Billy ‘Froggy’ Laughlin was an American actor best known for his role as Froggy in the Our Gang series. He was born on July 5, 1932, in San Gabriel, California, and tragically died at a young age on August 31, 1948, in La Puente, California, due to a road accident.
Personal and Family Life
Billy was the son of Robert Vine Laughlin and Charlotte Clayton Laughlin. He had two siblings, Mickey and Claude Thomas Laughlin. He did not have any children and was never married. His mother enrolled him in drama classes to help him overcome his shyness, which ultimately helped him develop the gravelly voice that became his signature trademark as Froggy.
Career
Billy Laughlin’s career began when an MGM talent scout recognized his unique voice. After joining the Our Gang series, he quickly gained popularity. Despite his success, he decided not to pursue a further acting career after the show ended, preferring to live a normal life as a teenager.
Death and Legacy
Billy Laughlin passed away in a tragic motor scooter accident at the age of 16. He was riding with a friend when their scooter collided with a truck. He died about six hours later in the hospital, making him the youngest former Little Rascal to die. He is buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Robot Wrecks | 1941-07-12 | Froggy |
| Come Back, Miss Pipps | 1941-10-24 | Froggy |
| Melodies Old and New | 1942-01-24 | Froggy |
| Family Troubles | 1943-04-03 | Froggy (as Our Gang) |
| Don’t Lie | 1942-04-04 | Froggy |
| Waldo’s Last Stand | 1940-10-05 | Froggy |
| Unexpected Riches | 1942-11-28 | Froggy |
| Fightin’ Fools | 1941-02-25 | Froggy |
| Election Daze | 1943-07-31 | Froggy |
| Little Miss Pinkerton | 1943-09-18 | Froggy |
| The New Pupil | 1940-04-27 | |
| Baby Blues | 1941-02-15 | |
| Ye Olde Minstrels | 1941-03-18 | |
| Surprised Parties | 1942-05-30 | Froggy |
| Doin’ Their Bit | 1942-07-18 | Froggy |
| Rover’s Big Chance | 1942-08-22 | Froggy |
| Benjamin Franklin, Jr. | 1943-01-30 | Froggy |
| Dancing Romeo | 1944-04-29 | Froggy |
| Tale of a Dog | 1944-04-15 | Froggy Laughlin |
| Kiddie Kure | 1940-11-23 | Froggy |
| 1-2-3-Go! | 1941-04-26 | Froggy |
| Three Smart Guys | 1943-10-23 | Billy ‘Froggy’ |
| Wedding Worries | 1941-12-13 | Froggy (uncredited) |
| Going to Press | 1942-03-07 | Froggy |
| Mighty Lak a Goat | 1942-10-10 | Froggy |
| Helping Hands | 1941-09-29 | Froggy |
| Radio Bugs | 1944-04-01 | Froggy |
| Calling All Kids | 1943-04-24 | Froggy |
| Our Gang – Comedy Festival | 2001-05-15 | Froggy |
| Johnny Doesn’t Live Here Anymore | 1944-07-07 | Jerry Malone |