Sidney Kibrick, the beloved child actor from Our Gang, has died at the age of 97, his family confirms. He was the last surviving cast member of the 1930s film shorts.
Sidney Kibrick became “Woim” to an entire nation as he starred in the black-and-white film shorts of the 1930s. Sadly, he has now passed away at 97. His daughter, Jane, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Sidney died on January 3 at a hospital in Northridge, California.
Born in Minneapolis in 1928, Sidney’s family moved to Los Angeles when he was a young child. He later explained that he was discovered while attending the movies in California.
The Little Rascals actor appeared in several comedy short films, originally titled Our Gang, created by Hal Roach. The series followed a group of children from working-class neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with Kibrick’s character named “Woim,” the Brooklyn pronunciation of “worm.”
The franchise began in 1922 and featured more than 41 child actors as regular cast members.
‘Our Gang’ star Sidney Kibrick dies at 97 Kibrick was just five years old when he began his career as a member of The Little Rascals. He appeared in two dozen films between 1935 and 1939. Speaking with Boomer Magazine in 2023, Sidney revealed he earned $750 a week.
He also starred in other films, including the 1938 movie Just Around the Corner with Shirley Temple, and Jesse James, starring Tyrone Power, in 1939.
Though he was only a child, Sidney recalled the demanding nature of the work.
“It was a grind making those shorts. We’d have two hours of schooling in the morning and then work anywhere from six to 16 hours until we finished,” he said. “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.”
At age 15, after a decade in the business, Sidney decided to step away from fame. He struggled to convince his parents to let him leave show business.
Left show business at 15 “My parents wanted me to continue, but finally my mother went along with my wishes,” he said.
In 1943, Kibrick took on his final role in the film Keep ’Em Slugging. His time on Our Gang stayed with him throughout his life, and in 1981, he organized a cast reunion.
Even after leaving the spotlight, he continued to receive fan mail until his passing.
Rest in peace, Sidney Kibrick. Please share this article to honor the late child star.
