Sidney Kibrick, who played “Woim” in Our Gang comedy film shorts in the 1930s has passed away at the age of 97, The Hollywood Reporter writes. He passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, at a hospital in Northridge, his daughter, Jane Lipsic, told the outlet.
Throughout his career, Kibrick appeared in 27 Our Gang/Little Rascals shorts, which were made between 1935 to 1939. His character was the sidekick to the neighborhood bully Butch, who was played by Tommy Bond.
Kibrick left Hollywood at the age of 11, but his legacy lived on through these beloved comedy shorts.
Sidney Kibrick Talks About His Big Break In Hollywood
In 2022, the Hollywood Museum opened an exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of “Our Gang.” And with that, Kibrick was there and took a moment to speak with Fox News, reflecting on his career.
Specifically, he was asked how he was discovered.
“Well, I have an older brother who was also in the movies. He’s four years older than me. I also have a sister who’s eight years older than me. We used to go to the movies as a family. Well, one day after one movie, a man came over to my mother. He said, “I could use that little kid for a movie. I’m an agent” and pointed at me,” Kibrick told the outlet. “My mother didn’t think it was all that important, but she did discuss it with my father that evening. He said, ‘Well why don’t we try it?’ These were difficult times during the Great Depression, so they thought it could be a good opportunity for us. My mother agreed, and I joined general casting. Soon after, I was working with Shirley Temple on my first movie.”
Sidney Kibrick Reveals What It Was Like On Set
In a 2023 interview, Kibrick provided some insight into what it was like being on set at such a young age.
“We’d have two hours of schooling in the morning and then work anywhere from six to 16 hours until we finished,” he explained. “There was a lot of work, no question about it, but our director Gordon Douglas was a terrific guy, and he was really able to get a lot out of each kid.”
He also was asked about the shorts’ lasting legacy.
“I think people, even today, could identify with being a child and being mischievous when life was simple,” Kibrick said. “It was fun, and it made people laugh. … I was living the studio life. Those are memories I will never forget. It was a wonderful experience.”
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Beloved ‘Little Rascals’ Child Actor Passes Away at 97 – He Will Be Missed