Bobby ‘Wheezer’ Hutchins was an American actor known for his roles in “Our Gang” shorts, including “Mush and Milk,” and various other films of the silent and early talkies era. He became well-known for his energetic performances, earning the nickname “Wheezer” due to his hyperactivity.
Personal and Family Life
Bobby Hutchins was born Robert Eugene Hutchins on March 29, 1925, in Tacoma, Washington. He was raised in a strict household by his father, James Hutchins, and mother, Olga. Bobby’s father had ambitions for him to be a star, leading to a difficult childhood where he was isolated and malnourished in an attempt to keep him small for film roles.
Career Overview
Hutchins joined the “Our Gang” series as a regular cast member from 1927 to 1933, portraying a lively character who loved to join in on the gang’s adventures. His initial popularity earned him a five-year contract with Hal Roach Studios, but after a few years, he became less prominent in the films as he grew older.
Death and Legacy
Bobby Hutchins’s life was tragically cut short on May 17, 1945, when he died in a plane crash while training as a cadet in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He was attempting to land an AT-6D Texan at Merced Army Air Field, California, when a mid-air collision occurred. His legacy lives on through his memorable roles in “Our Gang” and the impact he had on early cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Boxing Gloves | 1929-09-09 | Wheezer |
| Lazy Days | 1929-08-24 | Wheezer |
| Railroadin’ | 1929-06-15 | Wheezer |
| Small Talk | 1929-05-18 | Wheezer |
| Pups Is Pups | 1930-08-30 | Wheezer |
| Mush and Milk | 1933-05-27 | Wheezer |
| Baby Brother | 1927-06-26 | Horatio |
| The Ol’ Gray Hoss | 1928-10-19 | Wheezer |
| The Spanking Age | 1928-12-15 | Wheezer |
| Little Mother | 1929-06-01 | Wheezer |
| Election Day | 1929-01-12 | Wheezer |
| Cat, Dog & Co. | 1929-09-14 | Wheezer |
| Moan & Groan, Inc. | 1929-12-07 | Wheezer |