Jay R. Smith was the second freckled-faced youngster to be featured in producer Hal Roach's successful film series, "Our Gang" (later known on television as "The Little Rascals".) His first "Our Gang" film was _Boys Will be Joys(1925)_ in a small role. Smith was put into the series as a sort-of replacement for Mickey Daniels, the original ...
None of us took [the "Our Gang" series] seriously while it was happening. But looking back, it was a very pleasant time in my life, and as I grow older, it gets more valuable.
2
(referring to his "Our Gang" acting stint: "None of us took it seriously while it was happening. But looking back, it was a very pleasant time in my life, and as I grow older, it gets more valuable."
#
Fact
1
Charles "Wayne" Crombie, a homeless man who Jay Smith had befriended and helped, was tried and convicted of the murder in 2005.
2
Was found in the desert 25 miles north of Las Vegas, NV, stabbed multiple times.
3
Owned a paint store and served in the Army in WWII as an adult.
4
A homeless man doing odd jobs for him and sleeping by his shed was being sought for questioning surrounding his murder.
5
Was found dead in the desert north of Las Vegas on October 5th 2002. He died of multiple stab wounds and was a victim of a robbery.
6
Was a semi-regular at the Hollywood Collectors Show in North Hollywood, California, in the four years before his untimely death. Was a popular fixture at this convention.
7
The second "Little Rascals" former star to tragically die in 2002. Co-star Darwood Kaye was killed by hit-and-run driver.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Blood and Thunder
1931
Short
Kid Tossing Water (uncredited)
Moan & Groan, Inc.
1929
Short
Kid with Japanese handcuffs
Noisy Noises
1929
Short
Dental Patient
Election Day
1929
Short
Jay R. (as Hal Roach's Rascals)
Growing Pains
1928
Short
Jay (as Hal Roach's Rascals)
Crazy House
1928
Short
Percy (as Hal Roach's Rascals)
Fair and Muddy
1928
Short
Jay (as Hal Roach's Rascals)
Barnum & Ringling, Inc.
1928
Short
Jay (as Hal Roach's Rascals)
Edison, Marconi & Co.
1928
Short
J. Edison Westinghouse Smith (as Hal Roach's Rascals)
$700,000
