Jean Darling Dies: ‘Our Gang’ And Silent Era Actress Was 93

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

https://www.yahoo.com/tv/s/jean-darl...030537627.html

Jean Darling Dies: ‘Our Gang’ And Silent Era Actress Was 93

Deadline
Kinsey Lowe
September 6, 2015

Jean Darling, one of the last surviving original cast members of the “Our Gang” comedy short subjects who also appeared in the original Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, has died. Darling was 93 and died Friday in Rodgau, Germany, where she had lived with her son, Roy Bowen. She’s pictured above at far left with other members of Our Gang. Her friend Rene Riva, a Dutch actor and singer who directed Darling in 2013 in the short silent comedy film “The Butler’s Tale,” confirmed her death. Darling was also believed to be one of the last surviving actors who worked during the silent film era.
She was born Dorothy Jean LeVake on August 23, 1922 in Santa Monica, and her mother changed her name when she was about 5 months old — a few days after her parents split up, reportedly over her mother’s showbiz aspirations for her daughter. Darling started appearing in films a month later. When she was 4 she was accepted for a part in Hal Roach’s Our Gang series. Darling appeared in 46 silents and six talkies with Our Gang.
Darling continued to work in films, including an uncredited role in Laurel & Hardy’s Babes In Toyland and as the young Jane in Jane Eyre in the 1934 adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel. After singing lessons she turned her attention to the stage where she made her debut in the musical Count Me In in 1942. In 1945 she originated the role of Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, and racked up 850 consecutive performances.
That role led to parts on radio and TV during the 1950s. In New York, she hosted the TV show A Date With Jean Darling for NBC. She later had a daily TV show for women, The Singing Knit-Witch, that aired on KHJ-TV in Hollywood.
In 1974 she moved to Dublin, Ireland, where she wrote mystery stories, some 50 of which were published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Whispers. She also appeared on Irish TV and radio as Aunty Poppy, reading children’s stories. She later moved to live with her son in Rodgau, Germany until her death.

I remember those kids, from my childhood days in the early 60's .
Harkens back to a far different time, and era. One were such cute and funny movie shorts
were enjoyable to adults and children both.
Still 93, is a damn good run methinks .. I'd sign on the line for it right now if given a choice. - -Tyr

[Black Diamond]

I remember those kids, from my childhood days in the early 60's .
Harkens back to a far different time, and era. One were such cute and funny movie shorts
were enjoyable to adults and children both.
Still 93, is a damn good run methinks .. I'd sign on the line for it right now if given a choice. - -Tyr

I'll come up and see ya sometime.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

I'll come up and see ya sometime.

Methinks those stairs only reach earth's surface and go no farther my friend.
Best to try to purchase a ticket for the flight heavenward before ever the trip down into the nether regions.
Fairly sure no flights coming up from that darkness. -Tyr

[Gunny]

I remember those kids, from my childhood days in the early 60's .
Harkens back to a far different time, and era. One were such cute and funny movie shorts
were enjoyable to adults and children both.
Still 93, is a damn good run methinks .. I'd sign on the line for it right now if given a choice. - -Tyr

Who'd she play? I grew up on Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy and the 3 Stooges. I have more B&W silent crap than y'all can imagine. I love it. Much to everyone else's chagrin around here.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Who'd she play? I grew up on Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy and the 3 Stooges. I have more B&W silent crap than y'all can imagine. I love it. Much to everyone else's chagrin around here.

She played Jean.....

I am a bit older than you I believe and Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy and the 3 Stooges were all on my list
as were Leghorn Foghorn, Hekyll and Jekyll, Bugs bunny, TopCat, Snagglepus, Yogibear, Quickdraw McGraw,
Rocky and Bullwinkle, etc.. --Tyr

[Gunny]

She played Jean.....

I am a bit older than you I believe and Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy and the 3 Stooges were all on my list
as were Leghorn Foghorn, Hekyll and Jekyll, Bugs bunny, TopCat, Snagglepus, Yogibear, Quickdraw McGraw,
Rocky and Bullwinkle, etc.. --Tyr

If that's what you got going for a lineup, you probably aren't much older than me. You forgot Popeye though. I'm thinking foul on that one.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

If that's what you got going for a lineup, you probably aren't much older than me. You forgot Popeye though. I'm thinking foul on that one.

You nailed me, I forgot Popeye and Spaceghost... --Tyr

[Jeff]

You nailed me, I forgot Popeye and Spaceghost... --Tyr

Man talk about good TV, y'all remember Under Dog ??