Jerry Tucker was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Our Gang” films, as well as appearances alongside stars like Shirley Temple and Laurel and Hardy. He gained popularity as a child actor in Hollywood during the 1930s.
Personal and Family Life
Jerry Tucker, born Jerome Harold Schatz on November 1, 1925, in Chicago, grew up in a family supportive of his early acting career. He married Myra K. Heino in 1944, and together they had two daughters, Karen Beth and Renee Eve. Jerry served in the Navy during World War II and later pursued a career in electrical engineering, retiring in 1981.
Career
At just four years old, Jerry was the youngest actor ever signed to a Paramount contract. He became widely recognized for his roles in the “Our Gang” comedies, notably appearing in films such as “Captain January.” His acting career spanned several notable projects, including collaborations with well-known stars of the time before he ultimately transitioned to a different life after his military service.
Death and Legacy
Jerry Tucker passed away on November 23, 2016, at the age of 91 due to natural causes, in Stony Brook, New York. His daughter confirmed his passing, and he is remembered fondly for his childhood contributions to film and entertainment. His legacy lives on through his films and the joy he brought to audiences as a young actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Bedtime Worries | 1933-09-08 | Jerry |
| No Man of Her Own | 1932-12-30 | Little Boy in the Library (uncredited) |
| Captain January | 1936-04-17 | Cyril Morgan |
| Sitting Pretty | 1933-11-23 | Buzz |
| Anything Goes | 1936-01-24 | Junior |
| Three Men in a Tub | 1938-03-26 | |
| Two-Fisted | 1935-10-03 | Boy |
| Dick Tracy Returns | 1938-08-19 | Junior |
| General Spanky | 1936-12-11 | Kid Army Member |
| Wells Fargo | 1937-12-31 | Boy |
| Love Is on the Air | 1937-10-02 | Youngster Rooting for Tiger |
| Prosperity | 1932-11-18 | Buster Warren |
| She Loved a Fireman | 1937-12-18 | Boy in Crowd |
| Little Miss Nobody | 1936-06-05 | Orphan |
| Sprucin’ Up | 1935-06-01 | Percy |
| Washee Ironee | 1934-11-13 | Jerry |
| Mama’s Little Pirate | 1934-11-02 | Jerry |
| Beginner’s Luck | 1935-02-23 | Jerry |
| Silly Billies | 1936-03-20 | Boy at Camp |
| Hi’–Neighbor! | 1934-03-02 | Jerry-Rich Kid |
| Shiver My Timbers | 1931-10-09 | Jerry |
| Shrimps for a Day | 1934-12-07 | Jerry |
| Anniversary Trouble | 1935-03-13 | Jerry |
| Wild Poses | 1933-10-28 | Jerry |
| The Devil’s Party | 1938-06-02 | Playground Child |
| The Pinch Singer | 1936-01-03 | Jerry |
| Penrod’s Double Trouble | 1938-07-23 | Jerry (uncredited) |
| Penrod and Sam | 1937-02-28 | Junior G-Man |
| Tovarich | 1937-12-25 | Urchin Stealing Groceries |
| Torch Singer | 1933-09-08 | Mickey |
| Murders in the Zoo | 1933-03-31 | Little Boy at the Zoo (Uncredited) |
| Blonde Venus | 1932-09-23 | (uncredited) |
| Hello, Everybody! | 1933-02-17 | Bobby Smith |
| Smart Girl | 1935-07-16 | Boy |
| If I Had a Million | 1932-11-18 | Crying Boy with Balloon (uncredited) |
| The Miracle Man | 1932-04-01 | |
| E! True Hollywood Story | 1996-08-21 |