Because he died the same day as Cecil B. DeMille, his death received only minor notice in most newspapers, as DeMille's obituary dominated the columns. Besides acting, Switzer bred and trained hunting dogs and guided hunting expeditions. "________________________________________________________________________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. Carl Dean Switzer was an American singer, child actor, dog breeder, and guide. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. August 7 Actor #6. He was 14 years old at the time. 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. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer/Sons Their son, Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer (later Justin Lance Collingwood Elridge) was born that year. Born in Paris, IL #3. [citation needed]. He married Diantha Collingwood in 1954 and had a son named Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer before divorcing in 1957. . McFarland recalled that Switzer seemed restless, and he . Their musical talent and performances made them popular in their hometown, of Paris, Illinois. He died at age 31, shot during an argument with someone over a small amount of money (fifty dollars). The sirens were approaching. He borrowed some hunting dogs from an acquaintance named Moses "Bud" Stiltz. [4], In 1956, with his money running out and Diantha pregnant, his mother-in-law offered them a farm near Pretty Prairie, Kansas. Their lives also ended similarly and under tragic circumstances. He was 42. Stiltz's account of the event was one of self-defense, testifying that Switzer had banged on his front door, yelling "Let me in, or I'll kick in the door." He also shared a child named Gladys with Rose Lavon. Verify and try again. He was also famous from other names as Alfalfa Switzer. . 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. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Try again later. He was best known for his role as Alfalfa in the short subjects series Our Gang. wasn't he also a low-level bagman for the mob, too? 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. The same year, he played Frankie Snead on the radio series 'Big Town Scandal'. Here he is, out of "costume" with his mother. Web. He was the son of George Frederick Switzer (father) and Gladys C. Shanks (mother). He played the young man that opens the floor, uncovering the pool, at the dance in "It's a Wonderful Life". It was a tough time for me . He said he heard the knock on the front door, and Switzer said "Western Union for Bud Stiltz." Please complete the process by verifying your email address. Their son, Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer [5] (now Eldridge), [6] was born that year. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Tom Corrigan was Crash Corrigans son, and later, stepson to Bud Stiltz. cemeteries found in Pretty Prairie, Reno County, Kansas, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. In January 1958, Alfalfa was shot and wounded by an unknown assailant who was never caught. He said Switzer pounded on the door and demanded Stiltz let him in. Most Popular #20553. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Was he the brother shown in a picture in White Christmas? There's an interesting story about him later on when he became an adult. Switzer tweeted an update Monday following the procedure on his 9-month-old . In 1967, after killing a customer over a dispute, Switzer drove himself to a remote area near Glendale, California and committed suicide. . R63, there was a pedophile among the 'Our Gang' directors - Gus Meins, senior director for some sixteen of the films, 1934-36. Even though he fought a hard battle with cancer, he never gave up his will . Wrong username or password. Corrigan said his stepfather lied in his account of the event before the coroner's jury. Carl borrowed the dogs to take some tourists on a bear-hunting trip. These relatives encouraged the Switzers to take their boys on one of the Hollywood studio tours. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Also discover more details information about Current Net worth as well as Monthly/Year Salary, Expense, Income Reports! [2], Switzer's tenure on Our Gang ended in 1940, when he was twelve. . Carl Alfalfa Switzer . Carl Switzer (as Alfalfa), Darla Hood and George McFarland (as Spanky) on "The Pinch Singer" | Photo: Getty Images. He became famous for portraying Alfalfa in the film series "Our Gang" during the 1930s. Tragically, Carl Switzer was shot in killed in the midst of a drug-fueled argument on January 21, 1959. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 1 daughter. He started his acting career as a child artist, appearing as Alfalfa in the Our Gang short subjects. GREAT NEWS! People were beginning to forget about the former child star. "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 . You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer played the role of one of the most lovable characters on 'The Little Rascals' in the 1930s, but he wasn't so lovable in real life. Try again. He still talked big. . By the end of 1937, Switzer's "Alfalfa" had surpassed the series' nominal star, George "Spanky" McFarland, in popularity. Become a contributor - post when you want with no ads. A son was born early that year, and the couple was divorced later in 1956. Carlton "Carl" "Alfalfa" Dean Switzer (Paris, 7 aot 1927 - mission Hills, 21 janvier 1959) Ce fut un acteur tats-Unis.. Il est connu pour ses apparitions comme enfant acteur et le personnage principal dans le rle de Alfalfa (ou Alfa Alfa ), connu dans Film srie de une trentaine d'annes notre Gang (Les petits coquins).Il a poursuivi sa carrire d'acteur, mme comme un . [4] They divorced in 1957. The next year, he had a supporting role in Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch. He married Dian Collingwood in 1954. I though Alfalfa was his only role then he disappeared into a sad, anonymous life. Stiltz confronted them with the revolver, which Switzer grabbed while Piott crowned Stiltz with the clock. 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. Please try again. It's a problem that's plagued young performers since pretty much the advent of movies, but Carl would try to make the best of the hand he was dealt though it would all ultimately have a tragic end . Gladys and Frederick's friends believed their kids were future stars and encouraged them to take the boys to Hollywood to seek fame and fortune. "Death of a Little Rascal: After 40 years, eyewitness tells how Alfalfa died". Help us build the largest biographies collection on the web! Butch grew up to be Jimmy Olsen in the Superman serials. Their son, Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer . His testimony was taken to be truthful, despite physical evidence that contradicted his account and his past perjury conviction. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, better known by her family name Carl Dean Switzer, was a popular American actor (1927-1959). What's the big deal? But he was a gas on that show. You probably known him better as Alfalfa in the Our Gang comedies, later released on television as The Little Rascals. The Old Crime is New Again newsletter is a monthly email covering a topic that has not appeared in the blog. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Diantha Musette Diana Collingwood Switzer Eldridge I found on Findagrave.com. Some people couldn't cope. Corrigan said that an intoxicated Switzer knocked at the door and said, Western Union for Bud Stiltz. When Stiltzs wife opened the door, the two men entered, and Switzer threatened to beat up Stiltz. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. He was buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery next to his father and his brother. He would later become known as "Alfalfa", a character he played on the Hal Roach produced series of film shorts called Our Gang, known later in syndication as The Little Rascals. The map below shows the places where the ancestors of the famous person lived. Following a public tour, 8-year-old Harold and 6-year-old Carl entered the Hal Roach Studio's open-to-the-public cafeteria, the Our Gang Caf, and began an impromptu performance. I agree he had BDF for days. Justin later took on the last name of Eldridge during his mother's marriage to Richard Eldridge. 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. Switzer was born in Paris, Illinois, the second son, fourth and . our privacy/terms or if you just want to see the damn He married Diantha Collingwood in 1954 and had a son named Justin Lance Collingwood Switzer before divorcing in 1957. English A sister Janice was born in 1923 and a brother Harold was born in 1925. Harold was born on January 16, 1925, in Paris, Illinois. He was interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery located in Hollywood, California. Eventually, the dog was located and brought to the bar where Switzer was working at the time. It is not widely known but Alfalfa (Carl Switzer) from the Our Gang comedies had an older. Try again later. In 1959, he died at age 31 from a gunshot wound by an acquaintance during an argument over $50 owed to him. Switzer was born in Paris, Illinois, the third son and last of the four children of Gladys C. Shanks and George Frederick Switzer.The oldest brother died in 1922. Lance Switzer is the son of Carl Switzer. Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer was born on August 7, 1927 in Paris, Illinois, USA as Carl Dean Switzer. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. Switzer always goes the extra mile when it comes to his children. In the history of celebrity murder stories, one case that confounded many is the death of actor Carl Switzer. C > Collingwood | E > Eldridge > Diantha Musette (Collingwood) Eldridge, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. To use this feature, use a newer browser. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. because Freddie was so pissed that George stole his date. 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. However, Switzer was known for being abrasive and difficult on the set. Sometimes he feels guilty because the marriage didn't work out and I look at him like he's nuts. Piott backed Stiltzs story and the shooting was determined to be in self-defense. Actor: Second Childhood. 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. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. He then went on to co-star in the comedy 'Reg'lar Fellers'.After this, he had supporting roles in the movies 'Johnny Doughboy', 'Mrs. . Some time in late 1958 or early 1959, according to Film Daily, Switzer agreed to train a hunting dog for Moses Stiltz. [9], Corrigan was never called to testify at the coroner's inquest, and Stiltz testified in his own favor. He was 42. ", Carl Switzer as Alfalfa, George McFarland as Spanky, Billie Thomas as Buckwheat and Eugene Lee as Porky in "Framing Youth," circa September 11, 1937. Please click here to register for free. Carl Switzer was an American child actor, singer, dog breeder, and hunting guide from Paris, Illinois. Moses Stiltz died in 1983 at the age of 62. In the 1950s, he had numerous brushes with the law, and two marriages that broke up, followed by appearances in a series of forgettable movies and bit parts, often unaccredited. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Carl Switzer was an American actor, professional dog breeder, and hunting guide. I would like to thank Stacey Kuhlman R47 Tommy Bond was friends with Alfalfa as a kid but went behind the scenes and lived in Fresno most of his life. A judge later ruled his death as "justifiable homicide. Among his notable clients were Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (Switzer's son's godparents), James Stewart, and Henry Fonda. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Carl Dean "Alfalfa" Switzer, who was born in Paris, Illinois, on August 7, 1927, is best remembered as "Alfalfa" on The Little Rascals (originally known as Our Gang)--Spanky's skinny, freckle-faced sidekick with the irrepressible cowlick, and off-key singing voice. | Photo: Getty Images. Oops, we were unable to send the email. How Carl Switzer Landed the Role of Alfalfa. Switzer had agreed to train a hunting dog for Moses Samuel Stiltz. Now that you mention it, Alfalfa did have crazy eyes. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Failed to remove flower. Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:29, "Pretty Prairie's 'Rascal':Carl Switzer, best known as Alfalfa on and off the "Little Rascals" set, had Kansas connection", "The Life and Death of Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer,", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carl_%22Alfalfa%22_Switzer&oldid=1140352216, Episode: "George Gets Call from Unknown Victor", This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:29. It had been found by crime scene investigators under his body. He and his ex-wife, Kay, divorced in 1981. Born 1956 Garden City Also known as. Stiltz decided not to give the money and the two men started fighting. Your email address will not be published. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. [quote]I believe he said "Lothario," not "Othello." We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Racing lost a great man, husband, son, father and race car driver. Required fields are marked *. He was handsome as an adult. She was drunk. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. 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. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. Born in 1927 #18. In 1954, Carl Switzer went on a blind date with Diantha Collingwood, heiress of the grain elevator empire Collingwood Grain. Unfortunately, during the trip, one of the dogs went missing. He then co-starred in the 1941 comedy Reg'lar Fellers. He dodged a bullet on that one! Their exploits made their parents exceedingly proud. Elizabeth Beauchamp , Solomon Turpin. 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. 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 . Family members linked to this person will appear here. She was born on October 27, 1951, in Washington, D.C, and was one of the six children in her family. The way their lives panned out and the tragic nature of their deaths not only leaves a sad taste in the mouth and begs the question of what could have been. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. https://www.biographies.net/biography/lance_switzer/m/0hnkttb, https://www.biographies.net/biography/lance-switzer/m/0hnkttb. He was American by nationality. At that time, Roach was putting up the cast for a new show titled "Our Gang.". Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer. This led to an argument. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Between 1952 and 1955, he made six appearances on The Roy Rogers Show. Weve updated the security on the site. Failed to report flower. ^ Alfalfa's son Lance is also a fat lighting director. Switzer struck Stiltz over the head with a large clock, at which point Switzer retrieved his .38-caliber revolver. This is a carousel with slides. site without all this bureaucratic nonsense, The slaying, which took place at 10400 Columbus Avenue in the San Fernando Valley, was . Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Jayne Kennedy was the first African American woman to win Miss Ohio USA in 1970. Switzer and Collingwood got along well and married in Las Vegas three months later. March 11, 2022. After leaving the series in 1940, Switzer struggled to find substantial roles owing to typecasting. 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