Alfalfa The Little Rascals

Photograph of a young boy's head and neck, wearing a black bowtie with dark hair and dark eyes on a white background

Alfalfa was one of the “Little Rascals” who appeared in the television show called Our Gang, about a group of poor neighborhood kids and the adventures they had. Though “Spanky” was originally the star, Alfalfa quickly gained popularity with his trademark cowlick and off-key singing of Bing Crosby songs. Alfalfa was played by Carl Dean Switzer, an experienced singer and musician, who won the role by singing in the Our Gang Cafe at Hal Roach Studios after being denied an audition in the studio itself. As an adult, Switzer had a few roles in B-movies, but mostly made a living as a dog breeder and experienced hunting guide for the stars. In 1959, at the age of 31, Switzer died of a gunshot wound after getting in a dispute over money with an acquaintance.