Billy "Froggy" Laughlin

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: William Robert Laughlin
nickname: Billy
professional nickname: Froggy
born July 5, 1932, in San Gabriel, CA
died Aug. 31, 1948, in La Puente, CA, of injuries sustained in a traffic collision

Special notes: There is some ambiguity about a few things. Most sources state that Froggy was born in San Gabriel, but the June 25, 1943, Los Angeles Times states that it was Alhambra. And the Times is actually one of the sources that places his birth in San Gabriel, though this was in their Sep. 3, 1948 issue. Also, there is some conflict about the date of Froggy's death, with some sources saying Aug. 30th and others saying Aug. 31st. According to his death certificate, the latter date is accurate. Also according to the death certificate, Froggy's immediate cause of death was "hemorrahage and shock" due to multiple injuries.

According to The Pomona Progress Bulletin of Sep. 2, 1948, Billy lived most of his life in San Gabriel and attended school there. The Sep. 3, 1948, Star-News of Pasadena specifically says that he lived on Charlotte Ave., and seems to imply that this was still the case after he joined Our Gang. According to Maltin & Bann, his studio bio stated that his favorite sport was bicycling.

1936

According to Richard Lamparski in one of his Whatever Became Of... books: "One day when Billy was 3½ years old, his mother thought she heard him talking with a man. When she went into the yard to investigate, she found him by himself. This was the first time she knew that he had taught himself to imitate an adult. Mrs. Laughlin made Billy a 'Popeye' dummy. Using 'Popeye,' he practiced his deep voice to the delight of his older brother and all the kids in the neighborhood. Within six months, he was providing the entertainment at socials held in the church his family attended."

1939

Around August of this year, Billy became a pupil at the Bud Murray school, which trained kids in dancing and other areas of entertainment. Maltin & Bann's version of events involves Billy being teased by other kids because of his crossed eyes, and his mother enrolling him in a dramatic class as a way of getting over his self-consciousness.
In December, Billy performed as part of the Bud Murray Juvenile Revue at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, where he was spotted by an MGM executive. According to Richard Lamparski, Billy wore a top hat and tails and played a "windbag politician." His younger brother, Gordon (nicknamed Mickey) played a heckler. This seems to be the foundation for the similar routine in "Election Daze." As Lamparski said, "When the audience heard Billy speak in his deep voice, the house came down." Maltin & Bann state that the MGM executive discovered Billy performing in a play, and seem to imply that it was a drama.

1940

In early February of this year, Billy worked in the Our Gang series for the first time, though it's apparent that he did this as an extra.
On April 27th, the Hollywood Citizen-News published an advertisement for the Bud Murray School, in which Bud Murray is credited as the dance director for Hal Roach Studios from 1936 to 1940, and recently of MGM Studios. The ad states that eight months earlier, 7-year-old Billy Laughlin took his first lesson with them, and that last week, he was signed by MGM to a 6-month contract as an Our Gang regular. As the ad says: "We have trained Billy exclusively and obtained this contract for him." The same page shows a photo of Billy with the following caption: "Billy Laughlin, 7 year old pupil of the Bud Murray School, 3636 Beverly Blvd., who started eight months ago with Murray, and has since been his exclusive pupil, and only appeared in two Murray recitals, was picked out of the last Christmas recital at the Wilshire Ebell Theater by an M-G-M executive to appear in 'Our Gang' shorts. Last week he was signed as a regular member of the 'Our Gang' comedies under a six months contract, which was procured by Bud Murray." Lamparski states that Billy's salary started at $50 a week and eventually rose to $100 a week.
On August 21st, The Sun of San Bernardino, CA, reported on an upcoming revue given by Bud Murray's pupils. The pageant was called Youth Of America and was to "be presented as tonight's Perris hill bowl program sponsored by the San Bernardino chamber of commerce. The pageant will be presented exactly as it was at the Golden Gate exposition (in San Francisco)." Billy took part in the ensemble buck dancing, and also did some acrobatic dancing assisted by his younger brother Mickey. It's not clear whether or not Billy took part in the San Francisco pageant.
On September 28th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Billy Laughlin, 7-year-old double voice, actor, singer, and dancer, who for a year has been exclusively trained by Bud Murray, seven months ago was given a test by M-G-M, after being seen in the Bud Murray Juvenile Revue, at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. After the test, Billy was given a six months trial contract, and last week his option was picked up for long term and 'Froggy,' as Billy has been called, is now a regular member of the 'Our Gang' comedies." The same issue includes an ad for the Bud Murray school, in which they again give most of the space to Billy.
According to the Sep. 3, 1948, Star-News of Pasadena, Froggy was still living in San Gabriel during this early Our Gang period: "While a member of 'Our Gang' comedies, he often appeared at City Park entertainment with the Bud Murray troupe."

191. The New Pupil (small part: Harold): Apr. 27, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2677 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 7 to 10, 1940. ©Apr. 22, 1940.
194. Waldo's Last Stand (featured role): Oct. 5, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2686 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 22 to 25, 1940. ©Oct. 2, 1940.
195. Kiddie Kure (supporting role: Froggy): Nov. 23, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2687 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 27 to 31, 1940. ©Nov. 11, 1940.

1941

On March 1st of this year, The Flying Yanks, a group of boys, ages 9 to 12, organized by Joe "Tubby" Strauch, performed at an open house at the Redmen Hall at 10025 Culver Blvd. Among the entertainers was Froggy, who sang. This according to the March 5th Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA.
On April 12th, The Schools' Tribune of Ames, IA, reported the following: "William (Billy) Laughlin, eight-year-old, famous as 'Froggy' in the Our Gang comedies, has been awarded a new longterm contract by M-G-M. His next comedy with the Gang will be 'Don't Lie'." (Strange timing with this last piece of information, since "Don't Lie" wasn't shot until October.)
On May 20th, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, published a photo of the Flying Yanks, all 28 of them, including Froggy, sporting new shirts and caps which they received from their sponsor, Ernie Hall.
On July 27th, the Valley Sunday Star-Monitor-Herald of McAllen, TX, published an article about special screenings on July 31st of "1-2-3-Go!" at nearby theaters. Traffic violators would be issued tickets to these screenings. In addition: "Mayor Hugh Ramsey of Harlingen will ask the Valley Mayors' Association at a meeting Tuesday (the 29th) in Donna to name 'Froggy' Laughlin as Honorary Chief of Police of the entire Valley."
On August 20th, The Sun of San Bernardino reported on a revue called Pan-American Fiesta held at the Perris Hill bowl the same night. Nearly 100 Bud Murray pupils took part in the revue, including Froggy.
On December 2nd, The Springfield Union (MA) reported the following: "The only representatives of the movie industry in the Santa Monica Christmas parade are Our Gang members - Mickey Gubitosi, Darla Hood, Spanky McFarland, Buckwheat Thomas and Froggy Laughlin. They will ride on the Yuletide float that heads the parade."
On December 20th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Bud Murray Juveniles proved their disciplinary training at the Murray school, when they appeared at St. Gregory's Hall, in conjunction with the musical staged by Maestro Martucci, during the first local blackout, and the show went on as usual. The juveniles who appeared in the blackout show were Priscilla Montgomery, Ardith Dondanville, Joline Karol, Valerie Lee, Bobby Browning, Joe Geil, and Billy Laughlin."

196. Fightin' Fools (featured role: Froggy): Jan. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2696 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 26 to 31, 1940. ©Dec. 30, 1940.
197. Baby Blues (featured role: Froggy): Feb. 15, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2706 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, 1940. ©Feb. 24, 1941.
198. Ye Olde Minstrels (featured role: Froggy ): Mar. 18, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2716 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 13 to 16, 1941. ©Mar. 13, 1941. Froggy sings "When Big Profundo Sang Low C," as well as (seemingly) taking part in singing "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny" and "Auld Lang Syne."
200. 1-2-3-Go! (featured role: Froggy): Apr. 26, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2710 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 3 to 6, 1940. ©Apr. 30, 1941.
Studios On Parade (appearance): 1941 - Mercury - 4 min. - documentary short; 8mm home movie documentary features behind-the-scenes footage of "1-2-3- Go!"
201. Robot Wrecks (featured role: Froggy): July 12, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2732 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 6 to 9, 1941. ©July 15, 1941.
202. Helping Hands (supporting role: Froggy): Sep. 27, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2744 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 24 to Aug. 1, 1941. ©Oct 5, 1941.
199. Come Back, Miss Pipps (featured role: Froggy): Oct. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2720 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 28 to 31, 1941. ©Oct. 14, 1941.
203. Wedding Worries (featured role: Froggy): Dec. 13, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2751 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 29 to Oct. 3, 1941. ©Dec. 22, 1941.

1942

On January 15th of this year, The Stuart Advocate (NB) shared the following: "Lowell Dodd has a picture and a note from 'Froggy' Laughlin, a 9-year-old movie player in 'Our Gang Comedies.' He says he bought a pair of pants from Lowell's brother Ronald who clerks in a Los Angeles store."
On February 26th, the Barstow Printer-Review (CA) reported the following: "The new organization just formed at Newberry to protest the drilling of the twenty-five wells at Helendale, known as the Lower Mojave Basin Civic organization, had its second meeting last Saturday night (the 21st) . . . Afterwards the members enjoyed some piano playing by one of the soldiers from Daggett and a recitation by Billy (Froggy) Laughlin of Our Gang."
On April 4th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that Froggy's contract at MGM had been renewed (though they actually call him Groggy in the article).
On June 19th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Bud Murray, well known stage and screen dance director and head of the school bearing his name, is now in the throes of directing the final rehearsals of the 17th semi-annual juvenile revue, Minstrel Marines On Parade, in which over 100 boys and girls up to 17 years of age will appear." Froggy was among the youngsters in the revue.
During this year, Dell Publishing Co. debuted Our Gang Comics, which included Froggy among its characters. He was dropped from the lineup in 1947.
Around this time, Froggy and his family moved to 7121 Trask Ave. in Westminster. The Sep. 2, 1948, Santa Ana Register (CA) states that this happened about 6 years earlier, placing it in 1942.
On September 4th, NANA published an article about movie kids returning to school, except that their schools are on movie lots. Mentioned in the article is the MGM school, which had the largest enrollment. Froggy, of course, was among the pupils.
On September 20th, the Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star (NB) shared the following: "Froggy Laughlin, of the King Kong vocal cords in Our Gang comedies, had a birthday the other day, but says he has no fear of growing up and having his voice changed. It couldn't get any worse."
On October 23rd, the Progress Bulletin of Pomona, CA, reported on a show being staged that night at the junior college of Pomona, which was sponsored by the Pomona Valley Civilian Navy Recruiting committee. Featured in the show were Bud Murray's Hollywood Starlets, which included Froggy being featured in a sailor act.

204. Melodies Old And New (featured role: Froggy): Jan. 24, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2755 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to 31, 1941. ©Dec. 23, 1941. Froggy sings "Oh What A Pal Was Whoozis!" and takes part in singing "While Strolling Through The Park One Day" and "Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo'bye)."
205. Going To Press (featured role: Froggy): Mar. 7, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2758 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 17 to Dec. 5, 1941. ©Mar. 17, 1942.
206. Don't Lie (featured role: Froggy): Apr. 4, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2752 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 8 to 14, 1941. ©Apr. 14, 1942.
207. Surprised Parties (lead role: Froggy): May 30, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2770 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 5 to 10, 1942. ©May 28, 1942.
208. Doin' Their Bit (featured role): July 18, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2771 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 27 to 31, 1942. ©July 9, 1942.
209. Rover's Big Chance (featured role: Froggy): Aug. 22, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2780 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 25 to 29, 1942. ©Aug. 25, 1942.
210. Mighty Lak A Goat (featured role: Froggy): Oct. 10, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2783 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 6 to 13, 1942. ©Oct. 6, 1942.
211. Unexpected Riches (featured role: Froggy): Nov. 28, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2794 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 26 to 29, 1942. ©Dec. 8, 1942.

1943

On January 28th of this year, the Oakland Tribune (CA) shared the following: "Red Skelton's reign as off-stage quipster king is seriously threatened . . . and by a youth named Froggy Laughlin. Froggy, 10, is a member of Our Gang, whose latest picture bears the title of 'Farm Hands.' The script required Froggy to be lowered into a well on the familiar hook-and-rope contraption. To put Froggy at ease, Director Bert Glazer inquired, 'How's everything down there, Froggy?' The lad replied, 'O.K., Mr. Glazer. I'm within one inch of kicking the bucket!'"
On June 25th, the Monrovia Daily News-Post (CA) reported the following: "In connection with the showing of two 'Our Gang' comedies and seven cartoons tomorrow at the Saturday (the 26th) matinee of the Santa Anita theater in Arcadia, Bud Murray's Hollywood Starlets, which include Froggy Laughlin and Mickey Laughlin of 'Our Gang,' will make personal appearances . . . Doors for this Saturday morning matinee will open at 9:30 a.m. and the show starts at 10."
Also on June 25th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Joining the Times carrier boys in their 'All Out for Navy' Bond and Stamp sales drive Saturday (the 26th) at Victory House, Pershing Square, will be the stars of that screen perennial, M.G.M.'s 'Our Gang' kids, all of whom will entertain in person. The rally is especially significant since several of the Gang alumni are now in the Navy. The carriers' campaign to sell enough Stamps and Bonds to complete five motor torpedo boats is regarded as a 'swell cause' by the juvenile film group.
On July 27th, The Pittsburgh Press reported the following out of Hollywood: "Despite their mischievous pranks on the screen, the Our Gang kids in private life have settled down to the serious business of aiding the war effort. Recently, they joined the Junior American Red Cross. One of their first assignments was to mount 100 puzzles on cardboard for shipment overseas. Other activities of the junior program have Janet Burston and Bobby Blake collecting mirrors and ash trays, while Froggy and his pal, Buckwheat, are compiling large scrapbooks of cartoons and jokes. Soon the Gang will start production on 'Home Front Commandos'." By the time the Our Gang series came to its end later in the year, "Home Front Commandos" hadn't gotten past the script stage.
On October 25th, the Pasadena Star-News reported the following about the Hamilton P.T.A.: "A Halloween carnival has been scheduled for Friday, Oct. 29 at 3:30 p.m., with a 'spook' parade, games, fortune teller, and other attractions offered. Billy 'Froggy' Laughlin, a Bud Murray protege who is associated with 'Our Gang' comedies has promised to appear in person. According to Mrs. Kenneth Jones, ways and means chairman and in charge of the carnival, 'Froggy' and his ventriloquist act will be a featured attraction at the carnival, an annual affair given for the purpose of raising funds for welfare work at Hamilton School."
On November 26th, the Our Gang unit had their final day of shooting, which brought an end to Froggy's time with the series after nearly four years. His family kept in touch with Buckwheat and his mother after the two left the Gang. According to Lamparski, Froggy's salary never exceeded $100 a week due to wages being frozen as a result of America's entry into WWII. Also from Lamparski: "Even before the series was canceled, 'Froggy' had told his parents that he did not want to continue making movies. 'He enjoyed the personal appearances a whole lot,' says his mother. 'But that was because he had an audience to play to. He liked the other kids in 'Our Gang' all right, but the camera didn't satisfy Billy. What he liked best of all was doing shows for the U.S.O. during the War. Especially, for veterans who were laid up in hospitals. He wanted to hear people laugh right then and there. He wasn't unhappy about it, but he let us know that he didn't wish to continue in movies, and we never pressed him'."
Around this time, Froggy began attending Westminster Elementary School. The Sep. 2, 1948, Santa Ana Register (CA) states that he graduated 8th grade from there and then became a freshman in high school in 1947. If this is the case, then it seems that he was a year behind the other kids in his age group. The article also states that he went to Westminster for four years, the timing of which lands us right about where the Our Gang series ended. As Lamparski explained: "After production of the shorts ceased in 1944(sic), Billy transferred from MGM's Little Red Schoolhouse to public school. 'He got along fine with non-professional kids,' said his mother recently. 'For one thing, Billy never used his "Froggy" voice unless he was acting or playing. And he never said anything about his movies unless someone asked him. The other boys and girls liked my Billy. Everyone did. You couldn't help but like him. He was as nice a Christian boy as you'd ever expect to meet'."
According to Maltin & Bann, Froggy's older brother Tom explained it this way: "After the gang, he did try out in some feature films, but he told his mother he wasn't interested in continuing with that. So his career in movies just flat came to an end."

212. Benjamin Franklin, Jr. (featured role: Froggy): Jan. 30, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2795 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 3 to 6, 1942. ©Jan. 28, 1943.
213. Family Troubles (featured role: Froggy): Apr. 3, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2798 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 12 to 17, 1942 ©Apr. 1, 1943.
215. Calling All Kids (featured role): Apr. 24, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2810 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 28 to 31, 1942. ©Apr. 13, 1943.
216. Farm Hands (featured role: Froggy): June 19, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2819 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 21 to 27, and Dec. 11 to 12, 1942. ©June 23, 1943.
214. Election Daze (lead role: Froggy aka President Froggy): July 31, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2805 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 1 to 4, 1943. ©July 30, 1943.
217. Little Miss Pinkerton (featured role: Froggy): Sep. 18, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2830 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 3 to 16, 1943. ©Sep. 14, 1943.
218. Three Smart Guys (featured role: Froggy aka Billy): Oct. 23, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2844 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 18, 1943. ©Oct. 20, 1943.

1944

On June 17th of this year, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported the following: "Billy (Froggy) Laughlin, an exclusive pupil of Bud Murray School, now is appearing in the RKO production, 'Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore.' Billy will appear in Spirit Of '44 which opens at the Wilshire Ebell Theater July 2, and plays Army camps thereafter." This article made at least one mistake, since "Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore" was a Monogram release.
On October 14th of this year, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported the following: "Bud Murrayettes, acclaimed when they appeared before the Quota Club at the Chapman Park Hotel, included Drew Frohlich, Roger Barber, David Verderber, Billy 'Froggy' Laughlin, his brother, Micki 'Happy' Laughlin, both of 'Our Gang' comedies; Billy Hooks, Virgeene Mitchum, Beverly Jean McNeill, Luanne Fisher, Ann Olsen and the Carver Twins."

219. Radio Bugs (featured role: Froggy): Apr. 1, 1944 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2860 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 22 to 25, 1943. ©Mar. 19, 1944.
221. Tale Of A Dog (featured role: Froggy Laughlin): Apr. 15, 1944 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2866 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 4 to 7, 1943. ©Apr. 13, 1944. Released as an MGM Miniature.
220. Dancing Romeo (lead role: Froggy aka The Grate Froggy): Apr. 29, 1944 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2861 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 26, 1943. ©Apr. 29, 1944.
Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore (role: Jerry Malone, and Jerry Malone's twin brother): July 8, 1944 - King Brothers/Monogram - 9 reels - feature; Filmed Dec. 1943 to Jan. 1944, with added scenes in late Feb. 1944. Previewed in May 1944. ©May 20, 1944 as Johnny Doesn't Live Here. Starring Simeone Simon, James Ellison, and William Terry. Reissued as And So They Were Married. Froggy uses his natural voice for Jerry, but his trick voice for the twin brother.

1945

On June 16th of this year, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported that the Bud Murray Starlets would be appearing at the Main St. USO that night. Froggy was on the list of kids mentioned. It also mentioned that he would appear in a "cast of 150" in the Murray revue called Chasing Rainbows on July 1st at the Wilshire-Ebell Theater.
On July 21st, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported the following: "Bud Murray's proteges went to Torney General Hospital at Palm Springs to give six shows in one afternoon this week. The entertainment was part of a two-hour show, Chasing Rainbows." Froggy was among the kids who performed.
On September 8th, the Citizen-News of Hollywood reported the following: "Seven shows in one day was the record set by the Bud Murray Hollywood Starlets when they played Torney General Hospital at Palm Springs this week. They also entertained at the USO." Froggy was among the kids listed.
On September 13th, The Palm Springs Limelight-News reported the following: "Starting off with a red hot routine in the recreation hall at one o'clock, the Bud Murray Starlets, sponsored by the Quota Club of Los Angeles, gave nine fast stepping shows to the patients of Torney General Hospital last Thursay, August 6. This series of performances topped a record of performances on wards during a visit to the hospital in July. The show, returned here by popular request, was under the supervision of the well known Hollywood dance director, Bud Murray." The article then details the individual performances, which included Billy Laughlin, who "gave his version of a paratrooper in training."

1947

During this year, Froggy was enrolled as a freshman at Huntington Beach High School (according to the Santa Ana Register of Sep. 2, 1948). He had graduated from the 8th grade at Westminster Elementary School.

1948

In July of this year, Froggy and his family moved to Puente, CA, from their previous residence in Westminster (according to the Santa Ana Register of September 2nd). According to Lamparski: "In 1946, his father, who was a meat cutter, moved the family to Hacienda Heights, California, and Billy got a newspaper route. He kept after his father until Mr. Laughlin bought him a motorbike, but only after Billy promised not to let the other kids ride it." Hacienda Heights is the modern name for this area, which at the time was unincorporated Puente. The main problem here is the date. I'm favoring the Santa Ana Register article since it specifies a month and does so only two months after the fact.
On September 1st, The Pomona Progress Bulletin (CA) reported the following: "A 16-year-old Puente boy died last night at the Covina hospital as a result of injuries he suffered when he and another youth were thrown from their motor scooter in an accident early yesterday afternoon between 7th and 8th avenues on Valley boulevard in Puente. William Robert Laughlin, son of Robert V. Laughlin, of 1357 Gailmont street, Puente, passed away at the Covina hospital at 9 p.m., six-and-a-half hours after he and his companion were run into by a heavy truck and semi-trailer. The Puente boy was a passenger on his own scooter, which was being operated at the time by John Wilband, 16, or 2501 Albert way, Arcadia. The Arcadia youth was taken to the Covina hospital, but was reported not seriously hurt. Paul Otto Bauman, 25, of 4347 E. 61st street, Maywood, told San Dimas sheriff's deputies that he was driving west on Valley boulevard when the scooter suddenly started a U-turn from the north side of the highway. He said he was unable to stop, and ran directly into the two boys, finally bringing his truck to rest 100 yards down the road. Officers reported that the Laughlin boy was thrown 40 feet down the center of the highway, and that the driver of the scooter was tossed 50 feet north of the point of impact. California highway patrolmen said that the truck was owned by Leonard Bowcutt, of 301 S. Alameda street, Los Angeles." According to the death certificate, Froggy died at 11:10 p.m. According to Lamparski, Froggy was delivering newspapers from the back of the motorbike while his friend did the driving, and that he never regained consciousness. Maltin & Bann specify that he was struck from behind, which may explain why the accident was so much worse for Froggy than it was for his friend. The September 3rd Star-News of Pasadena specified that the accident took place in front of 1224 W. Valley Blvd.
On September 2nd, the Santa Ana Register (CA) reported the following: "Funeral services for Billy Laughlin, 16-year-old former actor in 'Our Gang' comedies and until recently a resident of Westminster, will be held Saturday (the 4th) at 1 p.m., in the Pierce Bros. mortuary in Alhambra. Burial will be in Rose Hills cemetery in Whittier." This article also states that the accident took place on Foothill Blvd., and that the principle cause of death (according to the doctors) was a head injury. It also says that he was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Laughlin, and two brothers, Mickey, still living at home, and Claude, a member of the Army Air corps, who flew in the previous night from his Texas base. Claude is elsewhere referred to as Tom, but his full name was Claude Thomas Laughlin. As Tom later told Maltin & Bann: "He was just a normal type of kid in high school, doing well, when the accident happened." Mickey's full name was Gordon Price Laughlin, which is why we often see him identified as Gordon Laughlin.
Also on September 2nd, The Pomona Progress Bulletin (CA) reported the following: "An inquest into the cause of the death of William Robert Laughlin, 16-year-old Puente accident victim, was still pending this morning but no date had been set, according to the California highway patrol." The article also states that Froggy was due to enter Puente Union High School in the fall.
On September 6th, The Pomona Progress Bulletin (CA) reported the following: "Inquests were ordered today for two traffic fatalities under investigation by the coroner's office and Pomona area officers of the California highway patrol. Cause of the death of William Robert Laughlin . . . will be sought at an inquest scheduled at 3 p.m. next Wednesday, September 8, at Pierce Brothers mortuary in Alhambra." This article states that his death occurred six and a half hours after he was struck, and that the accident took place at 2:30 p.m. The other inquest ordered on this day was from an unrelated incident.
On September 10th, The Pomona Progress Bulletin (CA) reported the following: "Unable to obtain testimony from a key witness, Pomona area officers of the California highway patrol today suspended investigation of a scooter-truck collision in which a former 'Our Gang' film comedy player, William Robert Laughlin, 16, of 1357 Gailmont street, Puente, was fatally injured August 30 on Valley boulevard, between 7th and 8th streets, Puente. A coroner's jury was unable to determine responsibility for the accident from testimony given at 3 p.m. at the Pierce Brothers mortuary in Alhambra . . . Both drivers stood on their constitutional rights and refused to testify. One was John Wilband, 16, of Arcadia, who was operating the scooter which Laughlin owned and on which Laughlin was riding as a passenger. The other was Paul Otto Bauman, 25, of 4347 E. 61st street, who at the time of the accident told highway patrol officers the scooter operator made an improper turn in the path of his westbound tractor truck and semi-trailer. Al Flood, CHP investigator, testified at the inquest he had been unable to locate as a key witness, a hitch-hiking passenger in the truck, who had been identified by the Army as a soldier absent without leave. Only evidence given to the coroner's jury was that of the highway patrol officers investigating the accident."

1977

In December of this year, Bantom Books published the Giant 2nd Annual edition of Lamparski's Whatever Became Of . . . ? by Richard Lamparski. Included was an article about Froggy, which provided some good information for this filmography. Froggy's mother was interviewed and told about how she was trying to track down copies of her son's Our Gang films. "I want to show them to the boys and girls at our local school. I've only been able to buy two of them so far. It's so wonderful to hear the kids laugh when we run them. As long as his films are around, I feel my boy is alive. There was nothing in the world 'Froggy' loved more than entertaining folks, especially kids."

1982

On November 13th, "Saturday Night Live" staged a Little Rascals reunion with guest host Robert Blake. Joe Piscopo impersonated Froggy.

1983

On October 22nd, "Saturday Night Live" presented another Little Rascals sketch, this one called "The Village Of The Damned Little Rascals." Joe Piscopo again impersonated Froggy.

1984

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Waldo's Last Stand," "Kiddie Kure," "Ye Olde Minstrels" and "Tale Of A Dog."

1980s

Somewhere around this time, there were at least two SpaghettiO's commercials featuring an Our Gang knockoff called The Oh Oh Kids. One of them talks like Froggy, but doesn't otherwise resemble him.

1993

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

1994

On August 5th, a feature film called "The Little Rascals" was released, with Froggy played by Jordan Warkol, but voiced by E.G. Daily.

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

2002

E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (use of photos): Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary; Froggy is given a short segment in this documentary.

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