Harold Switzer

Harold Frederick Switzer (January 16, 1925 – April 14, 1967) was an American child actor, most notable for appearing in the Our Gang short subjects series as an extra. He was the older brother of gang member Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, one of the series' most popular and best-remembered characters.[1]

Harold "Slim" Switzer
Harold with his brother Carl
Born
Harold Frederick Switzer

(1925-01-16)January 16, 1925
Paris, Illinois, U.S.
DiedApril 14, 1967(1967-04-14) (aged 42)
Glendale, California, U.S.
Cause of deathSuicide
Other namesSlim
Deadpan
Occupationchild actor
Years active1935-1967
Spouse(s)Beverly Osso
(m. 1950; div. 1956)
Children4
FamilyCarl "Alfalfa" Switzer (brother)

Early life and family

Switzer was born in Paris, Illinois, the first son of George Frederick and Gladys C. Shanks Switzer. He and younger brother, Carl, became famous around their hometown for their musical talent and performances; both sang and played a number of instruments.

Our Gang

The Switzers took a trip to California in 1934 to visit with family members. While sightseeing they eventually wound up at Hal Roach Studios. Following a public tour of the facility, 8-year-old Harold and 6-year-old Carl entered into the Hal Roach Studio's public cafeteria, the Our Gang Café, and began an impromptu performance. Producer Hal Roach was present at the commissary that day and was impressed by the performance. He signed both Switzers to appear in Our Gang. Harold was given two nicknames, "Slim" and "Deadpan," and Carl was dubbed "Alfalfa."[2]

The Switzer brothers first appeared in the 1935 Our Gang short, Beginner's Luck. Harold played the mandolin, while both brothers sang She'll Be Comin' 'Round The Mountain. By the end of the year, Carl was one of the main characters in the series, while Harold had more or less been relegated to the role of a background player. Both Carl and Harold outgrew the series by 1940, with Slim's last appearance in The New Pupil.

Adult years and death

Harold Switzer did not pursue an on-screen career after leaving the Our Gang series, and his Our Gang appearances would remain his only film credits.

Though not saddled with the same problems his younger brother was faced with due to being typecast as a "child star," Harold had his own problems. For several years, he operated a Speed Queen Company franchise, installing and servicing washers and dryers.[2] In 1967, after killing a customer over a dispute, Switzer drove himself to a remote area near Glendale, California and committed suicide. He was 42.[2]

Harold "Slim" Switzer is interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California, next to his father, George Frederick Switzer. Carl is on the other side of their father.

Personal life

Switzer was married to Beverly Osso for more than 10 years. They had three children: Judith Ann, Tony Frederick and Teddy Berton. Switzer also fathered a child, Gladys, with Rose Lavon.[3]

Filmography
  • Beginner's Luck
  • Teacher's Beau
  • Sprucin' Up
  • The Lucky Corner
  • Our Gang Follies Of 1936
  • Divot Diggers
  • The Pinch Singer
  • Second Childhood
  • Arbor Day
  • Bored Of Education
  • Two Too Young
  • Pay As You Exit
  • General Spanky
  • Glove Taps
  • Rushin' Ballet
  • Fishy Tales
  • Framing Youth
  • The Pigskin Palooka
  • Mail And Female
  • Our Gang Follies Of 1938
  • Three Men In A Tub
  • Came The Brawn
  • The Little Ranger
  • Party Fever
  • Aladdin's Lantern
  • Clown Princes
  • Cousin Wilbur
  • Time Out For Lessons
  • The Big Premiere
  • The New Pupil

References
  1. gideonseniors1959.com
  2. Maltin, Leonard and Bann, Richard W. (1977, rev. 1992). The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang, p. 268-271. New York: Crown Publishing/Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0-517-58325-9
  3. imdb.com
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