You might not recognize the name Carl Switzer. But you most likely know the name Alfalfa. So, connected to the role he played in the series Our Gang, the actor will always be remembered as the little boy with the funny hair. Although his life ended tragically, his contribution to American pop culture has left a lasting legacy.

Early Life

Carl Dean Switzer was born on August 7, 1927, in Paris, Illinois, to Gladys and George Switzer. He was the second son of the family, which also included an older brother, Harold. The Switzers lived modestly on a farm.

In 1935, the Switzer family took a trip to California to visit relatives. It was during this visit that Carl and Harold were discovered while singing and clowning around at the Hal Roach Studios cafeteria. Their charm caught the attention of the studio staff. The two were offered a contract with the studio and shortly after, Carl was offered a role in the Our Gang series, as Alfalfa and his brother was given the role of Slim.

After being cast in Our Gang, the family stayed in California, with Carl and Harold becoming the primary earners for the household. Carl contributed more significantly than Harold, as his portrayal of Alfalfa quickly stood out among the cast.

Career

Carl joined the Our Gang cast in 1935, becoming one of the series’ most recognizable characters, Alfalfa, known for his freckled face, cowlick hairstyle, and mischievous personality. Alfalfa’s romantic pursuits and rivalries with other characters, like Spanky and Darla, provided endless laughs for children and adults watching the little rascals on their little black-and-white televisions. Carl appeared in 61 Our Gang shorts over six years.

Despite his success on-screen, Carl faced challenges behind the scenes. His obnoxious personality and quick temper led to clashes with his fellow cast members and the production team. He was also prone to bullying and playing jokes on other cast members and the crew, jokes that only he found funny. As he grew older, his role in the series diminished, and, like many child stars, he attempted to transition from child to adult roles, leaving Our Gang in 1942.

Following his departure, Carl struggled to transition into teen, then adult roles. He made occasional appearances in films such as Going My Way (1944) and had uncredited roles in It’s a Wonderful Life (1976), and The Ten Commandments (1956). He also made appearances on television in shows such as The Roy Rogers Show and The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, but his career never regained the momentum of his childhood fame.

Personal Life and Death

Carl met and quickly married Diantha “Dian” Collingwood in 1954, after only a few months of dating. They had one child together. However, their marriage quickly ended in divorce only a few years later, in 1957. Financial struggles and the inability to find steady work took a toll on Carl. He worked as a farmer, bartender, and dog trainer to make money.

On one occasion, a hunting dog that Carl borrowed from his occasional business partner, Moses “Bud” Stiltz, ran off. Carl paid a $35 reward for the dog’s return and bought a few beers to thank the person who brought it back, bringing the total to $50. Apparently, Carl felt that Bud Stiltz should reimburse him. Plus, Carl was deeply in debt at the time and needed the money. After a few weeks of back-and-forth, Carl had a few drinks and along with a friend of his, went to Stiltz’s house to confront him.

There are multiple stories about the fight that broke out in Stiltz’s home, depending on the source, such as whether or not Carl had a knife with him. However, the end result was that Stiltz shot Carl. Carl Switzer later died from the gunshot wound at the hospital on January 21, 1959, at the age of 31. He was buried in the Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery.

The court found that Stiltz acted in self-defense and the killing justifiable homicide.

Notably, his brother Harold also died tragically. After a dispute with a customer at the laundromat he ran, he committed suicide at the age of 42.

Though his life was short, Carl Switzer’s portrayal of Alfalfa continues to be enjoyed by generations of viewers in the Our Gang “Little Rascals” shorts.