Leonard Landy

full name: Leonard Jerome Landy
nickname: Len
born July 2, 1933, in Los Angeles, CA
died July 26, 2017, in Palm Desert, CA

1938

On April 4th of this year, filming began on "Feed 'Em And Weep," Leonard's first appearance in the Our Gang series. As explained in the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle of Mar. 26, 1994: "Landy credits his uncle for getting him on the 'Our Gang' cast. His uncle was working as a grip at the Hal Roach Studios when he found out the company needed a character with freckles and red hair. 'He had first brought my cousin down who was a regular, good-looking kid with dark hair,' Landy said. 'They told him they could not use him because he was not a character. He told them that he had someone else for them, and he brought me down. They said that they wanted me.' "
On June 20th, filming began for "The Little Ranger," the first of 52 Our Gang shorts produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Though Leonard didn't appear in this film, he came along with the rest of the Gang to their new home.
On August 26th, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported the following: "Garry is one of the two new additions to the Our Gang family. The other fresh face belongs to three and a half-year-old Leonard. He doesn't have to talk either, but he can be trusted to stand quietly while the others go through their dialogue, and he can trail along and take direction with some degree of accuracy. He has a shock of bright red hair, and a dead pan face. In another year he'll be the Buster Keaton of the troupe."
On September 6th, The Detroit Free Press (MI) reported the following: "Our Gang has increased its membership to seven. Added to Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Porky and Buckwheat are Gary and Leonard. Gary Jasquer, thirty-three-month-old dead-pan comic, and three-year-old Leonard Landy have been seen in eight previous gang shorts as atmosphere. In the gang's latest film, 'Men With Fright,' the two finally blossom out with important speaking roles." To be specific, Gary had appeared in eight of the shorts up to this point. Leonard had appeared in three.
On November 7th, The Washington Daily News (DC) reported the following: "Five-year-old Porky Lee won the domino championship of Our Gang when he beat 3-year-old Leonard Landy in a hectic 12-minute struggle, between scenes of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 'Football Romeo.' " Leonard was, incidentally, 5 years old by this time.

167. Feed 'Em And Weep (bit part: Percy): May 7, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 4 to 7, 1938. ©May 11, 1938.
169. Hide And Shriek (small part): June 18, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 11 to 14, 1938. ©June 16, 1938.
172. Aladdin's Lantern (small part): Sep. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2573 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 20 to 26, 1938. ©Sep. 14, 1938.
173. Men In Fright (supporting role): Oct. 15, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2580 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 15 to 20, 1938. ©Oct. 21, 1938.
174. Football Romeo (supporting role: Phooey): Nov. 12, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2589 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 19 to 24, 1938. ©Nov. 16, 1938.
175. Practical Jokers (small part): Dec. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2595 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 24 to 27, 1938. ©Dec. 20, 1938.

1939

176. Alfalfa's Aunt (supporting role): Jan. 7, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2600 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 14 to 17, 1938. ©Dec. 31, 1938.
179. Clown Princes (supporting role: Leonard): Apr. 15, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2613 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 13 to 17, 1939. ©Apr. 12, 1939.
180. Cousin Wilbur (small part): Apr. 29, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2618 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 13 to 17, 1939. ©May 4, 1939.
181. Joy Scouts (supporting role: Leonard): June 24, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2630 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 17 to 21, 1939. ©June 24, 1939.
183. Auto Antics (supporting role): July 22, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2632 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 15 to 19, 1939. ©July 26, 1939.
184. Captain Spanky's Show Boat (supporting role): Sep. 9, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2640 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 19 to 23, 1939. ©Sep. 6, 1939.
185. Dad For A Day (supporting role): Oct. 21, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2645 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 10 to 13, 1939. ©Oct. 24, 1939.
186. Time Out For Lessons (supporting role: Leonard): Dec. 2, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2655 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 25 to 28, 1939. ©Dec. 5, 1939. Leonard takes part in singing "Boola Boola." Working title: Learn To Play.

1940

On August 31st of this year, shooting finished for "Fightin' Fools," Leonard's final Our Gang film. After this, he retired from the film business.

187. Alfalfa's Double (supporting role: Leonard): Jan. 20, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2656 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 2 to 6, 1939. ©Dec. 29, 1939.
190. All About Hash (supporting role): Mar. 30, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2674 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 10 to 13, 1940. ©Apr. 5, 1940.
188. Bubbling Troubles (supporting role): May 25, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2668 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 8 to 17, 1939. ©May 29, 1940. Working title: In Love Again.
193. Good Bad Boys (supporting role: Leonard): Sep. 7, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2684 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 1 to 4, 1940. ©Aug. 28, 1940.
194. Waldo's Last Stand (supporting role: Leonard): Oct. 5, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2686 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 22 to 25, 1940. ©Oct. 2, 1940. Leonard takes part in singing "How Dry I Am" and "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes."
192. Goin' Fishin' (supporting role): Oct. 26, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2680 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 22 to 26, 1940. ©Oct. 16, 1940.

1941

196. Fightin' Fools (supporting role): Jan. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2696 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 26 to 31, 1940. ©Dec. 30, 1940.

1950

On March 3rd of this year, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, mentioned a high school junior named Leonard Landy in their sports section. As they put it: "Outstanding newcomers (include) Junior Leonard Landy, who played with the 10th-grade nine, and will be working around the initial sack this spring." For those not familiar with the lingo, this means that he played first base. Since Leonard lived in the area, was the right age to be a junior at this time, and also eventually received a baseball scholarship to USC, I'm presuming that this is the Our Gang kid.
On June 2nd, the Citizen-News of Hollywood included Leonard (Red) Landy on a list of lettermen from the junior class at Dorsey High School.
On June 8th, the Citizen-News of Hollywood published an article about the 1950 All-League selections, in which a player from each field position is included. The Dorsey Dons had four players on this dream team, including first baseman Leonard Landy. The infield of the Dorsey team was judged to be the best of any Los Angeles high school. As it says, "Landy, a dandy infielder, hit only .257, but batted in 15 runs."

1951

On March 30th of this year, the Daily News of Los Angeles reported the following in their sports section: "Out at Dorsey the Dons are celebrating their 29th straight victory, whipped out at the expense of Westchester's Comets, 13-2. Leonard Landy, all-Western first sacker, took over hill chores and slowed the Comets with two hits and 14 strike outs. A four-run fourth, highlighted by doubles off the bats of Billy Consolo and Ed Palmquist and a blow by Landy, was the big inning as the Dons made it two in a row in the Western race, their 10th consecutive victory of the spring and stretched their phenomenal and epic win skein to 29 games."
On June 4th, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported on the 1951 All-League selections, and noted that the previous year's picks, including Leonard Landy, missed out on the honors this time.
On June 13th, the Citizen-News of Hollywood included Leonard on a list of lettermen from the senior class at Dorsey High School.
It appears that this was the year Leonard graduated from high school.

1952

On March 6th of this year, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported on the LACC Cubs' second victory in a row against Valley College's Monarchs, in a two-game practice series. As it says, "Valley started out in the right direction by collecting two quick runs in the first inning, but could do little else, as Cub pitcher Leonard Landy set the Monarchs down with only four hits." The final score was 8-3. So apparently, Leonard was going to Los Angeles Community College prior to his time at USC.

1953

On September 3rd of this year, The Gardena Valley News (CA) reported the following: "Bill Seward, Leonard Landy and Pat Sully combined on the mound to twirl a one hitter as the Los Angeles Senators shut out Gardena Sunco 9-0 in a semi-pro baseball game at Gardena Recreation park Sunday (Aug. 30th)."

1954

On February 13th of this year, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "SC's alumni pitchers, Dave Rankin, Tom Lovrich and Wally Hood had too much stuff for the current Trojan varsity yesterday, scoring a 10-0 victory at Bovard Field. The undergrads got only three hits, the lone solid blow being a triple by John Stevenson in the first. Meanwhile the Alumni, with a line-up full of pros, teed off on Eddie Allen, Leonard Landy and Johnson for 12 safeties. The teams play at Bovard again today with Vic Lapiner slated to started on the mound for Troy against Dick Fiedler." So by this time, Leonard was attending the University of Southern California, whose baseball team was called the Trojans. Leonard had received a baseball scholarship to the school.
On June 16th, the Nevada State Journal of Reno reported the following out of Susanville, CA, from the previous day: "The semi-pro Susanville Merchants open their 1954 season Saturday night (the 19th) and Sunday afternoon against the Vallejo Builders." Included on the Merchants was left-handed pitcher Leonard Landy. Susanville, after their two games against the Builders, were scheduled to play the Waterloo Athletic Club of Stockton on June 26th and 27th, the Reno Pioneers (in Susanville) on June 30th, the Ford Ord Warriors on July 3rd and 5th, the Hartzell Radios on July 10th and 11th, Reno again (this time in Reno) on July 14th, Underground Construction Club of Oakland on July 17th and 18th, Reno (at Susanville) on July 22nd, the Palo Alto Oaks on July 24th and 25th, Reno again (at Reno) on July 28th, Reno (at Susanville) on August 4th, Alturas on August 7th and 8th, Reno (at Reno) on August 11th and the Harlem Globetrotters on August 14th. July 31st and August 1st were open dates, presumably to be filled in later.

After his time at USC, Leonard served in the U.S. Army, and later became a real estate appraiser.

1963

On December 9th of this year, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Mrs. Richard M. Crane of Tarzana entertained at a bridal shower for Miss Carole Joyce Joseph, who will become the bride of USC graduate Leonard J. Landy on Feb. 9. Among guests were the bride's mother, Mrs. Marvin Joseph; her fiance's mother, Mrs. Melvin Landy, and the bridegroom's grandmother, Mrs. Sam Landy."

1964

On February 9th of this year, Leonard married Carole Joyce Joseph.

1977

On September 18th of this year, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Leonard J. Landy, an appraiser at Glendale Federal Savings & Loan Assn., has been awarded the SRPA designation by the Society of Real Estate Appraisers."

1980

On June 29th of this year, the Monrovia News-Post (CA) reported the following: "Installation of new officers and the board of directors has been held for the L.A. Chapter No. 1 of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers." Leonard was among the board members continuing their terms through May 1981.
Leonard attended the Second International Convention of Sons of the Desert, which was held at the Los Angeles Hilton from July 30th to August 3rd, and included the largest-ever Our Gang reunion.

1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Alfalfa's Aunt."

1986

On January 25th of this year, Leonard attended the Our Gang reunion organized by Sid Kibrick at his Desert Shadows R.V. Resort in Cathedral City, CA. Among the activities was the placing of handprints in concrete.
Around this time, Leonard and his family moved to Westlake Village, CA.

1992

At the time of the second edition of Maltin & Bann's book, Leonard was living in Canoga Park, CA, though this contradicts the 1994 article below which states that he had been living in Westlake Village for the last eight years.

1993

The Joan Rivers Show episode (use of photo): Feb. 23, 1993 - PGHM/Tribune - 60 min. - TV episode; Syndicated program.

1994

On March 26th of this year, the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle (CA) published an article on Leonard, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On August 5th, the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle (CA) published an article on Leonard, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On October 16th, the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle (CA) published an article about the opening of the Civic Arts Plaza, and included quotes from various celebrities. This is what Leonard had to say: "I think it's great. I live close by, so I can almost walk there to see people I enjoy listening to. It will be a great boost for the community. A lot of those young kids don't know who some of the performers are, and these performers will open new avenues for teen-agers."

The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "Waldo's Last Stand."

1995

On Oct. 28th of this year, Leonard attended the Way Out West Tent 28th Annual Banquet at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

1997

On June 28th of this year, Leonard attended the Way Out West 30th anniversary banquet at the Wyndham Garden Hotel.

2000

During this year, Leonard attended the Way Out West 33rd Anniversary Banquet at the 94th Aero Squadron in Van Nuys, along with a handful of other Our Gang kids.

2001

On October 6th of this year, Leonard attended the Way Out West 34th Annual Banquet at the Pickwick Banquet Center in Burbank, along with several other Our Gang members.

2002

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (archival): Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Aladdin's Lantern" and "Alfalfa's Aunt."

2011

On May 5th of this year, The Desert Sun of Palm Springs, CA, published an article on the passing of Jackie Cooper. Since Leonard lived nearby, they contacted him for comment: "That series still captures the hearts of fans across the world, said Leonard Landy, a Palm Desert resident and former 'Our Gang' actor. He worked on the series at a different time than Cooper. 'Everybody has a picture. If you go in any barber shop, doctor's office, they have them all on their walls. Every place I go, there's the "Our Gang" comedy,' Landy said."

See anything that needs changing? Contact me at BtheW@aol.com.