It’s been more than four decades since former child star William “Billie” Thomas Jr. died in Los Angeles of a heart attack at only 49 on October 10, 1980. Best known as “Buckwheat,” the character he portrayed in the original Hal Roach-ignited Our Gang/Little Rascals classic film shorts from 1934 to 1944, Thomas faced similar challenges and misfortunes of several of his co-stars and other former child actors. This is his story.
A Closer Look
Billie Thomas, Jr. was born on March 12, 1931 in Los Angeles, California. At first, his Buckwheat role in the initial Our Gang/Little Rascals movies was considered acceptable. However, in later years, the character was often the subject of controversy for two reasons: It contributed to African-American stereotypes, and it was not gender-specific.
However, Thomas frequently defended his performance and the character, stressing that Buckwheat and fellow African-American cast members were treated with just as much respect as the White actors/characters in the franchise.