Carl Switzer

Carl Switzer

Who didn’t love Alfalfa from the late 1930’s/early 1940’s "The Little Rascals"/"Our Gang" series? Playing the curiously-coifed, nerdy romantic, we delighted and sympathized when he sang "I’m in the Mood For Love" with a frog in his throat, pined for Darla and bravely belted out "I’m the Barber of Seville" whilst being pelted with tomatoes. But living in La-La land has its disadvantages, especially when you’re most famous for being named Alfalfa. Film roles dried up for Carl Switzer after leaving the Gang and hitting puberty. By the ’50s, poor Alfalfa made his keep as a hunting guide and bartender, leading a boozy, wild life. Going against the shy little boy he portrayed in the series, he met his end like a country music song. The still young 32-year-old was shot to death over a $50 gambling debt. Guess he really was a rascal.