It’s one of those movies that will never grow old. If you grew up in those days, you can’t help but see yourself in those characters, which is why we’re interested to know how this cool gang of children has grown. Where are they now? Check out these surprising updates.
Kevin Jamal Woods as Stymie
Stymie was the vice president of the rascals’ He-Man Women-Haters Club. He became furious when he learned that Alfalfa was interested in a relationship with Darla, and was planning on winning her over. This role was played by Kevin Jamal Woods, and he did a wonderful job of showing Stymie’s personality. He is remembered for his signature hat and his angst about girls.
Stymie’s heated lines are hilarious and unforgettable. Among the most memorable ones are, “If we were your kids, we’d punish ourselves!” and “Wood doesn’t grow on trees!”
Kevin Jamal Woods's Career
Kevin Jamal Woods is pretty serious when talking about his passion: music. He longed to become the go-to guy in the music production industry, and so dedicated most of his time to learning, and eventually getting a degree in, audio engineering.
Woods works for a media research firm. Not many films and appearances would follow for him after The Little Rascals, but he did appear on our TV screens in "Blossom" and "Walker, Texas Ranger." His last movie appearance was back in 2000, in "The Brainiacs.com"
Travis Tedford as Spanky
Travis Tedford portrayed Spanky, a character we all loved. He was loyal, supportive, and the President of the He-Man Women Haters Club. Spanky was also Alfalfa’s best buddy. But like all friendships in real life, they did have some challenges, too.
While Spanky is at first opposed to his best bud’s relationship with Darla (not surprising, given the name of the club he presides over!), he really does have his friend’s best interests at heart. He is such a cool and reliable kid, an apt leader for The Little Rascals gang.
Travis Tedford's Career
Travis Tedford was lucky to start his acting career playing a major role in a much-loved movie. But, after "The Little Rascals", it was hard for him to find different character types, as casting directors couldn’t separate Spanky from the actor.
Tedford appeared on "The Amanda Show" and in films like "Slappy and The Stinkers", "Freaky Friday" and, "The Final". Nowadays, he is working at Texas Trust Credit Union as a marketing specialist. He quit acting and earned a degree in liberal arts.
Zachary Mabry as Porky
Zachary Mabry was only four years old when he played the role of Porky. His innocence certainly shone through. He was so cute that fans would just giggle each time he was up along with his buddies Buckwheat, Petey the dog, and Elmer the monkey.
The gang would play Sherlock Holmes-type detective roles and would stumble upon a secret note, only to realize not one of them could read what was written on it. This was one of their more memorable parts in the movie.
Zachary Mabry's Career
As natural as Zachary Mabry was in "The Little Rascals," one would have thought he’d have a long and successful career in acting. But life can be strange sometimes. "The Little Rascals" was his first movie, and in a brusque turn of events, it was also his last. Apparently, the cute little boy who played Porky preferred to live a more private life.
Zachary lives in Texas and makes his living as a senior accountant at American Airlines. He enjoys a normal life but uses social media to keep in touch with his fans.
Ross Bagley as Buckwheat
Porky and Buckwheat were two of the youngest characters and actors in the movie. Their two characters were always mischievously up to something. When the clubhouse got burned down by accident, the gang would try to find ways to raise $450 for the cost of the lumber to rebuild it.
Somehow, Porky and Buckwheat had a trick or two up their sleeves and were able to raise $500, albeit dishonestly. However, after being caught by their teacher, Miss Crabtree, the money was made a prize for winning the soapbox derby.
Ross Bagley's Career
Growing up, Ross Bagley was definitely inclined towards keeping the acting career he’d started. Unlike Tedford, he would keep landing roles after "The Little Rascals". In fact, Ross even had the opportunity to work alongside Will Smith in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," as Nicky. They worked together again in 1996, on "Independence Day."
Aside from voice work in "Babe" and "The Wild Thornberrys", he also appeared in "Gnome Alone" in 2015. To be able to pursue his career better, Bagley enrolled in California State University at Northridge to study cinema and television arts.
Jordan Warkol as Froggy
Froggy always had a little frog that caused people to shriek and recoil. Young actor Jordan Warkol was a perfect fit, goofy and nerdy just like his character. But very few know that Froggy was actually played by two people.
While Warkol embodied the character, it was E.G. Daily who provided the unique voice the audience loved to hate. Daily is a famous voice actress who you may recognize as Tommy Pickles from "Rugrats" and Buttercup from "The Powerpuff Girls."
Jordan Warkol's Career
Jordan Warkol, by and large, is still into entertainment, but he isn't really in show business anymore.
After "The Little Rascals", he made a shift into voice acting and so managed to stay in the spotlight a little longer than some of the other cast members, appearing in a number of TV shows and films, such as "Hey Arnold", "Rocket Power", "Coach", and "Texas Ranger." Still, the hasn't had a job in entertainment since 2006.
E.G. Daily as Froggy
Elizabeth Ann Guttman is widely known for lending her voice to the iconic Tommy Pickles in Nickelodeon's "Rugrats." In "The Little Rascals" she voiced little Froggy Laughlin. Many did not enjoy her performance in the movie, but today, it's just as iconic as the rest of the film.
About a decade prior to appearing in "The Little Rascals", she also voiced Dottie in 1985's "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
E.G. Daily's Career
Elizabeth's career is a lot bigger than what you might have assumed. She's a singer and has released four studio albums from 1985 to 2008. She has voiced countless characters in video games as well as in movies and on TV.
If you've ever played a video game or watched a cartoon, you've heard E.G Daily's voice. In 1995 she got married to Rick Salomon, a famous poker player. The two later divorced in 2000.
Sam Saletta as Butch
Opposite the He-Man Women-Haters Club, were the mischievous Butch and his sidekick, Woim. Their role all throughout the movie is to torment the cute gang led by Spanky. Sam Saletta plays the role of Butch, and it’s hilarious how both groups go at each other whenever they can.
In one scene, Butch and Woim chase Alfalfa. The latter was about to visit Darla only to have his plans disrupted, leaving him with flowers in his hand. They would run around the neighborhood like cops and robbers. It was Butch who seized “The Blur,” the kids’ official go-kart.
Sam Saletta's Career
Sam Saletta enjoyed his role as the neighborhood bully. He liked acting, and after "The Little Rascals" he would continue to appear in TV shows like "Recess", "The Kids From Room 402", and "Rocket Power."
However, Sam Saletta couldn’t deny his increasing love for music. This would soon supersede his acting plans, as he dedicated more and more of his time to singing, songwriting, and crafting music arrangements. Saletta released his first album in 2015 and was a top 40 performer in the first season of American Idol.
Blake Jeremy Collins as "Woim"
Sure, Woim was Butch's sidekick, but that doesn't he wasn't memorable. Woim wasn't the sharpest pencil in the cup, a fact that leads to different problems in "The Little Rascals."
Still, his red-orange hair is to die for, and what would have Butch done without him? He would have been so lonely! Woim was portrayed by then nine-year-old Blake Jeremy Collins.
Blake Jeremy Collins's Career
After the film came out, Collins' career really took off. He appeared in the television series "Minor Adjustments" as well as in films like “Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish and “Men Behaving Badly.”
But, the truth is that he hasn't acted since he turned 14, in 1999. Blake values his privacy and there really isn't any info you can find about him online. He's not even on social media. If you have any intel on him, please let us know.
Blake McIver Ewing as Waldo
Watching Blake McIver Ewing play the role of Waldo would probably make you think you’re watching Macaulay Culkin in yet another "Home Alone" movie. That’s why Darla would move away from Alfalfa.
Waldo is really good-looking and seems to have everything a kid could ever wish for. He lives in a nice house with a pool and Donald Trump suitably plays the role of his father. His addition to the cast makes the He-Man Women Haters Club so much cuter!
Blake McIver Ewing's Career
"The Little Rascals" wasn’t Blake McIver Ewing’s first rodeo. By the time he took the role of Waldo, he was already known for his role in the TV show "Full House." Ewing showed potential, and his good looks were a perfect fit for Waldo’s winning personality.
During his childhood, Blake would go on to appear in films such as "Calendar Girl", "Problem Child 3", and "Raising Helen". He also has a strong inclination for music, he released his first album in 2014, and in 2020 he made music for two documentaries: "The Book Keepers" and "Black Boys."
Courtland Mead as Uh-Huh
Uh-Huh is the He-Man Women Haters Club’s typographer. You’d often see Courtland Mead turning something down when in a meeting, and figure he’s too busy to talk. But even when he isn’t preoccupied with the minutes he prefers to keep silent, answering most questions, if not all, with a long-drawn “uh-huh.”
Thus named Uh-Huh, the character may not have tested Courtland’s acting capabilities much. Not his ability to memorize lines, at least! Still, fans loved him just as much as the others.
Courtland Mead's Career
Courtland Mead went on to thrive as an actor making many appearances in film and on television. In these ongoing roles, it’s safe to say that his dialogue was more filled out.
He starred in "Dragonworld", "The Shining", and "Tom and Huck." He did some voice acting, too, however, Courtland has since mysteriously shied away from the Hollywood scene. He last appeared on Mean Parents Suck, way back in 2010. Troubled? He publicly posted “washed up child star” on his MySpace account (yes, MySpace). We hope Courtland is doing okay.
Brittany Ashton Holmes as Darla
When the members of He-Man’s Women Haters Club found out that Alfalfa was in love with Darla, they devised countless ways to prank the lovers. Darla suspected Alfalfa to be behind all the pranks and eventually broke up with him, to the benefit of the awaiting Waldo.
In short, Darla was the apple of both Alfalfa’s and Waldo’s eyes. She was the cutest girl they’d ever laid eyes on. Throughout the movie, Alfalfa is determined to prove his love and devotion to her.
Brittany Ashton Holmes's Career
One might argue that "The Little Rascals" movie would have served as a perfect platform to propel Brittany Ashton Holmes to stardom. Curiously though, she did not want anything to do with it. After the movie became a success, she didn’t return to acting. Instead, she traveled around the world.
In retrospect, Brittany shared on MySpace, “I was [an] actress when I was little and did this movie called The Little Rascals. It’s, like, really embarrassing to watch and I don’t want to act anymore”. She’s now happily married (not to Alfalfa or Waldo) and pursuing a degree in political science.
Bug Hall's as Alfalfa
In such a lovable gang as the He-Man Women Haters Club, Alfalfa stood out as a resistant member of sorts, and he courageously pursued Darla, despite the objection of his pals. And from this small act of defiance against his troupe of friends, all of the movie’s action spilled out.
Bug Hall made Alfalfa’s character a strong favorite, and a memorable one, too. As a character, he was as true as a child could ever be. Brave, foolish, young, and adorable, with a winning smile and the cutest wayward hairstyle.
Bug Hall's Career
Brandon “Bug” Hall is lucky to have found his first love in "The Little Rascals." We’re not talking about Darla, but the love for acting. After the movie wrapped he appeared on-screen in movies like "The Big Green", "The Stupids", and "Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves." Fortunately, he still holds a certain spot in Hollywood, unlike some childhood actors that have faded away.
Asked about "The Little Rascals", he said, “it’s the reason that I found what I want to do in life. I owe everything good in my life to that movie.”
Heather Karasek as Jane
If Darla was the queen of the movie, then Heather Karasek’s role as Jane was among the starlets that orbited around her. Heather Karasek looked beautiful under her corn-colored curly hair.
It is so amusing how such lovely girls could be the target of detestation by the gang of rascals. They would balk at the sight of their clubhouse. However, the signage would soon change to “Women Welcome” towards the end, when love would finally cross over.
Heather Karasek's Career
It was natural to expect to see more of Heather Karasek after "The Little Rascals." In fact, fans might have demanded to see and know more about the little princess growing up.
Ironically, however, she prefers to stay behind the scenes. Nowadays, you can see her creative mind on the screen in her work as a costume designer. Her designs have been featured in film and TV more than 30 times. A far cry from her adorable Little Rascals days!
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as the Twin Girls at Darla's Sleepover
The thing about this movie is that you have to love it as a whole; not simply parts of it. The actors with minor roles add up to what’s beautiful about the story, so they’re virtually as important as the others. One such vital cameo came from the unnamed twin girls at Darla’s sleepover.
They were played by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and, like Jane, they were delightful little dolls who would follow Darla around. They, too, rejoiced when the clubhouse became open to everyone.
Mary-Kate Olsen's Career
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen initially pursued an acting career together, and that’s how their charm was most effective. Mary-Kate usually took on the role of the Tomboy. After hitting 18, Mary-Kate tried her hand at acting without her sister around.
She landed roles in "Weeds," "Samantha Who?" and "Beastly." Still, in the end, she decided to put acting behind for good, and today she has a fashion line with her sister Ashly.
Ashley Olsen's Career
One can watch both Mary-Kate and Ashley in shows like "Full House", and films like "Double, Double Toil and Trouble" and "To Grandmother’s House We Go." Identical twin roles stopped being available when the two girls stopped being minors.
So, Ashley decided to put acting behind her and start a new chapter in fashion design. She started two luxurious brands with her sister. The fashion world has embraced the twins the way showbiz did when they were kids, and they have earned awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America on more than one occasion.
Daryl Hannah as Miss Crabtree
The beautiful and talented Daryl Hannah agreed to play a minor role as Miss Crabtree. The geeky teacher found out that Porky and Buckwheat had creatively, but dishonestly, discovered a means of procuring $500 that they wanted to use for the rebuilding of the burned clubhouse.
Initially angered, Miss Crabtree shrewdly diffused her emotions and offered that the money will be used as a prize for the soapbox derby, instead of punishing the two culprits. And it all turned out just fine.
Daryl Hannah's Career
Daryl Hannah was arguably the most accomplished actress in the movie, even before it was filmed. Her name helped pull attention to it, even though her role was a minor one. She was an iconic figure of the 80s, and her role in "Splash" remains etched in our hearts to this day. She appeared in "Blade Runner", "Wall Street", "Kill Bill" and many more blockbuster films afterward.
It’s been a long time since her halcyon days in entertainment. As the brightness of her star faded, Hannah actively shifted her focus to environmental causes.
Reba McEntire as A.J. Ferguson
Reba McEntire played the role of A.J. Ferguson, a character that plays a curious part in the overall theme of the movie. Presumed to be a man, she was an Indy race car driver whom the members of the He-Man Women Haters Club idolized, only to be shocked to learn at the end that “the best driver there is” was actually a woman.
A.J. Ferguson was the guest host of Greenpoint’s 73rd Annual Go-Cart Races in which the boys competed. Spanky, the club’s president, idolized her the most and got a kiss on both cheeks that made him happy.
Reba McEntire's Career
Reba McEntire started her career as a singer in 1975. Her second album, "My Kind of Country" is considered her first major breakthrough. She is referred to as “The Queen of Country.”
To date, Reba McEntire has sold more than 95 million records worldwide, with songs such as "How Blue" and "Somebody Should Leave." She’s one of the best-selling artists of all time and has made numerous appearances on television and in films. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her sitcom, Reba.
Whoopi Goldberg as Buckwheat's Mother
Whoopi Goldberg played Buckwheat’s mother, giving the movie another big name in its cast, along with Daryl Hannah. The veteran actress has been the recipient of Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards.
In one scene where Whoopi appeared, Buckwheat turned to his best buddy, Porky, and said to him, “Hey, look, my mom’s here,” to which the latter boringly replied with the epic pun: “Whoopee.” Judging by their appearances, Whoopi Goldberg and Ross Bagley could have been easily mistaken for a real mother-and-son tandem.
Whoopi Goldberg's Career
Those who follow show business already know how famous Whoopi Goldberg is. She is lively and fun to watch, and she was famous even before the making of "The Little Rascals." Some of her works include "Sister Act", "The Lion King", "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", and "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
Goldberg’s success continued to roll after the beloved Rascals movie. She loves kids a lot, and has authored many children’s books, like "Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners."
Mel Brooks as Mr. Welling
Mel Brooks is probably one of the funniest guys you’ll ever see on screen, and his own hilarious personality was muddled (like the perfect cocktail) with the role of Mr. Welling, a cranky loan officer connected with the Greenpoint Bank. Mr. Welling intentionally stemmed the flow of loan applications, often grunting and meticulously finding ways to reject as many applications as possible.
Mr. Welling found himself dealing with the in-disguise Spanky and Stymie, who both tried to con him into lending them the funds they needed to rebuild their burned-down clubhouse.
Mel Brooks's Career
Now into his 90s, Mel Brooks amazingly remains active in the entertainment industry. He is best known as a creator of film farces and comedic parodies, a genre that he can almost be called the father of. He was undoubtedly the most experienced veteran of the entertainment industry to appear in "The Little Rascals."
Brooks had been making marks in the film industry long before he joined the affable cast. As a director, Mel Brooks is perhaps most notable for his work in the 70s, like The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Spaceballs.
Donald Trump as Waldo's Father
Donald Trump’s role in this movie was not what you’d consider a memorable one. In fact, even if you were a fan of the film as a kid, we’re willing to bet you had no idea Trump was even in it. Yet here is the image to prove it! Former President of the United States of America was, at one time, a minor actor in "The Little Rascals."
Trump enjoyed cameos in ads and a number of films. In the world of The Little Rascals, he’s remembered for telling his son, “Waldo, you’re the best son money can buy.”
Donald Trump's Career
Far from being some kid’s fictional father, for a time, Donald Trump became the leader of the free world. It wasn't hard to keep up with what he was doing when was the president.
Moving back to his acting career for a moment, Trump had cameo appearances in a handful of movies, including "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York", and "Zoolander." He's kept himself away from the public eye after he left the White House.
Raven-Symoné as Stymie's Girlfriend
Like Alfalfa, Stymie didn’t want to be stereotyped as a woman hater, although he was a friend to the boys who were. They were unforgettable in their roles because, in a way, they represented a certain class in society that dared to be different; not wanting to be agreeable just because it’s the general consensus.
Stymie fought for his love for Raven-Symoné’s character, against the will of the members of the He-Man Women Haters Club. Their relationship was among the cutest love teams back in the 90s, so innocent and true.
Raven-Symoné's Career
Raven-Symoné began her acting career at a very young age. She continued to flourish as an actress after "The Little Rascals" and her talent would diversify into a complementary career in music. She made appearances in TV shows such as "The Cosby Show" and "Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper" and in films like "Dr. Dolittle" and "College Road Trip."
Raven-Symoné is making her mark as a singer, too. Her hits include "New Dreams" and "That’s What Little Girls Are Made of." Don’t be surprised if she comes up with even better ones very soon. From 2017 to 2022 she reprised the role of Raven Baxter in "Raven's Home."
Lea Thompson as Miss Roberts
American actress Lea Thompson played Miss Roberts. Darla and her friends were often seen following her lead as their ballet teacher. She was someone for the girls to look up to and you could also say that she was their protector against the rascals.
Miss Roberts is easily remembered for a scene where she drove Butch and Woim out of her dance studio. There was also a scene where Alfalfa and Spanky tried to find their way inside disguised as girls, but their attempt was foiled by her. She taught them a lesson all right, just not the one they expected!
Leah Thompson's Career
Lea Thompson is best known for her timeless role as Lorraine Baines in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. "The Little Rascals" wasn’t the only children’s movie she was in. She also starred in "Howard the Duck", and "Dennis the Menace."
She may not have skyrocketed in terms of popularity, not really making it as an A-list celebrity, but she’s been pretty consistent. She also enjoyed TV appearances in shows like "A Will of Their Own", and "Caroline in the City."
George Wendt as the Lumberyard Clerk
George Wendt’s character popped up in the movie after Alfalfa tried to hide Darla inside the clubhouse closet. This was all brought about by the pranks perpetrated against them, but the situation got out of hand, and with the candle flame out of control, their home base was destined to be burned down.
The lumberyard clerk character was approached by Spanky and Stymie, who claimed to have sourced out some lumber for George Wendt’s character to use and rebuild the clubhouse. When asked what kind of lumber they had bought, the kids replied, “wood!”
George Wendt's Career
George Wendt’s role in the movie was short but sweet. He is a seasoned veteran in the entertainment business. He was nominated six consecutive times for an Emmy Award, for his role in the TV series, "Cheers."
You can still hear him as a voice actor for Grandpa Clancy in the TV series, "Fancy Nancy." All in all, Wendt has enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood. He also starred in many movies, like "Santa Baby", "Bryan Loves You", and "Clipped."