His life was cut short during a justifiable homicide episode, and three kids witnessed the tragedy. The deadly argument was witnessed by three children and their mother, one Mrs. Rita Jane Corrigan. Cason, Colleen. Switzer looked down and saw blood all over his clothes. Switzer was complaining to Corrigan that her husband owed him $35 for the reward. After Our Gang, Switzer found small roles in movies and on television, but his most successful days in Hollywood were behind him. Advertisement In the history of celebrity murder stories, one case that confounded many is the death of actor Carl Switzer. 'The Little Rascals': Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer Was the Target of a HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. Thanks for your time! Sadly it was young Tommy Corrigan whod been hit. He believes that was the only reason that Stiltz didnt follow through on his threat. Thats when he heard the unmistakable sound of a car backfiring. A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: HAROLD SWITZER: ALFALFA'S BROTHER - Blogger (TheLos Angeles Times claims that it was Stiltz who offered the reward.) Switzer's last starring roles were in a brief series of imitation Bowery Boys films. Or something more sinister? Following a public tour, 8-year-old Harold and 6-year-old Carl entered the Hal Roach Studio's open-to-the-public cafeteria, the Our Gang Caf, and began an impromptu performance. There was the sickening sound of shrapnel entering flesheveryone froze. Tommy saw that his stepfather was operating on automatic; he didnt seem to have the ability to think. While in Switzer's possession, the dog ran off, to chase after a bear. [2], In early 1954, Switzer went on a blind date with Diantha Collingwood (19302004), also known as Dian or Diana. My mom never told me how her best friend died. [9], Corrigan was never called to testify at the coroner's inquest, and Stiltz testified in his own favor. Producer Hal Roach was present and was impressed. "Pretty Prairie's 'Rascal':Carl Switzer, best known as Alfalfa on and off the "Little Rascals" set, had Kansas connection", "The Life and Death of Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer,", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carl_%22Alfalfa%22_Switzer&oldid=1162079462, Episode: "George Gets Call from Unknown Victor", This page was last edited on 26 June 2023, at 21:53. Carl Switzer has one of the most recognizable faces in America. A few days later, Switzer got to talking with a buddy, Jack Piott. Switzer's 3 Children Remain His Top Fans - The Oklahoman To make sure audiencesand producersforgot all about Alfalfa, Switzer did two things. The rescuer was rewarded with $35 in cash and $15 in alcoholic beverages, the equivalent of about $450 in 2020. This was something Switzer had done off and on for years. So we had lunch. If you watch the ads closely you may recognize the actor playing Alfalfa. If that wasnt bad enough, 1942s Johnny Doughboy would cement Switzers reputation as a 15-year-old has-been. In an altercation with a customer, he killed the customer in a rage and later that day committed suicide. The only difference was that Cornelius just so happened to be rich. does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. Child actor known for portraying Alfalfa in Our Gang Carl was born in 1927. In 1954, Carl Switzer went on a blind date with Diantha Collingwood, heiress of the grain elevator empire Collingwood Grain. It was a tough time for meand him. DEATH DATE Jan 21, 1959 (age 31) #19461 Most Popular. In The Ten Commandments, Switzer was simply called Hebrew Slave. His final role, however, was in a hugely successful film: The Defiant Ones. These comedic short films followed a group of young, poor children and their many misadventures. Switzer was always looking for ways to prank his co-stars and the one-upmanship, at least on one occasion, had dangerous results. Amidst all the bickering, Switzer just wanted to have fun. Switzer and Piott made their way to Mission Hills, located the house, and stepped up to the door. He married a woman who hed only gone out with for just three months. Gas House Kids Go West (1947), Producers Releasing Corporation. He had been training a hunting dog for Stiltz, but the creature went missing, leaving Switzer to put up a $35 reward for whoever found the dog. Corrigan's mother, Rita Corrigan, opened the door to find a drunk Switzer, complaining about a perceived month-old debt and demanding repayment. Well, there was always television. Carl Dean Switzer was born on August 8, 1927, in Paris, Illinois, to George and Gladys Switzer. He was the first son of his parents, George Frederick and Gladys C. Shanks Switzer. An ambulance came, but Carl Switzer passed even before he got to the hospital. Eventually, the dog was located and brought to the bar where Switzer was working at the time. At a tender age, Switzer started performing along with his brother Harold. Few and far between are the people who got a big break simply by being in the right place at the right time. He was easily recognizable with his unique parted hair-do and distinct preppy style. TV Actor. As well soon see, however, it was this hobby that brought on Switzers early and tragic demise. Just then, Tommy remembers hearing sirens in the distance. 'The Little Rascals' Turns 100: The Joys And Tragedies of Robert Blake UPDATED 7/6/2022Like many of hisLittle Rascalsco-stars, Carl Switzer more popularly known as Alfalfa had a really difficult time transitioning from child star to more adult roles. He was sentenced to one year's probation. Articles with the HISTORY.com Editors byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata. Tommy watched in horror as his stepfather threatened Piott. Ancestry of Carl "Alfalfa" SWI - Genealogy.com He told reporters that his stepfather didnt have to kill Switzer. Alfalfa,. Bond played Butch, who was Alfalfas nemesis on the show. The blast almost hit Stiltzs stepson. Here, he said, this proves I was part of Our Gang. Later on, he got featured in the flicks Rosie the Riveter, Going My Way, The Great Mike and Together Again. When Switzer heard the car backfiring, he also felt something: an intense pain in his right arm. Carl Switzer. More #1 Most Famous Person Stuff #1 Most Famous Leo Find the most famous Leos in the history of the world After quitting the show, Harold did not pursue an acting career. After their performance, Carl was given a lead role while Harold was offered a part but not as prestigious as that of his younger brother. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. Hence, Carl offered a reward of $35 to anyone who found it. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, Henry and Dizzy, There's One Born Every Minute and The War against Mrs. Hadley. By 1956, things werent looking too good for the newlyweds: Collingwood was pregnant and Switzers acting career money was close to running out. During the struggle, a shot was fired into the ceiling and Corrigan was struck in the leg by a fragment. Though differing accounts of the event exist, all agree that Stiltz was struck over the left side of his head with a glass clock. Switzer surveyed the room: Tommy was bleeding and Stiltzs eye was quickly swelling up. Corrigan said they heard emergency sirens as Piott begged for his life, and that he thought this was the only reason Stiltz did not kill Piott. Stiltzs story has Switzer and Piott threatening him before they even got into the house. His short, tragic life was an absolute train wreckbut, as the story unfolds, just try and look away. Harold, realizing that he had committed murder, ran off and took his own life. Carl Switzer (as Alfalfa), Darla Hood and George McFarland (as Spanky) on "The Pinch Singer" | Photo: Getty Images. Switzer returned the dog to Stiltz: problem solved. Corrigan said Switzer entered the house first, followed by Jack Piott. The date was August 8, 1927, and Switzer was one of four children. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Everything had worked out for Carl Switzer thus farbut there was trouble brewing. Switzer had the peace of mind to make a rational decision. Despite not facing Carl's problems due to being a child star, Harold had his own issues. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. In order to pay his fine, Switzer agreed to help a man train his dog. Officers never found a shooter, so we still have no idea who shot Switzer. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Of course, Spankys father also had an interest in the show and wanted his son to retain his position as the shows star. Alfalfa, however, was soon delighting audiences. Stiltz had shot him. Stiltz fired and shot Switzer in the groin, damaging an artery that caused massive internal bleeding. Their musical talent and performances made them popular in their hometown. Well, that depends on who you believe. Actor. The two boys created quite a sensation, singing at auctions and various functions near their parents' farm in Illinois. Born as Carl Dean Switzer, his two-year-older brother Harold started an acting the same day with him, but abandoned the career in 1940. Tom left with his mother and the other children, coming back into the house . Switzer was ordered to pay a $225 fine (more than $2,300 today). Wait, thats two things. He also had a run-in with the law. Switzer and Piott intended to demand money from Stiltz. Both boys had entertained millions as childrenbut their lives had ended tragically. Since Carl's demise, there have been different accounts of his death. Give that Carl said to have one of the only child stars on the set of the Little Rascals that was difficult to get along with. Carl Switzer. In 1956, Switzer had appeared as a slave in Cecille B. The two men were pretty charged up. After his murder in 1959 at 31, Switzer's parents arranged for his grave marker at Hollywood Forever Cemetery to include an etching . In 1959, Carl was cash-strapped and worked as a bartender and dog trainer. Sadly, Switzer met his untimely end in 1959, at age 31. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Like many of his Little Rascals co-stars, Carl Switzer more popularly known as Alfalfa had a really difficult time transitioning from child star to more adult roles. The remaining $15 he gave him in bottles of spirits from the barone of the perks of working there. An Inside Look On The Strange Death Of Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer According to Stiltz, he and Switzer struggled with the firearm when suddenly: BANG, it went off. Switzer's older brother was the child actor Harold Switzer (1925-1967). Little Rascals' Sidney Kibrick Confirms the Rumors About Carl During 1939 and 1940, he reprised his role as Alfalfa in the Gangs shorts Duel Personalities, Clown Princes, Time Out for Lessons, Alfalfa's Double, Good Bad Boys and Goin' Fishin'. Stiltz was unsympathetic towards Switzer, firm in his demands that the former child star must either return his dog or pay him the equivalent of the dog's value. The eldest brother died in 1922. Paris was the birthplace of American actor Carl Switzerexcept it was the one in Illinois, not France. Rita Corrigans two young daughters were in the room and were clearly distraught. Because of his connection to Hollywood, he had some noteworthy clients. Although Carl was an experienced singer and musician, his character Alfalfa was often called upon to sing off-key renditions of popular songs for comic effect, most often those of Bing Crosby. The problem was, he was starting to stand out more than Our Gangs star. Later that December, Switzer was arrested in Sequoia National Forest for cutting down 15 pine trees he had intended to illegally sell as Christmas trees. In the early 1930s, the Switzer brothers were locally famous in their hometown for their music performances. Switzer had appeared as a slave (uncredited) in the last film for which DeMille was credited as a director, The Ten Commandments. While sightseeing, they went to Hal Roach Studios. When I came through town, he heard about it and called. Carl Switzer was interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California. Years later, Corrigan stood by what he told officers had happened that night, and said his stepfather did not have to kill Switzer.[9]. None of the three were Cowboys fans growing up. Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark historyor the chilling secret shared by her and Louis. McFarlane, like Switzer, was also struggling after being a child star. Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer - Hollywood Forever Carl Switzer (Alfalfa) (Everett Collection) BORN: August 7, 1927 in Paris, Illinois. However, records show he operated a Speed Queen Company franchise, installing and servicing dryers and washers. When MacFarlane sat down, the fish hooks dug into his backside. Around the same time, the revolver fired. The horrible truth dawned on Switzer: hed lost a dear and valuable pet. As Calisphere reports, a coroner's jury cleared Stiltz of any wrongdoing. However, one of the most memorable of those child performers has proved to be Darla Hood. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. But then, when the trial began, something alarming happenedor actually didnt happen: Corrigan was never asked to testify. Their exploits made their parents exceedingly proud. McFarlane probably meant Switzers life on the farm. They thought it wasnt right that Switzer had to pay the reward. So he married Diane Collingwood. He made money working odd jobs, including stints as a hunting guide and bartender, and had several run-ins with the police. Aug 29, 2021 12:00 P.M. Carl Alfalfa Switzer, the child star actor, Alfalfa in "Our Gang" did not live until his old age. There was another version of what happened between Switzer and Stiltz that night that came from an eyewitness: Stiltzs 14-year-old stepson, Tommy Corrigan. In Bond's words, he and Switzer became good friends because "neither of us could replace the others". Wait, that's two things. Again, Switzers role was small, but the film garnered a number of Academy Award nominations. Birthday August 7, 1927. Fast forward 42 years. It's a problem that's plagued young performers since pretty much the advent of movies, but Carl would try to make the best of the hand he was dealt though it would all ultimately have a tragic end . Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. Sharon Tate (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty) The murder of Valley of the Dolls actress Sharon Tate is tied up in one of America's most nefarious crimes, the Manson Family Murders. After this, he had supporting roles in the movies Johnny Doughboy, Mrs. After all, he was one of the most recognized child actors in America. Sep 04, 2021 09:50 A.M. Harold and Carl Switzer were not just siblings. Heiress of the grain elevator empire Collingwood Grain, Inc. and first wife of murdered Our Gang actor Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer who met and married the troubled child star on a blind date in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954 and became the mother of his only known son Justin Lance Collingwood-Switzer, but the marriage lasted less than two years, ending in divorce in 1956.