Billie "Buckwheat" Thomas

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: William Thomas, Jr.
family nickname: Billie or Billy
professional nickname: Buckwheat
childhood nickname among friends at the studio: Bucky
adult nickname: Bill
born Mar. 12, 1931, in Los Angeles, CA
died Oct. 10, 1980, in Los Angeles, CA, of natural causes

Special note: The variation in the family nickname between "Billie" and "Billy" is largely due to the 2010 book "Otay! The Billy 'Buckwheat' Thomas Story," which was written by Buckwheat's son, William Thomas Jr., along with David W. Menefee. It stands to reason that Bill Jr. would know the way his father's nickname was spelled within the family, and his own childhood nickname may have been spelled the same way. However, relevant contemporary sources (casting directories and the onscreen credit given in "General Spanky") present the nickname as Billie. Because of this, I'm treating this spelling as part of his professional name and therefore list him this way throughout my website.

Also of note: I've found a couple of newspaper articles from 1979 that claim Billie's middle name to be Henry, but I haven't verified this.

Also of note: The date of Buckwheat's death is a bit fuzzy, since October 10th was the day that police discovered him dead in his home. However, they were there because neighbors were concerned that they hadn't seen him for some period of days. Coroner's investigator Philip Spada determined that Buckwheat had been dead for two or three days, and attributed the death to natural causes, possibly a heart attack.

1933

According to Maltin & Bann, Hal Roach began holding regular auditions in February of 1934 at the Lincoln Theatre on Central Avenue in what was largely a black neighborhood. The object, no doubt, was to find a suitable replacement for Stymie. They then go on to say that Buckwheat auditioned on October 10th of that year and was then awarded a contract. However, judging by the fact that he had just finished his third appearance in the series, it stands to reason that this October 10th audition happened in 1933.

1934

On February 23rd of this year, Billie did his first day of work in an Our Gang short.
An alternate version of Billie's entry into the series brings us to October 10th, when Billie was taken to the Roach studio by his mother Mattie for an "open call" taking place that day for potential Our Gang recruits. Billie made it all the way to Hal Roach's office and was signed to a contract that gave him $40 a week, though 10% of it would go towards the purchase of savings bonds and held in trust for him.
Buckwheat was signed to a longterm contract on December 6th, to take effect on December 17th. The payroll ledger, incidentally, indicates that he began making his regular salary on December 15th. The contract was due to expire on December 16, 1939.
Of the regular Our Gang characters, Buckwheat is the only one in the series to be played by more than one kid. Maltin & Bann, in their 1977 book, credit Carlena Beard with playing the role in "For Pete's Sake!" However, not only does the name "Buckwheat" not turn up in the dialogue, but I've yet to find any documentation associated with this film that actually names Carlena's character. Nevertheless, there was still one other kid who played Buckwheat, and that was Willie Mae Walton, who made three appearances in the series. Billie Thomas made his first three appearances concurrently with these two girls, but only as a briefly-seen nameless boy. Starting with "Mama's Little Pirate," which was shot in November, Billie took over the Buckwheat character, first as a girl and soon thereafter as a boy, and remained with it until the Our Gang series finished shooting in November 1943. Willie Mae Taylor (née Walton), speaking to Matthew Lydick, had this to say: "It was not my decision to leave. 'They' found a replacement for me, a boy not as cute as me. That had to do with casting in 'those days'."

127. For Pete's Sake! (small part): Apr. 14, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 23 to Mar. 3, 1934. ©Apr. 4, 1934.
128. The First Round-Up (bit part): May 5, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 19 to 24, 1934. ©May 1, 1934.
131. Washee Ironee (small part): ©Nov. 13, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-24 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 29, 1934. Filmed Oct. 1 to 9, 1934.

1935

On January 3rd of this year, Buckwheat appeared in Superior Court to have his contract approved.
On January 7th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "One 3-year-old Negro boy is going to make himself some money in the next four years to pay for a college education. He is William Thomas, whose four-year contract with Hal Roach Studios to play in comedies was approved by Superior Judge McComb. The boy is to receive $40 a week to start with, his salary increasing on an ascending scale to $125 a week."
On February 14th, the Brooklyn Times Union (NY) reported the following: "Undeterred by wholesale visions of damage suits for shattered windows, Comedy Producer Hal Roach blithely announces plans for the national mobilization of 1,000 juvenile 'Our Gang' baseball teams. With 1,000 dozen uniforms already manufactured, and with Master Spanky McFarland, 'Our Gang' star, as national honorary president, Hal Roach's army of diminutive ball players will go into action the major leagues' opening day." On February 22nd, The Montclair Times (NJ) carried the same story, but added: "In the fall, if all goes well, an 'Our Gang' world series is a Hollywood possibility." Photos of the Our Gang kids in uniform included Buckwheat among them.
On March 16th and 17th, Buckwheat took part in the Gilmore Circus at the Ambassador Auditorium of the Los Angeles Orphans' Home. Also present were Jackie Cooper, Stymie Beard, Jackie Lynn Taylor and Jerry Tucker.
On September 21st, Buckwheat, along with Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla and Scotty, hosted an event at the California Pacific International Exposition at Balboa Park in San Diego, in which droves of young kids could gain admission for only a nickel and meet their heroes. The kids were also scheduled to lead a parade of home-made cars.
On November 27th, Buckwheat, along with Alfalfa, Darla and Porky, made a personal appearance at the Four Star Theater in Los Angeles for the western premiere of "Our Gang Follies Of 1936."

132. Mama's Little Pirate (supporting role: Buckwheat): ©Jan. 5, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-25 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Nov. 3, 1934. Filmed Nov. 15 to 24, 1934.
133. Shrimps For A Day (supporting role): ©Feb. 20, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-26 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Dec. 8, 1934. Filmed Dec. 15 to 22, 1934.
134. Anniversary Trouble (supporting role: Buckwheat): ©Mar. 13, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-27 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Jan. 1, 1935, and Jan. 19, 1935. Filmed Jan. 25 to Feb. 1, 1935.
135. Beginner's Luck (supporting role): ©Apr. 8, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-28 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 23, 1935. Filmed Feb. 20 to 28, 1935.
136. Teacher's Beau (supporting role): Apr. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-29 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 13 to 20, 1935. ©May 1, 1935.
137. Sprucin' Up (small part): June 1, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-30 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 2 to 9, and May 7, 1935. ©June 12, 1935. Working title: Good Night Ladies!
139. Little Papa (supporting role: Buckwheat): Sep. 21, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-32 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 3 to 10, 1935. ©Aug. 20, 1935.
140. Little Sinner (featured role: Buckwheat): Oct. 26, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-33 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 8 to 16, 1935. ©Sep. 4, 1935.
141. Our Gang Follies Of 1936 (supporting role: Buckwheat): prem. Nov. 27, 1935 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-34 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 9 to 14, and Sep. 23 to 28, 1935. ©Oct. 29, 1935. Released Nov. 30, 1935.
Hearst Metrotone News (appearance): Dec. 1935 - Hearst - 1 reel - newsreel; Featuring the Our Gang kids.

1936

On April 4th of this year, Buckwheat, along with Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Harold Switzer, Pete the Pup and MC Joe Cobb, appeared at the Fox Arlington theater in Santa Barbara for afternoon and evening performances.
On April 8th, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, reported the following: "Culver City loses part of its population tonight when the members of 'Our Gang' leave on their private car for a personal appearance tour. They open in Duluth Sunday (Apr. 12th). Those going include Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, 'Alfalfa' and Harold Switzer, Buckwheat Thomas, and Pete the dog. Joe Cobb the former fat boy will act as master of ceremonies. They will be accompanied by their parents, their teacher Mrs. Fern Carter, who has been the Gang teacher for fifteen years and Jack Sidney, company manager. All of the old-timers of the Gang who are in Southern California will be on hand to wish them luck including Johnny Downs, Mary Kornman, Farina and Mickey Daniels." On April 12th, The Davenport Democrat and Leader (IA) added that the kids would have their own special "play-car" on the train.
On April 9th, the Our Gang entourage stopped in Ogden, UT, on their way to the first stop in their personal appearance tour: Duluth.
On the evening of April 10th, the Our Gang entourage stopped briefly at the Union Station in Omaha, NB, where they took questions from reporters.
On April 12th, the Our Gang kids opened their personal appearance tour in Duluth, MN, where they performed for three days. As the Sayre Daily Headlight-Journal (OK) reported on Apr. 22nd: "The group makes five appearances daily, in a vaudeville act of 23 minutes. During this short time each member of the cast makes three changes in costumes."
Also on April 12th, The Minneapolis Journal published an article about the kids' plans for the future, with this to say about Buckwheat: "Billie 'Buckwheat' Thomas, with envious eyes upon a fireman's red hat to contrasst with his dark skin, plans to be the best fireman in the world."
On April 14th, Louella Parsons reported the following in her syndicated column: "Even Greta Garbo herself could not have brought a bigger crowd to the Duluth movie theater than the members of the Our Gang comedy troupe who are making a personal appearance. The Duluth youngsters were so delighted with Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, Alfalfa Switzer, Billy (Buckwheat) Thomas and Fatty Joe Cobb, master of ceremonies, that they came to the theater early and stayed late. Hal Roach's celebrated infants will be gone most of the Summer on tour."
On April 17th, the Our Gang kids arrived in Minneapolis in the morning for a week's engagement at the Minnesota Theater. The act was described as mostly consisting of songs by the various kids.
On April 19th, The Daily Oklahoman of Oklahoma City reported that the Gang's 2-month tour was being extended to three months.
On April 22nd, The Minneapolis Journal published a version of Merle Potter's column in which the various Our Gang kids filled in for him. This is what Buckwheat had to say: "All the time I don't like it that everybody thinks I'm a girl just because I got to wear girl clothes in our comedies and on the stage. I'm a boy and my real name is Billy. I like to play football and baseball and do prizefighting like Joe Louis does. Best of all is making believe with the Gang in movies where we have most fun playing with all the funny things Mr. Roach puts in our pictures. First I was sort of scared of being on the stage. Now it's only fun. All those people watching us laugh so much and clap their hands so hard. It's fun watching them and they make me laugh, too."
It appears that the Our Gang kids arrived in Chicago on April 24th and stayed until the end of the month. The Chicago Daily Tribune ran ads during the week for the Chicago State theater, which featured the kids in person. Oddly, one of these ads was for May 1st, but it's pretty clear that they were no longer in town on that date. During their time in Chicago, Buckwheat was feted by the Billiken Club of the Chicago Defender.
On May 1st, the Our Gang kids arrived in Detroit in the morning for a week's engagement at the Michigan Theatre. Spanky stayed in his hotel bed this evening with a cold, according to reports. Turned out it was the measles.
On May 4th in Detroit, the Associated Press reported the following: "Measles invaded 'Our Gang,' child motion picture troupe making a personal appearance at a theater here, and three members were in quarantine today. 'Spanky' McFarland, the 7-year-old 'leading man,' has the disease, and Darla Hood, 4, and William (Buckwheat) Thomas Jr., 4, were quarantined for lack of immunity. The remainder of the cast, including the dog, Pete, will continue their performance." There's some conflicting information on this matter. In Julia Lee's Our Gang book, she states that the Chicago Defender, having previously noted that Buckwheat was required to stay at a "colored hotel" while in Detroit, had thusly avoided coming down with the measles. She also states that the Baltimore Afro-American reported that all three kids had come down with the disease.
On May 5th, The Detroit Free Press ran an ad for the Gang's Michigan theater engagement, mentioning Alfalfa, Harold, Pete, Buckwheat and Joe, but not Spanky or Darla.
The next stop on the Gang's tour was Cleveland, but it appears that they never honored this engagement. Spanky was reported to be in Cleveland visiting an aunt, and was shown in a newspaper photo doing some fishing there, but apparently, the others remained behind to finish up their Detroit engagement, and then returned home.
On May 8th, Movienews of Chicago, IL, published an article about Our Gang, with this to say about Buckwheat: "Then we come to Billy Thomas, four years old, known as 'Buckwheat.' This little laddie boy got his job in moving pictures because of his eyes. Remember how he rolls them in that chocolate face of his? And can he roll 'em off the screen, too! He vamps you so much with his eyes and his charming ways that to meet him makes you want to take him home with you for a mantlepiece."
During this year, an ad for Royal Cherry Gelatin included an Our Gang comic strip. Among the characters was Buckwheat.
From a press release by Fred A. Purner: "Producer Hal E. Roach has appointed Dr. Henry Dietrich, Los Angeles pediatrician, to supervise the diet and direct the health of the children who enact the 'Our Gang' film comedies. Spanky McFarland, Darla Hood, Alfalfa Switzer and Buckwheat Thomas, who recently were taken down with the measles in Detroit and had their personal appearance tour terminated, will undergo individual examinations with recommendations to be made for essentials in their health and well-being. 'Baby Patsy' May and 'Porky' Lee, other 'little rascals' of 'Our Gang', will be included and there will be periodical inspections and medical treatments with the consent and co-operation of the parents. A special pediatrician for child actors is something new in Hollywood. The 'Our Gang' members have had their own school room and teacher right at the Roach Studios during the fifteen years the various members have been appearing on the screen and they have their own playgrounds and recreation periods."
On July 18th, Hal Roach Studios held its 15th anniversary celebration of the Our Gang series. Needless to say, Buckwheat was in attendance.
On August 6th, the Associated Negro Press reported the following about Buckwheat, with a few errors along the way regarding dates: "Stepping into the shoes of Farina, who filled the shoes of Sunshine Sammy, is a mighty big job but Billie 'Buckwheat' Thomas is carrying on to the utter satisfaction of all concerned as a member of 'Our Gang' in those side-splitting comedies produced at the Hal Roach film studios. As far as distance is concerned, Buckwheat did not have far to go as he was born right in Los Angeles four years ago last March 12. His father, incidentally, is a janitor at the Wilton apartments in Hollywood. The youngster was brought to the studio by his mother in October of 1934. Officials were so impressed that little Billie was immediately given a part in the next Our Gang picture. But Buckwheat very nearly lost his chance because he was so shy he cried when anyone talked to him and refused to take direction. Officials decided to give him another chance, and in his second screen effort did so well he was presented with a long-term contract. Since then, he has become a great favorite with everybody and plays right along with the other 'rascals' when not in front of the camera. Incidentally, Buckwheat is mechanically inclined. Most of his spare time is spent taking apart and putting together toy automobiles. He is of very dark complexion with wide luminous eyes and kinky hair - which fits him perfectly for the role of the colored member of 'Our Gang.' "
On October 11th, the Los Angeles Times included Buckwheat on the list of guests at Spanky McFarland's recent birthday celebration at the Venice Amusement Pier.
Also on October 11th, it was reported that Buckwheat attended the Flashlighters' Frolics, which was given by Hollywood Press photographers.
On October 23rd, Buckwheat attended Porky Lee's 3rd birthday party at the Our Gang Cafe.
During the making of "Reunion In Rhythm" in December, the Our Gang set was visited by Patience, Richard and Johnny Abbe, three young siblings who were gathering material for a book that would be published in 1937 called Of All Places!. They had this to say about Buckwheat: "Little Buckwheat was so cute with false teeth in the place of the ones that fell out. They didn't fit him so they stuck out, and his shoes were too big for him and stuck out. He was also a West Point man (referring to his costume). He said 'tooter' for 'scooter,' so you can imagine how young he is. He is very black and his hair is very kinky."

143. The Pinch Singer (supporting role: Buckwheat): Jan. 4, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-35 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 11 to 21, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. Working title: King's Gong.
142. Divot Diggers (supporting role: Buckwheat): Feb. 8, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 25, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936.
138. The Lucky Corner (featured role: Buckwheat): Mar. 14, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-31 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 20, 1935. ©Feb. 19, 1936.
144. Second Childhood (small part): Apr. 11, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-37 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 1936. ©Mar. 17, 1936.
145. Arbor Day (supporting role): May 2, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-38 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 12 to 18, 1936. ©Apr. 9, 1936.
Fox Movietone News (appearance): 1936 - Fox - 1 reel - newsreel; Our Gang's fifteenth anniversary is featured in a Hollywood Spotlight segment with Jimmie Fidler.
146. Bored Of Education (supporting role): Aug. 29, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-1 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Aug. 20, 1936. Filmed July 13 to 16, 1936. ©Sep. 3, 1936. Oscar winner for Best One-Reel Short Subject.
147. Two Too Young (supporting role: Buckwheat): ©Oct. 21, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-2 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 26, 1936. Filmed Sep. 8 to 12, 1936.
148. Pay As You Exit (supporting role: Buckwheat aka Professor): ©Nov. 17, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-3 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Oct. 24, 1936. Filmed Oct. 14 to 19, 1936.
150. General Spanky (supporting role: Buckwheat): Dec. 11, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 8 reels - prod. F-12 - 'Spanky' McFarland feature; Filmed July 22 to Sep. 8, 1936, with retakes on Sep. 17 and Oct. 19 and 20, 1936. ©Dec. 4, 1936. Oscar nominee for Best Sound Recording.
149. Spooky Hooky (featured role: Buckwheat): ©Dec. 28, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-4 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Dec. 5, 1936. Filmed Nov. 11 to 17, 1936.

1937

In January of this year, Buckwheat was among the Our Gang members who came down with the flu.
On February 1st, Henry Sutherland reported the following in his United Press column: "Small brunette Buckwheat Thomas says his favorite actor is Joe Louis. From older lips that would sound like a nasty crack."
On February 28th, the La Crosse Tribune and Leader-Press (WI) reported the following: "The greatest colored boy comedian ever to appear on the screen is the claim made by producer Hal Roach for Buckwheat Thomas, the little four-year-old member of Our Gang who has an outstanding part in the feature length comedy, General Spanky."
On March 31st, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that the recent birthday party of Baby Patsy May had been modified to include presents for Alfalfa Switzer and Buckwheat Thomas, both of whose parties had been cancelled due to a wave of influenza.
On April 8th, Buckwheat was given a contract amendment.
On June 30th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported on the recent birthday party of Fred Purner, Jr. Among the guests were all of the contract players of Our Gang, including Buckwheat.
During this year, a comic book featuring the Our Gang kids called The Dandy debuted. Among the characters were Buckwheat and Billy, the former donning the pigtails of the earlier Buckwheat, and the latter looking like the later Buckwheat.
On September 14th, Harrison Carroll, in his syndicated column, reported that the Our Gang would no longer be taught in a classroom in the studio's administration building, but rather in a building of their own on the lot. Buckwheat was reported as starting his first year in the school.
On October 20th, the Portland Press Herald (ME) reported the following: "Buckwheat is the little darky member of 'Our Gang.' He looks exactly as you see him on the screen. He doesn't wear any makeup for pictures. He is six years old and is in the first grade. He is very serious, and a bit shy."
From a press release: "Mr. and Mrs. R. E. McFarland and their sons Spanky and Tommy are entertaining members of the Our Gang comedy troupe and some of their younger friends at a Hallowe'en dinner Sunday evening. Grouped about a table illuminated with jack o'lanterns and decorated in orange and black will be Pat Ross, Penny Laws, Dickie Jones, Clark Flake, Darla Hood, Baby Patsy May, Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, Billie 'Buckwheat' Thomas, Eugene 'Porky' Lee, Harold Switzer and their parents."
On December 11th, the Our Gang kids were afternoon guests of the city of Hermosa Beach, CA, officially welcomed at a civic reception, as part of a Christmas extravaganza. They also took part in a subsequent parade. A press release from the Roach studio read as follows: "Hermosa Beach welcomes 'Our Gang' today, when the famous Hal Roach screen youngsters will be guests at the beach city in a gala luncheon, parade, and theater party that has occasioned Mayor Al Schupner to declare a civic holiday for the affair. More than 2000 school children will take part in the festivities, which will honor the formation of an 'Our Gang' club to include youngsters from Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo Beach. A luncheon attended by 50 civic officials and dignitaries will be held this morning at 11:30 at the Hermosa Beach city hall. City Councilman, Harold Matthews, will preside. Following the luncheon, a parade headed by the forty-piece band of Redondo High School will take the famous screen youngsters and their escorts from the City Hall to the Fox Hermosa theater, where a special matinee showing will be held. Also taking part in the parade will be troops of Girl and Boy Scouts, and representatives from the Parent-Teacher Association. Spanky McFarland, Alfalfa Switzer, Darla Hood, Porky Lee, Buckwheat Thomas, and Baby Patsy of 'Our Gang,' will appear in person on the stage of the theater, to be introduced to the audience by their director, Gordon Douglas."

151. Reunion In Rhythm (featured role): Jan. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-5 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 9 to 14, 1936. ©Jan. 14, 1937.
152. Glove Taps (featured role: Buckwheat): ©Mar. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-6 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 20, 1937. Filmed Jan. 11 to 30, 1937. Several of the kids, including Buckwheat, came down with the flu during the filming of this short.
153. Hearts Are Thumps (featured role: Buckwheat): Apr. 3, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-7 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 2 to 10, 1937. ©Mar. 24, 1937.
155. Rushin' Ballet (supporting role: Buckwheat): Apr. 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 9 to 13, 1937. ©Apr. 22, 1937.
154. Three Smart Boys (featured role: Buckwheat): May 13, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-8 - Our Gang series; Also listed as Mar. 13, 1937. Filmed Feb. 15 to 19, 1937. ©Mar. 31, 1937.
156. Roamin' Holiday (featured role: Buckwheat): June 12, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-10 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 22 to May 3, 1937. ©June 24, 1937.
157. Night 'N' Gales (featured role: Buckwheat): July 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-11 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 22 to 30, 1937. ©Aug. 18, 1937. Buckwheat takes part in singing "Home, Sweet Home."
158. Fishy Tales (supporting role: Buckwheat): Aug. 28, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 26 to Aug. 2, 1937. ©Sep. 8, 1937.
159. Framing Youth (supporting role: Buckwheat): ©Sep. 21, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-13 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 11, 1937. Filmed Aug. 19 to 25, 1937.
News Of The Day (appearance): c. Oct. 1937 - MGM - 1 reel - newsreel; Vol. 9, No. 204. Featuring Our Gang and Vittorio Mussolini, who visited the studio in late September.
160. The Pigskin Palooka (small part: Buckwheat): Oct. 23, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-14 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 18 to 25, 1937. ©Nov. 2, 1937.
161. Mail And Female (supporting role): Nov. 13, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-15 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 22 to 27, 1937. ©Nov. 17, 1937.
News Of The Day (appearance): Dec. 1937 - MGM - 1 reel - newsreel; Vol. 9, No. 229. Featuring Our Gang. Buckwheat takes part in singing "Happy New Year To You."
162. Our Gang Follies Of 1938 (supporting role: Buckwheat aka Cab Buckwheat): Dec. 18, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-39 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 3 to 15, 1937. ©Dec. 21, 1937. Marketed by MGM as a "special" two-reeler, independent of the regular Our Gang series. Buckwheat takes part in singing "The Love Bug Will Bite You (If You Don't Watch Out)."

1938

On February 6th of this year, Buckwheat, along with other members of the Our Gang troupe, guested on the MBS radio program Thirty Minutes In Hollywood with George Jessel.
From April 4th to 7th, the Our Gang short "Feed 'Em And Weep" was filmed, but without Buckwheat. Apparently, he came down with some illness just prior to shooting, as a surviving script from April 2nd includes him in the cast of characters. The listing of the film below is due to the use of his photograph in the opening titles.
On June 20th, filming began for "The Little Ranger," the first of 52 Our Gang shorts produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
On August 26th, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) reported the following: "Buckwheat is the little Negro boy. All that mop of hair is his, not a wig. They put grease on his face to make it shine, but they don't dare tell him it's grease or he'd be hurt. They call it makeup, and he's the proudest member of the troupe because he's the only one with a makeup man. Bucky's only fault is in doing better than he is told. I watched one scene in which he was supposed to run in and stand there panting while Spanky and Porky had some lines. Bucky got the idea all right, and when he rushed on, he panted so hard, the sound man couldn't pick up the dialog. Buckwheat made a noise like a heaving lion."
Elsewhere it says: "Buckwheat is the serious one. He's going to be a director when he grows up. He's already practicing. He stands beside Director Sidney, his eyes fairly gleaming in his cheerful black face. He takes in everything that Sidney says, and when he calls, 'All right, boys, let's get this shot now,' Bucky slaps his small hands together and says in his best assistant-director manner, 'Yeah, and mate it a dood one!' "

163. Canned Fishing (supporting role: Buckwheat): Feb. 12, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 10 to 25, 1938. ©Feb. 16, 1938.
164. Bear Facts (supporting role: Buckwheat): Mar. 5, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-17 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 1938. ©Mar. 8, 1938.
165. Three Men In A Tub (supporting role: Buckwheat aka Buck): Mar. 26, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 9 to 18, 1938. ©Apr. 1, 1938.
166. Came The Brawn (supporting role): Apr. 16, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 21 to 25, 1938. ©Apr. 12, 1938.
167. Feed 'Em And Weep (use of photo): May 7, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 4 to 7, 1938. ©May 11, 1938.
168. The Awful Tooth (supporting role: Buckwheat): May 28, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 12 to 16, 1938. ©May 26, 1938.
169. Hide And Shriek (featured role: Buckwheat aka X6 1/2): June 18, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 11 to 14, 1938. ©June 16, 1938.
170. The Little Ranger (supporting role: Buckwheat): Aug. 6, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2566 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 20 to 25, 1938. ©Aug. 10, 1938.
171. Party Fever (supporting role: Buckwheat): Aug. 27, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2568 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 5 to 9, 1938. ©Aug. 25, 1938.
172. Aladdin's Lantern (supporting role: Buckwheat): Sep. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2573 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 20 to 26, 1938. ©Sep. 14, 1938. Along with Porky, Buckwheat sings "While Strolling In The Park One Day (The Fountain In The Park)."
173. Men In Fright (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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): Nov. 12, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2589 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 19 to 24, 1938. ©Nov. 16, 1938.
175. Practical Jokers (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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: Buckwheat): Jan. 7, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2600 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 14 to 17, 1938. ©Dec. 31, 1938.
177. Tiny Troubles (supporting role: Buckwheat): Feb. 18, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2606 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 9 to 13, 1939. ©Mar. 1, 1939.
178. Duel Personalities (supporting role): Mar. 11, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2610 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 22 to 26, 1939. ©Mar. 9, 1939.
179. Clown Princes (supporting role): Apr. 15, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2613 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 13 to 17, 1939. ©Apr. 12, 1939.
180. Cousin Wilbur (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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): June 24, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2630 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 17 to 21, 1939. ©June 24, 1939.
182. Dog Daze (featured role: Buckwheat): July 1, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2631 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 1 to 5, 1939. ©July 13, 1939.
183. Auto Antics (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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: Buckwheat): Dec. 2, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2655 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 25 to 28, 1939. ©Dec. 5, 1939. Buckwheat takes part in singing "Boola Boola." Working title: Learn To Play.

1940

187. Alfalfa's Double (supporting role: Buckwheat): Jan. 20, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2656 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 2 to 6, 1939. ©Dec. 29, 1939.
189. The Big Premiere (featured role: Buckwheat): Mar. 9, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2669 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 11 to 14, 1939. ©Mar. 13, 1940.
190. All About Hash (supporting role: Buckwheat): Mar. 30, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2674 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 10 to 13, 1940. ©Apr. 5, 1940.
191. The New Pupil (small part: Buckwheat): Apr. 27, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2677 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 7 to 10, 1940. ©Apr. 22, 1940.
188. Bubbling Troubles (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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: Buckwheat): 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: Buckwheat): Oct. 5, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2686 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 22 to 25, 1940. ©Oct. 2, 1940. Buckwheat takes part in singing "How Dry I Am" and "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes."
192. Goin' Fishin' (supporting role: Buckwheat): Oct. 26, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2680 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 22 to 26, 1940. ©Oct. 16, 1940.
195. Kiddie Kure (supporting role): Nov. 23, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2687 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 27 to 31, 1940. ©Nov. 11, 1940.

1941

On November 7th of this year, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, reported the following: "Buckwheat Thomas, member of Our Gang comedies, has been handed a new term contract by Metro."

196. Fightin' Fools (supporting role: Buckwheat): Jan. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2696 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 26 to 31, 1940. ©Dec. 30, 1940.
197. Baby Blues (supporting role): 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 (supporting role): Mar. 18, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2716 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 13 to 16, 1941. ©Mar. 13, 1941. Buckwheat takes part in singing "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny" and "Auld Lang Syne."
200. 1-2-3-Go! (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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 (supporting role:Buckwheat): 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): 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 (supporting role): Oct. 25, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2720 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 28 to 31, 1941. ©Oct. 14, 1941.
203. Wedding Worries (supporting role): Dec. 13, 1941 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2751 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 29 to Oct. 3, 1941. ©Dec. 22, 1941.

1942

On April 9th of this year, the California Eagle reported that Buckwheat had attended an Easter party hosted by Marcella Moreland, who was also celebrating her eighth birthday.
During this year, Dell Publishing Co. debuted Our Gang Comics, which included Buckwheat among its characters. He was dropped from the lineup with issue no. 40 in 1947.

204. Melodies Old And New (supporting role: Buckwheat): Jan. 24, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2755 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 29 to 31, 1941. ©Dec. 23, 1941. Buckwheat takes part in singing "While Strolling Through The Park One Day" and "Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo'bye)."
205. Going To Press (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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 (lead role: Buckwheat): Apr. 4, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2752 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 8 to 14, 1941. ©Apr. 14, 1942.
Mokey (supporting role: Brother Cumby): Apr. 1942 - MGM - 9 reels - feature; Filmed approx. Dec. 1941 to Jan. 1942. ©Mar. 24, 1942. Credited as William "Buckwheat" Thomas. Starring Dan Dailey Jr., Donna Reed and Bobby Blake. Working title: Mokey Delano.
207. Surprised Parties (supporting role: Buckwheat): May 30, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2770 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 5 to 10, 1942. ©May 28, 1942.
208. Doin' Their Bit (supporting 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 (supporting role: Bucky): 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 (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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: Buckwheat aka Mr. Buckwheat aka Bucky): Nov. 28, 1942 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2794 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 26 to 29, 1942. ©Dec. 8, 1942.
Whistling In Dixie (role: the black boy): prem. Dec. 10, 1942 - MGM - 8 reels - Red Skelton feature; ©Sep. 2, 1942. Released Dec. 1942.

1943

On January 21st of this year, The Pittsburgh Press reported the following: "The Our Gang youngsters have reasons to be joyous over their new musical picture, 'Calling All Kids.' First, they feel like grown-up stars. They are working with a band, and have songs and dances. Best of all they have become the social lion at M-G-M since each will imitate some noted screen star... 'Buckwheat' Thomas spent a day at Rochester's (Eddie Anderson) home. The star of 'Cabin in the Sky' heard that Buckie was to do a 'take-off' on him, so he instructed him in all the well known Rochester mannerisms of radio and screen." The film was shot at the end of December 1942, so this meeting probably took place earlier that month.
A couple of interesting documents from this year were put up for auction on eBay some years ago. The first, dated February 25th, was a three-page court order "in the matter of the contract between Loew's Incorporated, a corporation, and William Thomas, Jr." The other document, dated March 23rd and typed on MGM letterhead, was addressed to Master William Thomas, Jr., and read: "We hand you herewith your weekly pay check with the customary deductions. Your attention is called to the provisions of the court's order to the effect that 10% of your gross weekly salary must be used by you for the purchase of United States Savings Bonds. We are not making this deduction from your check. Accordingly, you must see to it that that part of the court's order is carried out, since your failure to purchase bonds according to the order, would be construed by the court as a violation of the order."
On April 22nd, the California Eagle reported the following: "With the renewal of his contract for the ninth consecutive year 'Buckwheat' Thomas, dusky moppet featured in the Our Gang Comedies, shatters the previous record of 'Farina,' first Negro child comic of the moppet series. 'Buckwheat,' who will celebrate his 100th appearance in Our Gang films with the release of 'Calling All Kids,' joined the juvenile aggregation as a baby. He was born in Los Angeles and attends the Gang school house on the M-G-M lot." Just to be clear, Buckwheat appeared in fewer than 100 Our Gang films.
On June 26th, Buckwheat and his fellow Our Gang members took part in the Los Angeles Times "All Out For Navy" Bond and Stamp sales drive organized by the young paper carriers of the newspaper, and taking place at the Victory House in Pershing Square.
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 November 26th, the Our Gang unit had their final day of shooting, which brought an end to Buckwheat's time with the series after nine and a half years. One Our Gang kid's family that he and his mother kept in touch with was Froggy's, though this wouldn't have lasted long given Froggy's untimely death in 1948.
There's a bit of confusion about Buckwheat's school life outside of Our Gang. He apparently attended the Grant School, which was near the intersection of Gower and Sunset. He also attended Forshay Junior High School, though given his age, this should have started at about the time he left the series. His son, Bill Jr., included a school photo in his 2010 book, described as a "combined photo of all the classes of 1948." Presumably, this means that the kids in the photo would eventually graduate from high school in 1948, but if so, then his father must have been slightly ahead of schedule for his age.

212. Benjamin Franklin, Jr. (featured role: Buckwheat): Jan. 30, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2795 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 3 to 6, 1942. ©Jan. 28, 1943.
213. Family Troubles (supporting role: Buckwheat): Apr. 3, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2798 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 12 to 17, 1942 ©Apr. 1, 1943.
215. Calling All Kids (supporting role): Apr. 24, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2810 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 28 to 31, 1942. ©Apr. 13, 1943.
Heavenly Music (small part: Gabriel): May 1, 1943 - MGM - 2 reels - Special; ©Apr. 21, 1943.
216. Farm Hands (featured role: Buckwheat): 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.
Honeymoon Lodge (role: Blaney Lewis): July 23, 1943 - Universal - 7 reels - feature; ©July 28, 1943. Starring Harriet Hilliard, David Bruce, June Vincent, Rod Cameron and Franklin Pangborn. Working title: Second Honeymoon.
214. Election Daze (supporting role: Buckwheat): 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: Buckwheat): 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: Buckwheat): Oct. 23, 1943 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2844 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 13 to 18, 1943. ©Oct. 20, 1943.

1944

219. Radio Bugs (featured role): 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: Buckwheat Thomas): 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 (supporting role: Buckwheat): Apr. 29, 1944 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2861 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 26, 1943. ©Apr. 29, 1944.

1945

By the fall of this year, Billie had retired from movies.

Colorado Pioneers (role: Smokey): Nov. 14, 1945 - Republic - 6 reels - Red Ryder feature; ©Oct. 29, 1945. Credited as Buckwheat Thomas. Starring Wild Bill Elliott. Also featuring Bobby Blake.

1949

During this year, Bill married Allie Mae Matthews in Tucson, AZ.

1950

On September 15th of this year, William Varde Thomas, Jr., was born. He was Bill's only child.

1953

On May 20th of this year, the Manhattan Mercury-Chronicle (KS) published an article on the whereabouts of the various former Our Gang kids. They mentioned that George Anderson, who they claim played Buckwheat, was currently part of a musical trio.

1954

On May 14th of this year, Bill left his job as a spray painter for the Roll-A-Way Trailer Company in Los Angeles, to enlist in the US Army, winding up with the 38th Infantry. He reportedly served in the Korean War, but this would necessitate an earlier date.

1955

On September 15th of this year, Mike Connolly reported the following: "Spanky Productions, Inc., has been set up here to merchandise products tied in with TV's 'Little Rascals,' formerly 'Our Gang.' Merchandising rights have been secured from such former 'Gangsters' as Spanky McFarland, Alfalfa Switzer, Darla Hood, Buckwheat Thomas..." The kids never saw each other while all of this was going on. The event reported in this article probably took place a couple of months earlier.
A press photo from September 20th carried a caption that partially read: "(Mel) Schlank hopes the name 'Little Rascals' soon will be on comic books, clothes, puppets and toys." Elsewhere, dolls and coloring books were added to the list of items to be sold. Contracts with two major companies were signed.
On September 23rd, the Associated Press quoted Schlank regarding his search for the elusive Buckwheat Thomas: "I tried several leads, but they all failed. Finally I got his social security number through MGM and located his mother. His mother was suspicious and didn't want to tell me anything. Finally she told me that the was in the Army at Ft. Lewis, Washington."
Shortly after this, Spanky Products went out of business. Another group with the rights to the Little Rascals name went to the same companies and offered a better deal.

1956

In his 2010 book, Bill Thomas Jr., described his father as a Light Weapons Infantryman and Private First Class while in the Army.
On May 11th of this year, Bill was transferred back to Fort Lewis, WA, to receive an honorable discharge, which took place on May 31st. He was released into the Army Reserve, of which he was a member for the next six years.
At some point, Bill took a job as a Technicolor lab technician. According to Julia Lee's book, he carried out this work at the MGM studio. According to Bill himself on his 1974 "Tomorrow" appearance, he got into this field right after leaving the service.
During this year, Dell Publishing Co. debuted a new comic book called The Little Rascals. Among the characters was Buckwheat, though he's interchanged with Farina in the earlier issues.
Regarding the prospect of returning to a film career, Bill later had this to say to Richard Lamparski: "I just couldn't see going from studio to studio auditioning, and I knew even the big names had to go through that. It seemed like too much of a rat race."

1958

Around this time, Bill and Allie divorced.

1959

On January 24th of this year, the Daily News published a syndicated article about the whereabouts of the former Our Gang members, with teacher Fern Carter as a source. According to her, Bill was currently "with the government."

Little Rascals Varieties (archival): May 5, 1959 - Allied Artists - 63 min. - compilation feature

1960

On December 20th of this year, the Valley Times of North Hollywood ran an article on James Frazier, who spent the next decade and a half taking part in various public events and convincing the press and public alike that he was the kid who played Buckwheat in the Our Gang series. In the article, he explains that he outgrew his film role in 1933 (which was the year prior to when the Buckwheat character made its debut).

1962

During this year, Bill was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve. While in the Army or while in the Reserve, he had received a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.
On October 30th, an episode of "The Jack Benny Program" called "The Story Of My Gang Comedy" was aired, with the cast, along with Darla Hood, parodying the Our Gang kids. Eddie "Rochester" Anderson played Oatmeal, an obvious parody of Buckwheat.

1964

During this year, Bill was photographed visiting the Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, CA, which included a reproduction of a scene from "The Awful Tooth."

1968

On July 28th of this year, Herb Caen wrote the following in his syndicated column: "You know about Augie Martin? For a time, he played lovable little Farina in the Our Gang comedies, so near and dear to children of our generation. After graduating from Cal, he became one of the first Negro pilots to be employed by major airlines - most recently Seaboard World Airways, on flights out of New York and here (San Francisco). During his vacation this year, he volunteered to fly Red Cross supplies into ravaged Biafra - and while trying to land his Constellation on a tiny field, he crashed. Killed instantly." Martin alternately claimed to have played Buckwheat.
On December 22nd, Bob Considine reported the following in his syndicated column: "Negro pilot Augie Martin, on leave from Seaboard - World Airlines, crashed on his final approach to the tiny Biafran airstrip not long ago and all died, including his wife - who had gone along with him. As a child, Martin had played 'Buckwheat' in Hal Roach's Our Gang Comedies." Buckwheat continued to be reported to have died in this incident for the next twenty years or so.

1969

On August 3rd of this year, The Sun-Telegram of San Bernardino, CA, reported on a benefit show that night at the Embassy Theater in Los Angeles put on by Eugene Jackson. Proceeds from the show were to benefit philanthropies in Compton and Watts. Among the invited guests were other former Our Gang members: Jackie Lynn Taylor, George Vieira (who allegedly played "the Bad Boy"), Ernie Morrison, Bob Snyder (who allegedly played "Freckles") and James Frazier. Presumably, not too many in attendance realized that only three of these six people were actually in the series.

They don't specify which one, but Maltin & Bann mention a Buckwheat imposter who had a feature story in Ebony, and guested on Steve Allen's talk show, as well as "I've Got A Secret."

1970

In October of this year, former Our Gang member Jackie Taylor's book The Turned On Hollywood 7 (Jackie Remembers Our Gang) had its first printing. In the "Whatever happened to Our Gang?" segment, she devotes a page to James Frazier, including a photo of herself with James and his wife. She also briefly mentions that Billy Thomas took over Frazier's role as Buckwheat during the last few years of the series.

1971

On June 19th of this year, the Associated Press reported on James Frazier (though they call him Jamel). In the article, Frazier specifies that he was one of two boys (the other being Billie Thomas) who played the role in the late '30s when he was 10 and 11. He was 43 at the time of the article. As the article says : "The late baritone John Charles Thomas saw 8-year-old Jamel dancing on a Maryland dock where his parents were showboat performers. Thomas arranged an Edison studio screen test that led to Hollywood and Our Gang." The Edison company, incidentally, exited the movie business in 1917, more than a decade before Frazier's birth.
On August 1st, The Macon Telegraphy and News (GE) at least admitted to a lack of good information when they reported that Buckwheat was supposed to have been killed in 1968 in the Biafra Airlift, or that he had made a career of the Navy, or that he was leading a broken life in Los Angeles.

1974

Sometime in the latter part of this year, Bill Thomas was finally discovered for the first time since his Our Gang days, and was still working at Technicolor.
On November 21st, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Original members of the 'Little Rascals' and 'Our Gang' comedies recently crowned the first Little Miss Century City November 10...Seated at the judges table were: Mary Ann Jackson, Buckwheat Thomas, Junior Coghlan and our dynamic master of ceremonies, Lucky Brown. 'Spanky' McFarland and 'Stymie' Beard were tied up at Los Angeles International Airport. All contestants received 'Alfalfa' t-shirts and our winners were showered with gifts from Century Square merchants." Bill was also invited to attend movie premieres, but he apparently wasn't interested in a comeback.
It was with his appearance on the Tomorrow show in November that Buckwheat's fellow Gangsters came to realize that he hadn't died in 1968. He and Stymie socialized regularly after this, with the two seeing each other at least once a week.

Tomorrow episode: The Little Rascals (guest appearance): Nov. 12, 1974 - NBC - 60 min. - TV episode; Also featuring Spanky McFarland, Stymie Beard and Darla Hood.

1975

On April 23rd of this year, the Berkeley Daily Gazette (CA) reported the following: "This is to correct an error made on Monday's TURNSTYLES page. A story dealing with the many kids who appeared on the Hal Roach 'Little Rascals' and 'Our Gang' comedies greatly exaggerated the death of one of the kids. This is to say that Billie 'Buckwheat' Thomas is not dead. In 1968 it was erroneously reported in the news media that Thomas had been killed while flying food to Biafra. Thomas, reports our source, is living in Southern California. The error not only took us in but was compounded by its appearance in a book on child stars. George 'Spanky' McFarland and Darla Hood, now adults, appeared recently on a television show and were amazed to find Thomas was also a guest. They also thought he had died."
On April 28th, Anita Richterman of Newsday (NY) wrote an article on the whereabouts of the former Our Gang kids. She credited Billy Thomas, James Frazier, and George Jackson with playing Buckwheat at various times.
One of the many films Bill was reported to have worked on as a lab technician for Technicolor was Jaws, which was released on June 20th.

1976

On March 28th of this year, The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg, SC, ran an article on George Jackson, who reportedly played the roles of "Buckwheat" and "Purina" (sic). Among his claims were that he made $1500 a week, that the films were still making money for him (though he donates his royalties to charity), and that he left the series at the age of 14. He also stated that the name change from Our Gang to The Little Rascals was because cast members didn't want children to think of them as a gang in the present sense of the word.
On April 18th, The South Bend Tribune reported the following: "Many published texts report the death of Buckwheat Thomas, who is very much alive today. Thomas, who owns one of the books reporting his death in a 1968 airplane crash in Biafra, says that the person killed in that crash was one of the 'perpetrators' who had claimed for years to be the real Buckwheat." Elsewhere in the article, it states that Bill was still "a motion picture technician for Technicolor in Hollywood. He's divorced, has a grown son and lives in Los Angeles."
Another of the many films on which Bill reportedly worked as a Technicolor lab technician was Logan's Run, which was released on June 23rd. According to IMDb, this film utilized Metrocolor, which was MGM's in-house process. This makes sense in light of Bill reportedly doing this work at MGM, but it was apparently considered an alternative to Technicolor. So which company was he actually working for?
During this year, the latest edition of Richard Lamparski's Whatever Became Of... book series was released. Among the various articles contained within the book was one on Bill "Buckwheat" Thomas.
On December 2nd, the Associated Press published the following: 'I'm the one and only Buckwheat,' said William 'Billy' Thomas, now a movie lab technician, who said he has the evidence to back his claim to the role from about 1934 to 1944. 'I was Buckwheat from 1927 to 1933,' said James E. Frazier. 'Billy was also in it, but he came later when I was outgrowing the part.' Frazier, 54, a city parks employee, has contended on television, in personal appearances and in newspaper interviews that he was Buckwheat. He said he played in one silent and five talkies. He said he is unable to prove his claim because all of his personal papers were destroyed in a fire in 1959...(Stymie) Beard, who preceded Thomas in the series, said, 'William took my place when I got too tall. I don't know anything about James Frazier. I never heard of him until Jackie Taylor came out with her book.' The only known reference to Frazier playing the role was in Miss Taylor's book, 'The Turned-On Hollywood 7.' Miss Taylor, a former Gang member and hostess of the television showings of the comedy shorts, said she got her information from Frazier. Agent Lee Goren of Talent, Inc., said she saw Frazier's records before they were burned. 'He played two parts, including a little girl in a black dress,' she said. 'What is misunderstood is that there were three or four Buckwheats. Hal Roach never really kept any records."

1978

Rascal Dazzle (archival): 1978 - King World/Picture Scores - 93 min. - documentary feature; ©1978. Seems to have debuted on TV, followed by a theatrical release in late 1979. Includes footage from "For Pete's Sake!" "Shrimps For A Day," "Beginner's Luck," "Sprucin' Up," "The Lucky Corner," "Divot Diggers," "Second Childhood," "Bored Of Education," "Two Too Young," "Spooky Hooky," "Reunion In Rhythm," "Hearts Are Thumps," "Rushin' Ballet," "Roamin' Holiday," "Framing Youth," "The Pigskin Palooka," "Mail And Female," "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Bear Facts" and "Three Men In A Tub."

1979

On June 15th of this year, the Associated Press, on reporting the death of Darla Hood, carried this quote from Bill: "I hate to hear it. It's a shock. She was an awful nice person, a fine woman. We got along real good as kids." He said that he had occasionally talked with Darla on the phone in recent years.
On August 12th, Home News of New Brunswick, NJ, reported that Bill was currently working as a film technician at KTLA in Los Angeles.

1980

Late in life, Bill worked at Deluxe General.
During this year, Bill attended a film convention in Hollywood. It was here that he met Leonard Maltin and Richard Bann, authors of the Our Gang book of 1977.
Also during this year, Bill met with Richard Lamparski, which resulted in a chapter in Lamparski's next edition of the Whatever Became Of...? book series.
Bill 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. Tommy Bond's son, Butch, shot some footage of Buckwheat that made it into the 1984 documentary "Inside The Clubhouse."
On September 27th, Bill, along with Richard Lamparski and Iris Adrian, made an appearance at the Card Factory in West Hollywood, where the three autographed Lamparski's Hello From Hollywood postcards.
On October 11th, the Associated Press reported on Bill Thomas's death and included the following quote from James Frazier, still obviously unwilling to change his tune: "We looked like twin brothers when we was growing up. He was always a nice guy. We didn't fall in love or nothing, but I'm very sorry to hear that he is dead. Now there is only 'Spanky' and myself out of the original guys. I played in six episodes of it and he (Thomas) played the rest."

1981

On August 26th of this year, The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg, SC, carried an ad for East End Motor Co., showing a photo of George Jackson purchasing a car. So he apparently was willing to cash in on the hoax.
On October 10th, one year to the day after Bill Thomas's death, Eddie Murphy debuted his Buckwheat impersonation on "Saturday Night Live," in a parody TV commercial called "Buh-Weet Sings." Later, Bill Jr., wrote in his 2010 book: "I wasn't enamored of the portrayal, at first. I thought he was showing my father as an ignorant idiot who couldn't say anything right, so I wrote him an angry letter, though he didn't respond directly." He goes on to relate a letter from NBC executive Dick Ebersol, who wrote: "The sketch was absolutely not meant either to racially stereotype the speech patterns of black Americans or to attack your father." Eventually, Bill Jr., felt differently: "I came to accept that after a while, and I just enjoy the brilliance of a character spoof."
On November 7th, Eddie Murphy did a brief Buckwheat impression on "Saturday Night Live" for guest host Lauren Hutton.
On December 5th, Eddie Murphy played Buckwheat again on "Saturday Night Live," this time as a guest on a fictitious talk show called "Mick!" in which Tim Curry impersonates Mick Jagger.

1982

On January 30th of this year, Eddie Murphy impersonated Buckwheat again on "Saturday Night Live," this time on a fictitious show called "The Uncle Tom Show," in which Joe Piscopo impersonated Tom Snyder.
On March 20th, Eddie Murphy was featured in a "Saturday Night Live" skit called "Buh-weet And De Dupreems."
During this year, the eighth edition of Richard Lamparski's Whatever Became Of... book series was released. Among the various articles contained within the book was an updated one on Bill "Buckwheat" Thomas.
On September 5th, an animated TV series called "The Little Rascals" debuted, and continued for roughly the next year. Buckwheat was voiced by Shavar Ross.
On October 28th, Anita Richterman in Newsday (NY) mentioned that there were several Buckwheats, including Frederick Hanneman, who died one week before Bill Thomas at the age of 66, in Santa Barbara.
On November 13th, "Saturday Night Live" staged a Little Rascals reunion with guest host Robert Blake, and of course, Eddie Murphy impersonating Buckwheat.

Hollywood: The Gift Of Laughter (archival): May 16, 1982 - Wolper/Haley/MPA/ABC - 135 min. - TV movie; Includes footage from "Hearts Are Thumps."

1983

On January 22nd of this year, the cast members of "Saturday Night Live" decided to start doing Eddie Murphy's characters in the hopes of becoming as popular as he was. Gary Kroeger impersonated Buckwheat.
On March 12th and 19th, "Saturday Night Live" featured a two-part skit involving the death of Buckwheat. This was done at Eddie Murphy's request, since he had grown tired of people asking him to "do Buckwheat." In the first episode, Murphy impersonates Buckwheat in a parody of a Calvin Klein commercial. Later, Ted Koppel (played by Joe Piscopo) reports on the shooting death of Buckwheat. The second episode continues with the news coverage. In a Mar. 17, 2000, Philadelphia Daily News article about comedy writer Barry Blaustein, it was reported: "Barry cites the death of Buckwheat as his favorite, recalling an eerie occurrence the skit evoked. A few weeks after it aired, the show received a letter from the son of the original Buckwheat, Billie Thomas. The letter described how on the first anniversary of his father's actual passing he went to visit the grave and reminisce. Then he wrote how he had to come home and watch Eddie Murphy doing the skit on the show, adding, 'And don't tell me that's just a coincidence.' " This was not quite accurate, though, since the initial Buckwheat sketch was aired on the anniversary of Bill Thomas's death, not the one about Buckwheat's death.
On April 9th, Murphy impersonated Buckwheat again on "Saturday Night Live," using pre-filmed material showing Buckwheat as an abusive, demanding celebrity. This was all part of a parody of "The David Susskind Show" (featuring Susskind as himself). Later, he interviews three men who make their living as Buckwheat impersonators. These are played by Tim Kazurinsky, Gary Kroeger and Murphy. Also included is a fake ad for the Enquirer, which also addresses the Buckwheat story. This last bit was recycled for the May 14th show.
On October 22nd, Eddie Murphy impersonated Buckwheat again on "Saturday Night Live," this time in a sketch called "The Village Of The Damned Little Rascals."

1984

On January 14th of this year, Eddie Murphy impersonated Buckwheat again on "Saturday Night Live," this time as Buckwheat's ghost, who gives assistance to Alfalfa, who's being pressured into writing a tell-all book.
In March, Bill Jr. attended the fiftieth birthday party of California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, whose birthday was on the 20th. The party was also to celebrate the passage of Bill 991, otherwise known as the California Celebrity Rights Bill. This new law meant that Bill Jr. could control the use of his father's image and for him to receive royalties for the use of that image.
In a Daily News article published this year, James Frazier altered his story slightly, saying that he worked in the series from 1926 to 1933, playing Buckwheat in 16 of the films, and earning $250 a week, tax-free. Recasting for the part took place when Frazier came down with pneumonia.
During this year, TV ads for Jell-O Gelatin Pops featured a group of kids playing the Little Rascals, including one playing Buckwheat.
On December 14th, Eddie Murphy, no longer a regular castmember, returned to "Saturday Night Live" to guest host. He again impersonates Buckwheat in a sketch where it's revealed that he had faked his own death.

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (interview appearance/archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "For Pete's Sake!" "Mama's Little Pirate," "Teacher's Beau," "Sprucin' Up," "Little Sinner," "Bored Of Education," "Two Too Young," "Spooky Hooky," "Glove Taps," "Hearts Are Thumps," "Rushin' Ballet," "Night 'N' Gales," "Framing Youth," "The Pigskin Palooka," "Mail And Female," "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," "Canned Fishing," "Three Men In A Tub," "The Little Ranger," "The Big Premiere," "Kiddie Kure," "Ye Olde Minstrels," "Tale Of A Dog" and 1980 footage from Our Gang reunion.
Alfalfa Lives! An Our Gang Spectacular (archival): May 13, 1984 - 120 min. - TV special
Going Hollywood: The '30s (archival): 1984 - Castle Hill - 76 min. - TV documentary

1986

On January 25th of this year, Bill Jr. attended the Our Gang reunion organized by Sid Kibrick at his Desert Shadows R.V. Resort in Cathedral City, CA.
The January 29th issue of Variety reported that William V. Thomas (Buckwheat's son), along with Spanky McFarland and Sid Kibrick, were suing Hanna-Barbera for using their likenesses in the recent cartoon series, The Little Rascals.
Near the end of the year, "The Buckwheat 1987 Calendar" was published by King World and Golden-Lee Distributors.

Classic Comedy Teams (archival): 1986 - Bergamn-Harris/Movietime/GoodTimes - 108 min. - video; Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."

1987

During this year, a stage musical entitled "The Little Rascals" debuted, with Buckwheat played by Eric Michael Hailey.
Near the end of this year, "O-Tay!!" the 1988 Buckwheat calendar was published by King World Merchandisingj.

1988

Hollywood Scandals And Tragedies (use of photo): 1988 - Gorgon - 87 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."

1989

On July 22nd of this year, The State of Columbia, SC, reported on George Jackson, who was still claiming he was one of four child actors that played Buckwheat. He was currently living in a trailer in nearby Johnston. "Word of Buckwheat's living in Johnston has spread. Saluda and York have tried to recruit him to ride in parades and an old map of Johnston even features his picture. Jackson has used his fame to preach against drugs and cigarettes at local schools, and newspapers in Edgefield and Augusta have written about the stroke of fate that brought him to the serenity of South Carolina peach country...Jackson is thinking about opening a car wash in Johnston and calling it 'Buckwheat's Auto.'...His blue Lincoln Continental has the letters BUCKW on the driver's side door, some of the flash from his days operating limos in New York...An orphan, he was discovered in St. Matthews by a talent scout when he was 1½ and whisked off to Southern California. He appeared in films before he could read and write and played Buckwheat until he was 8. He also played Farina, an 'Our Gang' character who, like Buckwheat, was named for a breakfast cereal. Jackson's best movie was 'the one when we broke into the school house and everybody hid and got in the closet.'...Jackson says he played Buckwheat in the late 1920s and in the '30s, right before Billie 'Buckwheat' Thomas, the most famous Buckwheat. Jackson (said) that he was a boyhood friend of Porky, another 'Our Gang' character."

1990

On October 5th, the ABC newsmagazine series "20/20" ran a piece on Bill English, who erroneously claimed to be Buckwheat.
On October 7th, the Associated Press reported the following: "The executive producer of ABC's '20-20' acknowledged Saturday (Oct. 6th) that the television show was duped by an imposter claiming to be Buckwheat from the classic 'Our Gang' comedies...On '20-20' Friday night, Hugh Downs narrated a segment in which the series claimed to have found Buckwheat working as a grocery bagger in Tempe, Ariz. The imposter, Bill English, said he had changed his last name from Thomas and refused to sign autographs because it would interfere with his work. '20-20' spokesman Maurie Perl said Saturday that Thomas' obituaries proved English was a fake and the show would apologize during its next broadcast Friday. '(Executive producer Victor Neufeld) feels indeed there was a lapse in the research done by the production team and we may very well have made a mistake,' Perl said. 'Obviously we are upset and dismayed with the mistake.' Thomas' friends and family said they were angry the imposter received a national television audience. 'I just can't believe '20-30' didn't investigate this better. I'm somewhat dumbfounded by the whole thing,' Bill Thomas (Jr.) said Saturday. 'We did not mean to cause any pain or unpleasantness for any of Buckwheat's family or friends,' Perl said. 'With regard to the production team, obviously they will be reprimanded and that will be handled internally.' Thomas, who runs Buckwheat Enterprises and makes a living licensing the character, said imposters threaten his business. He has filed several lawsuits to protect the name."
Also on October 7th, The Arizona Republic of Phoenix expanded on the AP story. Bill "Doc" English had this to say: "I've nothing to hide. I've always been Buckwheat. I've never advertised it. I know who I played; I know who I am. I'm not afraid to face the public, because I'm telling the truth. I wouldn't go through this if I was lying." Elsewhere in the article: "English said that he can't remember much from the 'Our Gang' era and that he cannot produce a birth certificate because all of the records were lost 'years ago' when his mother died. He said he changed his name in 1978 and called the elder Thomas an imposter. 'I don't know that guy; maybe he is the imposter,' English said. He added that when the short subjects were being filmed, everyone had a stand-in, and that perhaps Thomas was his stand-in. English said that (Spanky) McFarland knows he is the real Buckwheat but is bitter because he would not go along with McFarland in a business deal. 'Spanky is mad because he tried to get money for our shirts and stuff, and I told him we couldn't do it - we didn't have a union in those days,' English said."
A little later in October, Bill Jr. appeared on "A Current Affair," along with Spanky McFarland and Bill English. Thomas and McFarland refuted English's claim, and English stuck to his story.
On October 20th, The News Journal of Wilmington, DE, reported the following: "'20/20' has fired the producer of the 'Wrong Way Corrigan' segment, an 'exclusive' interview with a man claiming to be Buckwheat on 'Our Gang.' Lynn Murray, a veteran staffer on the show, resigned under pressure after it turned up that the real Buckwheat, William Thomas, died 10 years ago."

To Tell The Truth episode: Bill Thomas Junior/Jamie White (archival): late 1990 - Goodson/NBC - 30 min. - TV episode; Buckwheat's son appeared on this episode, with archival footage of Buckwheat.

1991

During this year, Bill Jr. established the Buckwheat Memorial Scholarship at California State University, Northridge. This was an annual scholarship for students studying theater.
On December 18th, the Associated Press reported the following' "ABC was negligent in getting duped by a grocery bagger who claimed on the news program '20-20' that he portrayed Buckwheat, said a lawsuit filed by the son of the real 'Our Gang' actor. Capital Cities-ABC Inc. and its Dallas affiliate, WFAA-TV, have until Dec. 26 to answer the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Denver by William V. Thomas, Jr...(Thomas) fild the lawsuit in October, saying he suffered emotional damages, loss of employment opportunities, embarrassment and humiliation as a result of the show. The lawsuit said ABC and WFAA failed to verify the information presented by English, even though George McFarland, who played Spanky in the 'Our Gang' series, told officials prior to the broadcast that Thomas had died."

1992

On April 2nd of this year, The Charlotte Observer (NC) reported the following: "William Thomas Jr. - son of William Thomas, who played Buckwheat in the 'Our Gang' and 'Little Rascals' movies - objects to singer Garland Jeffreys' calling his new album and title song 'Don't Call Me Buckwheat.' 'I'm proud of my father,' Thomas said. 'I wonder when (Jeffreys) dies, will anyone remember who he was? My father has been dead 11 years now, and everyone remembers him...Don't promote your disc on my father's name. The song is really stupid.' "
On November 8th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Rhodes scholars are prestigious. Fulbright scholars are admired the world over. But the honor recently bestowed on Cynthia Crass, a graduate theater student at Cal State Northridge, is in a class all by itself. 'I'm the first-ever Buckwheat scholar,' said Crass, the recipient of a new scholarship established by the son of the black actor who as a child played the big-eyed, grinning Buckwheat character in the Our Gang comedies of the 1930s. Crass, 32, who is white, admits that on the surfact at least she has little in common with the gingham-clad youngster for whom the Buckwheat Memorial Scholarship is named. To many people, Buckwheat symbolizes Hollywood's stereotypical portrayals of African-Americans. So Crass - who was selected on the basis of her academic standing and financial need - was not surprised when the taunts began. 'Among the theater students, everyone was asking if I was going to be wearing my hair in dreadlocks and saying, O-tay,' she said, repeating the phrase that another Our Gang character, Porky, often said to Buckwheat. 'It's a stereotypical character. There's no getting around it...It's sad, but just because of what that name brings to mind, it becomes a joke.'
"It is not a joke to Bill Thomas Jr., a Cal State Northridge alumnus whose late father Bill Thomas Sr., portrayed Buckwheat in 93 Our Gang comedies. He knows that some people are offended by the Buckwheat character. He knows many people will make fun. But for the young Thomas, whose father stopped acting after his Buckwheat years were over, memories of the man are intertwined with memories of the character he played. Sure, said the son, he could have named the scholarship after his father's given name. 'But if I had named it the Bill Thomas Memorial Scholarship, it wouldn't have had the flair or the notoriety,' he said. 'Bill Thomas - who the hell is that?' "

1993

Mo' Funny: Black Comedy In America (archival): Feb. 9, 1993 - HBO - 90 min. - TV documentary
The Joan Rivers Show episode (use of photo): Feb. 23, 1993 - PGHM/Tribune - 60 min. - TV episode; Syndicated program.

1994

On April 16th of this year, an episode of the animated TV series "Duckman" called "Ride The High School" was aired. In it, Duckman encounters two gangs, one of which is the Jets from "West Side Story," and the other of which is Our Gang, with Buckwheat among them.
On August 5th, a feature film called "The Little Rascals" was released, with Buckwheat played by Ross Bagley.

Hal Roach: Hollywood's King Of Laughter (appearance/archival): Apr. 7, 1994 - RHI/Disney Channel - 49 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Our Gang Follies Of 1938."
The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "Shrimps For A Day," "Beginner's Luck," "Our Gang Follies Of 1936," "The Pinch Singer," "Fox Movietone News," "Reunion In Rhythm," both "News Of The Day" clips and "Waldo's Last Stand."

1995

On September 24th, an episode of "The Simpsons" called "Radioactive Man" was aired. Contained within it was a parody of the Little Rascals, with Buckwheat among them.

1996

On February 21st of this year, the WB network aired an episode of "The Parent 'Hood" called "I'm O'Tay, Your O-Tay," in which 8-year-old Nicholas portrayed Buckwheat at a school assembly in which kids are supposed to portray significant African-Americans during Black History Month.

1999

Laugh? I Thought I'd Die! (archival): 1999 - Reader's Digest - 112 min. - video; Includes footage from "Hearts Are Thumps."

2002

On February 5th of this year, a children's novel by Dav Pilkey called The Adventures Of Super Diaper Baby was published. This was a spin-off of Pilkey's popular "Captain Underpants" series of novels. Included in the cast of characters for the new novels are the two main characters of the series, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, named after Stymie and Wheezer of the Our Gang films. Super Diaper Baby's real name is Billy Hoskins, a reference to Farina. In this novel, it's also revealed that George owns two cats, named Porky and Buckwheat.

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (archival): Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Alfalfa's Aunt" and "Clown Princes."
8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (archival): Mar. 10, 2002 - Margolis-SAG/TNT - 120 min. - TV special
E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (archival): Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary

2004

TV In Black: The First Fifty Years (archival): Jan. 20, 2004 - Multicom-Passport/Koch - 100 min. - video documentary

2007

On May 22nd of this year, a feature film called "Mister Lonely" premiered. The cast was made up of people doing celebrity impersonations, including Michael-Joel Stuart as Buckwheat.

2014

On March 25, a feature film called "The Little Rascals Save The Day" was released, with Buckwheat played by Isaish "Zay Zay" Fredericks.

Hollywoods Spaßfabrik - Als die Bilder Lachen lernten (archival): May 29, 2014 - Exit Film-und Fernsehproduktion-ZDF/ARTE - 90 min. - TV documentary; Also released in English as Hal Roach - The Lot Of Fun: Where The Movies Learned To Laugh. Includes footage from "Sprucin' Up."

2017

Cinecittà Babilonia: Sex, Drugs And Black Shirts (archival): June 14, 2017 - Istituto Luce Cinecittà - 72 min. - documentary feature; Made in Italy.

2019

On December 21st of this year, Eddie Murphy returned to guest host "Saturday Night Live," and again impersonated Buckwheat, this time in a Masked Singer skit.

Buckwheat Thomas's payroll history

The following is a list of most of Buckwheat's history at the Roach studio, with the amounts he was making from week to week. The dates given are Saturdays, the last day of each week at the studio. The only exceptions would be Saturdays that were also holidays, in which case the Friday date is used for those weeks.

Feb. 24, 1934 - 15.00 charged to prod. G20 (For Pete's Sake!)
Starting as a day player, Billie made $7.50 per day on Feb. 23rd and 24th.
Mar. 3, 1934 - 15.00 charged to prod. G20
Billie made two checks for $7.50 during this week, specifically on Feb. 26th and 28th.

After this, it would be three weeks before Billie returned to the studio.

Mar. 24, 1934 - 7.50 charged to prod. G21 (The First Round-Up)
Still a day player, Billie was given a check for $7.50 on Mar. 19th, his only day of shooting for this film.

After this, it would be six and a half months before Billie returned to the studio.

Oct. 6, 1934 - 15.00 charged to prod. G24 (Washee Ironee)
Still a day player, Billie made $7.50 per day on Oct. 1st and 2nd.

After this, it would be nearly a month and a half before Billie returned to the studio.

Nov. 17, 1934 - 22.50 charged to prod. G25 (Mama's Little Pirate)
At this point, Billie was given the role of Buckwheat, which essentially became his professional nickname for the remainder of the series. He was still a day player at the moment, though, making $7.50 per day on Nov. 15th, 16th and 17th.
Nov. 24, 1934 - 37.50 charged to prod. G25
Buckwheat was given $7.50 per day for five consecutive days, from Nov. 19th to Nov. 23rd.

After this, it would be about three weeks before Buckwheat returned to the studio.

Dec. 15, 1934 - 6.67 charged to prod. G26 (Shrimps For A Day)
Buckwheat was put until longterm contract at this time, effective starting on Dec. 15th.
Dec. 22, 1934 - 40.00 charged to prod. G26
Dec. 29, 1934 - 10.00 charged to prod. G26
Jan. 5, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G26
Jan. 12, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G27 (Anniversary Trouble)
Jan. 19, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G27
Jan. 26, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G27
Feb. 2, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G27
Feb. 9, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G28 (Beginner's Luck)
Feb. 16, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G28
Feb. 23, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 2, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 9, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G28
Mar. 16, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G29 (Teacher's Beau)
Mar. 23, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G29
Mar. 30, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G29
Apr. 6, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G30 (Sprucin' Up)
Apr. 13, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G30
Apr. 20, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G30
Apr. 27, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G30
May 4, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G31 (The Lucky Corner)
May 11, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G30
May 18, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G31
May 25, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G31
June 1, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32 (Little Papa)
June 8, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G32
June 15, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G32
June 22, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32
June 29, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G32
July 6, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33 (Little Sinner)
July 13, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G33
July 20, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G33
July 27, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33
Aug. 3, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33
Aug. 10, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G33
Aug. 17, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34 (Our Gang Follies Of 1936)
Aug. 24, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Aug. 31, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 7, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 14, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 21, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Sep. 28, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Oct. 5, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Oct. 12, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G34
Oct. 19, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G35 (Divot Diggers)
Oct. 26, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G35
Nov. 2, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G35
Nov. 9, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G35
Nov. 16, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. F9 (Three On A Bench)
This film was shelved after only a few days of filming, and the production number was later repurposed for "Mr. Cinderella."
Nov. 23, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G35
Nov. 30, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G35
Dec. 7, 1935 - 10.00 charged to prod. G35
Dec. 14, 1935 - 40.00 charged to prod. G36 (The Pinch Singer)
Dec. 21, 1935 - 40.00 - 20.00 charged to prod. G35, 20.00 charged to prod. G36
Dec. 28, 1935 - 26.67 charged to prod. G36

The last time I researched the payroll ledgers, I was going through the 1936 ledger, which starts at the end of the year and works its way back. Unfortunately, time was up on my last day before I got to the beginning weeks of the year, so for the time being, they are missing from this list. It was during this time that Second Childhood was filmed.

Feb. 15, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. G38 (Arbor Day)
Feb. 22, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. G38
Feb. 29, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 7, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 14, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 21, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. G38
Mar. 28, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. G39
This production number was in anticipation of the next film, but the numbering system was changed before it was made. G39 was eventually used as the production number of "Our Gang Follies Of 1938," but this was a year and a half later.
Apr. 4, 1936 - 10.00 charged to Gang Tour
Apr. 11, 1936 - 60.00 charged to Gang Tour
Apr. 18, 1936 - 60.00 charged to Gang Tour
Apr. 25, 1936 - 60.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 2, 1936 - 60.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 9, 1936 - 60.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 16, 1936 - 10.00 charged to Gang Tour
May 23, 1936 - 10.00 charged to studio overhead
May 30, 1936 - 10.00 charged to studio overhead
June 6, 1936 - 10.00 charged to studio overhead
June 13, 1936 - 10.00 charged to studio overhead
June 20, 1936 - 10.00 charged to studio overhead
June 27, 1936 - 10.00 charged to studio overhead
July 4, 1936 - 10.00 charged to studio overhead
July 11, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K1 (Bored Of Education)
July 18, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. K1
July 25, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12 (General Spanky)
Aug. 1, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 8, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 15, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 22, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12
Aug. 29, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12
Sep. 5, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12
Sep. 12, 1936 - 60.00 - 10.00 charged to prod. F12, 50.00 charged to prod. K2 (Two Too Young)
Sep. 19, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. F12
Sep. 26, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K2
Oct. 3, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K3 (Pay As You Exit)
Oct. 10, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K3
Oct. 17, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. K3
Oct. 24, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. K3
Oct. 31, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K3
Nov. 7, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K4 (Spooky Hooky)
Nov. 14, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. K4
Nov. 21, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. K4
Nov. 28, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K4
Dec. 5, 1936 - 10.00 charged to prod. K4
Dec. 12, 1936 - 60.00 charged to prod. K5 (Reunion In Rhythm)
Dec. 19, 1936 - 70.00 charged to prod. K5
Buckwheat's rate was raised from $60 to $80 halfway through this week, resulting in $70.

As of the present time, I haven't had a chance to research the ledgers subsequent to 1936, so this list ends here.

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