SIDNEY KIBRICK

(2 July 1928 – 3 January 2026)

Sidney Kibrick, the last surviving featured actor from the beloved Our Gang comedy shorts, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 97. Born 2 July 1928, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kibrick moved with his family to Los Angeles at a young age. Alongside his older brother Leonard, he entered the film world by chance after being spotted with his mother at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. That serendipitous moment led to a childhood spent before the camera during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Kibrick appeared in more than two dozen Our Gang shorts between 1933 and 1939, becoming best known as the bad boy ‘Woim’ (that’s Brooklyn for worm), the loyal, scrappy sidekick to the neighbourhood bully Butch. Though Woim was often at the centre of mischief, Kibrick’s performances gave the character an endearing quality that stuck with audiences. His work coincided with the series’ peak years under producer Hal Roach, and his face was a familiar one to Depression-era moviegoers. He also appeared uncredited in numerous films such as Dead End, Nothing Sacred, and Jesse James.

Reflecting later in life, Kibrick spoke candidly about the demanding nature of child stardom. Days on set could stretch from early morning schooling to long hours of filming (child labour in the film industry was largely unregulated back then). He remembered director Gordon Douglas with particular affection for his ability to bring out the best in young performers. Kibrick also maintained lifelong friendships with several castmates, including George ‘Spanky’ McFarland, and remained closely connected to the Our Gang community through reunions and public appearances. His brother Leonard Kibrick, who passed away in 1993, made dozens of uncredited appearances in the Our Gang shorts and appeared films such as Poor Little Rich Girl, San Francisco, and Roxie Hart. 

By his mid-teens, Sidney chose to step away from Hollywood, and after attending the University of Southern California, he built a successful second career as a real estate developer. He later noted that he had avoided many of the hardships that befell other former child stars. Though he left acting behind, Kibrick never distanced himself from the legacy of Our Gang and welcomed renewed interest when the shorts found new audiences on television and home video. In 2022, he attended a centennial exhibition honouring the series at The Hollywood Museum.

CHAD KENNERK