was best known for his role as Alfalfa in the short subjects series Our Gang. Carl Switzer was an American actor, professional dog breeder, and hunting guide. Then in 1936, Carl appeared as Alfalfa in Our Gang shorts 'The Lucky Corner', 'Arbor Day' and 'Spooky Hooky'. What a piece of shit loser! Harold also appeared in some of the Our Gang episodes, mostly as an extra. He was also famous from other names as Alfalfa Switzer. A judge later ruled his death as "justifiable homicide. [quote] Switzer played the role of Freddie Othello in the Christmas film It's a Wonderful Life in 1946. Try again. Stiltz shot Switzer in self-defense, claiming the former child star pulled a knife on him. He married Diantha Musette Collingwood in 1954, in Las Vegas, Clark, Nevada, United States. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Again, Carl requested the $50, but Stiltz insisted he was not giving him a dime. These relatives encouraged the Switzers to take their boys on one of the Hollywood studio tours. Heart goes out to the Wheldon family tonight. This time, Bud Stiltz backed off. More details about his death with good photos of him. She married Richard Lee Conard in 1959. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. In 2002, it was revealed that Switzer's son's name is Lance, per his cousin's statement on ancestry.com. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. How did Carl Switzer die? He said he heard the knock on the front door, and Switzer said "Western Union for Bud Stiltz." The same year, he acted in the movies 'Gas House Kids and 'Courage of Lassie'. c o m . 1. One of the men, either Switzer or Piott, hit Stiltz over the head with a glass-domed clock. R63, there was a pedophile among the 'Our Gang' directors - Gus Meins, senior director for some sixteen of the films, 1934-36. Switzer's gravestone features the square and compasses of Freemasonry and an image of a hunting dog, reflecting his dog-training hunting-guide interests at the time of his death. Both sang and could play a number of instruments. Wasnt there another kid from the little Rascals that ended up dying on skid row as a junkie? If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. In 1956, their son Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer was born. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer/Sons Their son, Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer (later Justin Lance Collingwood Elridge) was born that year. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. "Heiress of the grain elevator empire Collingwood Grain, Inc. and first wife of murdered Our Gang actor Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer who met and married the troubled child star on a blind date in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954 and became the mother of his only known son Justin Lance Collingwood-Switzer, but the marriage lasted less than two years, ending in divorce in 1956.". Carl Switzer Is A Member Of . Sometimes he feels guilty because the marriage didn't work out and I look at him like he's nuts. Although Carl was an experienced singer and musician, his character Alfalfa was often called upon to sing off-key renditions of popular songs for comic effect, most often those of Bing Crosby. Most likely he was mentally ill, but back then no one looked into those sorts of things until things got so wild there was no other alternative, and then they just threw them into a mental institution and doped them up. He was sentenced to a year probation and paid a $225 fine (about $2,040 in 2021). Garden City. Carl Switzer as Alfalfa, George McFarland as Spanky and Tommy Bond as Butch in "Glove Taps," an episode of "Our Gang" comedy later known as "The Little Rascals" which aired on February 20, 1937 | Photo: Getty Images. Despite not facing Carl's problems due to being a child star, Harold had his own issues. click ACCEPT. Not the kind trying to add "color" to the joint, if you know what I mean. The police never bothered to reopen the case file after new accounts since most of the people involved had died. Carl's death. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. In 1934, the Switzers traveled to California to visit family. Try again later. He and his brother Harold became famous in their hometown for their musical talent and performances. His character was one of the most memorable characters ever portrayed in the series. Search above to list available cemeteries. Failed to delete memorial. 'Alfalfa' refused so the man put him own face near the bear - and it bit into his face. In the 1954 musical film White Christmas, his photo was used to depict "Freckle-Faced Haynes, the Dog-Faced Boy", an army buddy of lead characters Wallace and Davis (played by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) who was also the brother of the female leads the Haynes Sisters, played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. In his 1946 resume, he referred to the films generically as "M-G-M short product".[2]. . They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 1 daughter. Required fields are marked *. He was the son of the late William F. and Esther M. Weaver Switzer. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Please click here to update your account with a username and password. After leaving the series in 1940, Switzer struggled to find substantial roles owing to typecasting. Carl Switzer (left) as Alfalfa and George McFarland as Spanky in the 1938 film Canned Fishing | Photo: Getty Images, While at the tour, Harold and Carl performed one of their numbers and impressed Hal Roach, who invited them for auditions. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer was perhaps the most famous little rascal of the entire gang. Login . Lelo was the owner of Collingwood Grain, a large grain industry company. Switzer began his career as a child actor in the mid-1930s appearing in the Our Gang short subjects series as Alfalfa, one of the series' most popular and best-remembered characters. Stiltz then retreated to his bedroom and returned with a .38 caliber revolver. He must've really pissed someone off to have gotten shot in the nuts. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. He signed both brothers to appear in Our Gang. Carl Dean Switzer "Alfalfa . In 1937, he acted in a handful of short films such as 'Reunion in Rhythm', 'Rushin' Ballet', 'Mail and Female' and 'Our Gang Follies of 1938'. The actor then had uncredited roles in the 1943 films 'The Human Comedy' and 'Dixie'. Gladys and Frederick struggled to raise their kids due to the Great Depression. Corrigan further said that an LAPD detective interviewed him and asked if he would testify at the inquest. Ex-wife of Carl "Alfalfa" Dean Switzer. He added the $15 he spent on the drinks to the $35 reward he paid to the man and felt Stiltz should give him $50 for the dog. However, records show he operated a Speed Queen Company franchise, installing and servicing dryers and washers. ). Born on August 8, 1927 in U.S, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer started his career as actor (1927-1959) . Their son, Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer (later Justin Lance Collingwood Elridge) was born that year. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. . She was the daughter of Lelo and Faye Collingwood, and a heiress to the grain elevator empire Collingwood Grain. https://www.biographies.net/biography/lance_switzer/m/0hnkttb, https://www.biographies.net/biography/lance-switzer/m/0hnkttb. He was probably passed around in Hollywood in order to stay in pictures and that messed him up. Try again later. based on information from your browser. . He was the third and youngest son of four children born to Gladys Schanks and George Switzer. Off-screen, he had the image of a problem child, playing pranks on his fellow child actors, and much was made in the press of his having fights with the other child actors. This prompted Stiltz to retrieve his firearm, which Switzer grabbed for. Did he have BDF, too? He also did behind the scenes work on Laugh In. In this exploration we take a look back at the life and death of child star Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. You and I have different notions of "handsome," r23. Somebody shot him once but no details available. The gun discharged accidentally, almost shooting Corrigan. In 1956, their son Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer was born. [quote]I believe he said "Lothario," not "Othello." Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. The Life Summary of George Frederick. Add a New Bio. After the gun's accidental discharge that almost hit Corrigan, Switzer turned to Piott and said they needed to leave. Among his notable clients were Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (Switzer's son's godparents), James Stewart, and Henry Fonda. Youd think his heart was breaking then theyd cut the camera and hed be back playing again.". Dian is 22 degrees from Jennifer Aniston, 24 degrees from Drew Barrymore, 24 degrees from Candice Bergen, 28 degrees from Alexandre Dumas, 20 degrees from Carrie Fisher, 33 degrees from Whitney Houston, 25 degrees from Hayley Mills, 21 degrees from Liza Minnelli, 22 degrees from Lisa Presley, 24 degrees from Kiefer Sutherland, 20 degrees from Bill Veeck and 27 degrees from Brian Nash on our single family tree. Spanky used to do things to poor Alfalfa. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. 1. Try again later. Please click here to get full access and no ads for $1.99 or less per month. [2], In 1987, former Our Gang co-star George "Spanky" McFarland recalled a meeting with Switzer when they spoke about the farm:[2]. Mission Hills, Los Angeles County, California, USA. . . Carl Switzer was an American actor, professional dog breeder, and hunting guide . RIP Dan W. Lance C. Switzer. Verify and try again. Last Name Switzer #3. "Death of a Little Rascal: After 40 years, eyewitness tells how Alfalfa died". The bullet went through the ceiling and a fragment hit Corrigan in the leg. "________________________________________________________________________A little known fact, that even I did not know.. Carl Switzer( Alfalfa, from the Our Gang shorts), was born as Carl Dean Switzer on August 7, 1927 in Paris, Illinois, USA, to George Frederick Switzer and Gladys C. Shanks. GREAT NEWS! He was the first son of his parents, George Frederick and Gladys C. Shanks Switzer. Please click here to register for free. In 1934, Carl Switzer, along his brother Harold, visited the Our Gang Caf operated by the Hal Roach Studio and started an impromptu performance. Leave a message for others who see this profile. But by 1937, Carl's "Alfalfa" had become the more popular of the two. Dionne Warwick actually recorded a hit song that was a musical tribute to the beloved, troubled little fella . Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Learn more about managing a memorial . You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. He played the young man that opens the floor, uncovering the pool, at the dance in "It's a Wonderful Life". Have you taken a DNA test? Born In 1927 . He would often play cruel jokes on the other actors and hold up filming with his antics. During an emotional conversation with his friend Jack Piott, a 37-year-old unit still photographer, that took place a few days later, the two decided that Stiltz should reimburse Switzer the finder's fee. By the end of the year, Alfalfa was one of the main characters, while Harold had been relegated to the background. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Switzer didnt have the money to pay for the dog. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Here he is with the kid Elizabeth Taylor in 1942. He was the son of actor Ray "Crash" Corrigan and Bud Stiltz's stepson. Their son, Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer[4] (later Justin Lance Collingwood Elridge)[5] was born that year. Hal Roach, the studio head, once said of Hoskins, "I think Farina particularly was one of the finest natural actors we had in the Gang. Weve updated the security on the site. It impressed him enough that he signed them both to appear in the Our Gang series of short films. He married Diantha Collingwood in 1954 and had a. He claims that Switzer was drunk at the . His testimony was taken to be truthful, despite physical evidence that contradicted his account and his past perjury conviction. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. C > Collingwood | E > Eldridge > Diantha Musette (Collingwood) Eldridge, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. Switzer was born in Paris, Illinois, the second son, fourth and . For one thing, the hunting knife turned out to be a penknife. His life was cut short during a justifiable homicide episode, and three kids witnessed the tragedy. He married Diantha Collingwood in 1954 and had a son named Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer before divorcing in 1957. . Diantha married Richard Rosswell "Ross" Elridge (1933-2007), who adopted and raised Lance as . Born in Paris, IL #3.