Today, March 3, 2012, would have been his 75th birthday. Reading his story is so sad, and perhaps it serves as comfort that his films still bring joy to people even if he had no joy in his last years.
The first time I ever saw Bobby Driscoll, was in the film, The Window. I was mesmerized with his intense and excellent acting to be a child so young. He carried that whole picture and made it the masterpiece it was. I never knew what eventually happened to him and how he died until a few years ago. Oh so, so very sad, for one so full of talent and promise. Yes, you're right -- they should have helped him after they finished USING him!
Impossible to watch his films now without feeling a little melancholy at what lay in the future. There really needs to be a biography while there are still people around who remember him.
Bobby you were amazing as Peter Pan and i just want to say that we miss you Bobby you died to young but i hope your happy were ever you are.R.I.P Bobby Driscoll.
Bobby's story is one of the saddest out there about fame and fortune. It hurts knowing what he went through. He didn't have much of a choice either. No child should ever be treated the way he was, no adult either. Rest in Peace Bobby. Hope you are in a better place.
How did they know for SURE it was Bobby? It could have been anyone; he could have just disappeared, like Amelia Earhart...I mean there was no positive identification...
@littlemissrockstar52 he died alone in an abandend building with a bunch a church pamphlets all around. Nobody knew he died, some kids play outside peaked through a window and found his dead body. No one know where hes still burried. he was only like 31 yrs old
Great images and great research! Never seen "When I Grow Up". I remember "The Happy Time", but a lot of the clips are startling. What a precious legacy he left behind. I'm still waiting for Russ Tamblyn's script to be made into a feature film. It would shed some light on this amazing young man's life and be a cautionary tale for today's young stars. Bobby Driscoll was ahead of his time. What a beautiful, talented saint. And what a moving tribute you have provided!
@paperpad12 Oui and would have made it to Return to Neverland instead as a tribute his recordings of Peter Pan were most likely used in the Kingdom Hearts series
He was the cutest child actor in the world and in history, but he was as real an actor as he was a cute one. He's one the greats in my eyes legendary child actor.
Beautifully done. Yes, Bobby Driscoll was special. He was, in my view, the greatest child actor of his generation, and I believe this was because he was genuine. He believed he was who he was portraying. So Dear to My Heart remains one of my favourite movies. Perhaps I should have outgrown it in my adult years, but no--every time I see it, I am enthralled. Maybe it speaks of an America that never was. I don't know. But it breathes of decency, kindness and love. Thanks for this wonderful tribute.
I'm a little confused...You have implied that Bobby is buried in a Potters Field. However, another video on this site shows a marker with him buried next to his father...Which is correct?
I believe that after they identified who he was, his body was moved from Potters Field to Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California. That is why you have seen a marker with Bobby's name next to his Dad. That is his final resting place.
He was a wonderful actor with performances that you never forget.
That was really excellent! Most people don't know that his mother was a total witch. She was very abusive and controlling. It's no wonder that he was rebellious as a teenager. Disney dropped him and so did most of Hollywood. If he could have made the right connections, he would have survived like Dennis Hopper. Please don't forget him. I think he would have been 70 this year!
Thank you 8891randy. Little has changed since Bobby's time. When a child star's time is up, it hits with a whack, and the family are left on their own to lick their wounds. Bobby turned to drugs. Others, like Brandis, Plato, Pichler, Lehman, took their lives. The industry that profits from the work of these children owes them a decent shot at life as an adult. Had Disney found something for Bobby to do besides hit the pavement (figuratively AND literally), things may have been different for him.
@8891randy how do you know his mother was abusive? I mean i believe you cause most parents of child actors are horrible but i was just curious as to where/how you heard this. I also read somewhere that he was rebellious because during high school he always got made fun of for being in kids movies or being the good boy so he tried fitting in (and getting rid of his good boy image) more by doing drugs
@skyefan15 yefan15 - years ago I was in touch (via Internet) with a priest who was doing research on Bobby. He had interviewed many co-stars and directors. We talked on the phone. He told me that when Bobby was about 10, he was riding in a limo with his mother and a few other people. Apparently, he said something (I forgot now) his mother didn't like and she smacked him so hard that it left a scar. The studio had to shoot around it.
i read an interview with her and she was said, “The friends he made. He was always sorry for the underdog, always made friends with poor boys. So-called friends." like it was a bad thing that he was friends with poor kids. But i guess it was a different time back then so that was normal. just like it was normal to hit your children. although you really shouldn't hit your kids ever.
@8891randy I agree his life was tragic, but who’s to blame? Disney tossed him out like garbage as he remarked? So what? For several years he had opportunities few kids ever had. They owed him a lifetime career because of it? With his money he chose to buy drugs instead of going to college or starting a business. Who’s fault was that? When Eddie Hodges’s career ended, he painted houses and put himself through college. We *all* need to stop blaming our own failings on others.
Thankyou so much. The only reason i joined with you tube is so i could watch his old films (hence driscolldoll). I've only seen his disney films and after researching about him i've become hooked on watching him. Althought his life was tragic and thats one of the reasons he's fascinating, he's just the most amazing actor i have ever seen. That tribute you did was outstanding! Thanks again, Jeff.
You are amazing! Thabkyou so much jeffreyprosenberg. Cab you tell me what the songs called? And what the film was where he was washing his face or something.
Wow, thanks driscolldoll. I've sent more details to you directly, but the song is from the soundtrack of Bobby's film Song of the South, and the shots of Bobby splashing rain on his face and lying in bed just afterward are from When I Grow Up, released in 1951, a year after Treasure Island.
@driscolldoll My god. Are you dense or what? He wasn't washing his face. He was praying in church and was running out to play when suddenly he remembered to bless himself with holy water. He kneels and then goes out to play. Don't know what the movie was, but the songs were apparently Catholic hymns. Oh and incidentally, that long white thing where the water is kept is called a sacrement. It's not a bird bath. Just thought you might want to know.
Today, March 3, 2012, would have been his 75th birthday. Reading his story is so sad, and perhaps it serves as comfort that his films still bring joy to people even if he had no joy in his last years.
GallifreyExile 9 hours ago
Poor little boy who handed him over to this satani sadistic Disney porn ?
meelusine 1 day ago
Really moving tribute. There's a lot of resonance to Bobby Driscoll's career. Terrible pain though.
weskitten 1 day ago
It's very tough to say goodbye to somebody that you have admired for many years and Bobby is one of them. RIP Bobby! You will be missed.
1f5sda 1 month ago
Thanks for the upload. Very touching. But what are the songs. Mainly the one from song of the south?
VeronicaAmbriz28 1 month ago
Thank You for uploading this Beautiful Bobby Driscoll Tribute video.
gentlelaura 1 month ago
Thank you for this. He was such an amazing actor and person...
MeganBoulden 2 months ago
Very moving and touching! I saw The Window and The Party Crashers for the 1st time last week. I'm glad people are remembering him.
kgmaj 3 months ago
well done! very moving! rip
rdo1231 4 months ago
The real life Peter Pan <3
louiselovesmagic 5 months ago
What Is The Song?
VeronicaAmbriz28 5 months ago
What's the blue part?
WWEChampion16 10 months ago
The first time I ever saw Bobby Driscoll, was in the film, The Window. I was mesmerized with his intense and excellent acting to be a child so young. He carried that whole picture and made it the masterpiece it was. I never knew what eventually happened to him and how he died until a few years ago. Oh so, so very sad, for one so full of talent and promise. Yes, you're right -- they should have helped him after they finished USING him!
Hensonme 11 months ago
somebody shouldmake a movie about him
QueenBonesofdarkness 1 year ago 4
Impossible to watch his films now without feeling a little melancholy at what lay in the future. There really needs to be a biography while there are still people around who remember him.
wilus1969 1 year ago
PS - Check out the moving tribute from his daughter, "Bobby Driscoll and Hart Island"
wilus1969 1 year ago
It's a shame that many people die that young. There will NEVER be another Bobby Driscoll.
1f5sda 1 year ago
Bobby you were amazing as Peter Pan and i just want to say that we miss you Bobby you died to young but i hope your happy were ever you are.R.I.P Bobby Driscoll.
vintageldy 1 year ago 5
bobby rocks! I sure won't forget you <3
avenueyay 1 year ago 4
Wow! Bobby was such a cutie. I'm sad he died. RIP Bobby. He died waaaaaaaaaay too young
gorsegner 1 year ago 3
What film is the first clip from when bobby is praying? Great video :-)
janienosbor 1 year ago
i was complety upset when he i found he died such a great actor
georgelovesgrace 1 year ago
Bobby's story is one of the saddest out there about fame and fortune. It hurts knowing what he went through. He didn't have much of a choice either. No child should ever be treated the way he was, no adult either. Rest in Peace Bobby. Hope you are in a better place.
Havixus 1 year ago
he truly was the boy who never grew up. rest in peace bobby you are finally in neverland and one day i hope to see you there.
djendurance1 1 year ago
How did they know for SURE it was Bobby? It could have been anyone; he could have just disappeared, like Amelia Earhart...I mean there was no positive identification...
DisneyBlackJet 1 year ago
the voice of Peter Pan
LNLN123 1 year ago
How did he die? and How old was he?
courte28 1 year ago
@dominguez543 awww how sad!
littlemissrockstar52 1 year ago
@twilightmaniacyssa how did he die?
littlemissrockstar52 1 year ago
@littlemissrockstar52 he died alone in an abandend building with a bunch a church pamphlets all around. Nobody knew he died, some kids play outside peaked through a window and found his dead body. No one know where hes still burried. he was only like 31 yrs old
Dominguez543 1 year ago
@Dominguez543 he was buried in a pauper's grave
straightedgectb 1 year ago
seeing this just breaks my heart. nobody should ever die alone like he did. its just too sad the way he died.
twilightmaniacyssa 1 year ago
Thank you for this. " The Window " was the best. Rest in peace, Bobby.
DunhillHilton 1 year ago
Great images and great research! Never seen "When I Grow Up". I remember "The Happy Time", but a lot of the clips are startling. What a precious legacy he left behind. I'm still waiting for Russ Tamblyn's script to be made into a feature film. It would shed some light on this amazing young man's life and be a cautionary tale for today's young stars. Bobby Driscoll was ahead of his time. What a beautiful, talented saint. And what a moving tribute you have provided!
gregcervantez 1 year ago
makes me so sad to think he dead
Dominguez543 2 years ago 3
I really like this song. Thanks for uploading.
Nom0retrolling4U 2 years ago
Thank you so much for your beautiful tribute to Bobby.
tigger575 2 years ago
The Boy who taught us to fly & to believe in faith & trust. Bobby Driscoll i will always be Dear to our hearts!!!
A very moving Tribute.
axeldiz 2 years ago
He really looks like Leonardo DiCaprio when he gets older.
Iamtheice 2 years ago
Great tribute, thanks for posting!
weatherboi 2 years ago
why must the good die young?
Mshottie6 2 years ago 7
Because they ride the white horse :(
glocker8888 2 years ago
what is the name of the song of that video
Valourie22 2 years ago
a great child star, however he got what most child stars get, hell after they grow up.
emoviebuff87 3 years ago 4
wasn't he the voice of Peter Pan?
paperpad12 3 years ago 19
Yes he was.
bayougrande 3 years ago 7
@paperpad12 Oui and would have made it to Return to Neverland instead as a tribute his recordings of Peter Pan were most likely used in the Kingdom Hearts series
iscreamer1 1 year ago
@paperpad12 He was.
1f5sda 1 year ago
@paperpad12 Yes he was.
1f5sda 1 month ago
He was the cutest child actor in the world and in history, but he was as real an actor as he was a cute one. He's one the greats in my eyes legendary child actor.
DruSmit7 3 years ago 4
this video always makes me cry.
Bobby, we'll never forget you.You were the best!
nanimo88 3 years ago 10
Beautifully done. Yes, Bobby Driscoll was special. He was, in my view, the greatest child actor of his generation, and I believe this was because he was genuine. He believed he was who he was portraying. So Dear to My Heart remains one of my favourite movies. Perhaps I should have outgrown it in my adult years, but no--every time I see it, I am enthralled. Maybe it speaks of an America that never was. I don't know. But it breathes of decency, kindness and love. Thanks for this wonderful tribute.
hellesterne 3 years ago 8
If he was a member of Our Gang, his death would defiantly prove that there is a curse.
JRSL1988 3 years ago
This song is beautiful and suits Bobby Driscoll perfectly. It's just too bad he had to die so young. I heard he was a good actor.
2597778 3 years ago
What did he die from?
JazzieTxDiva69 4 years ago
years of drug abuse.found in a tenament in East Village on e10th st in'68.a shame.
afterthefox 3 years ago
I cannot tell you how many times I have watched this video and shown it to friends. I just want to thank you again on your genius :) Thank you!
driscolldoll 4 years ago 4
Jeff, my friend... You'll finally get to meet Bobby and all of the others you've lost.
Rest in peace. You'll be missed.
jonzfriend 4 years ago 5
I'm a little confused...You have implied that Bobby is buried in a Potters Field. However, another video on this site shows a marker with him buried next to his father...Which is correct?
Labaron26 4 years ago
I believe that after they identified who he was, his body was moved from Potters Field to Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California. That is why you have seen a marker with Bobby's name next to his Dad. That is his final resting place.
He was a wonderful actor with performances that you never forget.
PaulR22 4 years ago
he still on Hart Island in Potter's Field in nyc...never moved his body although they put his name on his fathers tomb stone.
afterthefox 3 years ago 2
That was really excellent! Most people don't know that his mother was a total witch. She was very abusive and controlling. It's no wonder that he was rebellious as a teenager. Disney dropped him and so did most of Hollywood. If he could have made the right connections, he would have survived like Dennis Hopper. Please don't forget him. I think he would have been 70 this year!
8891randy 4 years ago 19
Thank you 8891randy. Little has changed since Bobby's time. When a child star's time is up, it hits with a whack, and the family are left on their own to lick their wounds. Bobby turned to drugs. Others, like Brandis, Plato, Pichler, Lehman, took their lives. The industry that profits from the work of these children owes them a decent shot at life as an adult. Had Disney found something for Bobby to do besides hit the pavement (figuratively AND literally), things may have been different for him.
jeffreyprosenberg 4 years ago 10
@8891randy how do you know his mother was abusive? I mean i believe you cause most parents of child actors are horrible but i was just curious as to where/how you heard this. I also read somewhere that he was rebellious because during high school he always got made fun of for being in kids movies or being the good boy so he tried fitting in (and getting rid of his good boy image) more by doing drugs
skyefan15 1 year ago
@skyefan15 yefan15 - years ago I was in touch (via Internet) with a priest who was doing research on Bobby. He had interviewed many co-stars and directors. We talked on the phone. He told me that when Bobby was about 10, he was riding in a limo with his mother and a few other people. Apparently, he said something (I forgot now) his mother didn't like and she smacked him so hard that it left a scar. The studio had to shoot around it.
8891randy 1 year ago
@8891randy oh that's so sad
i read an interview with her and she was said, “The friends he made. He was always sorry for the underdog, always made friends with poor boys. So-called friends." like it was a bad thing that he was friends with poor kids. But i guess it was a different time back then so that was normal. just like it was normal to hit your children. although you really shouldn't hit your kids ever.
skyefan15 1 year ago
@8891randy I agree his life was tragic, but who’s to blame? Disney tossed him out like garbage as he remarked? So what? For several years he had opportunities few kids ever had. They owed him a lifetime career because of it? With his money he chose to buy drugs instead of going to college or starting a business. Who’s fault was that? When Eddie Hodges’s career ended, he painted houses and put himself through college. We *all* need to stop blaming our own failings on others.
litwriter100 2 weeks ago
Thankyou so much. The only reason i joined with you tube is so i could watch his old films (hence driscolldoll). I've only seen his disney films and after researching about him i've become hooked on watching him. Althought his life was tragic and thats one of the reasons he's fascinating, he's just the most amazing actor i have ever seen. That tribute you did was outstanding! Thanks again, Jeff.
driscolldoll 4 years ago 4
Jeff
My favorite Bobby D movie is The Window.
Check it out.
Bob
BobTX041966 4 years ago
You are amazing! Thabkyou so much jeffreyprosenberg. Cab you tell me what the songs called? And what the film was where he was washing his face or something.
driscolldoll 4 years ago
Wow, thanks driscolldoll. I've sent more details to you directly, but the song is from the soundtrack of Bobby's film Song of the South, and the shots of Bobby splashing rain on his face and lying in bed just afterward are from When I Grow Up, released in 1951, a year after Treasure Island.
jeffreyprosenberg 4 years ago
@driscolldoll My god. Are you dense or what? He wasn't washing his face. He was praying in church and was running out to play when suddenly he remembered to bless himself with holy water. He kneels and then goes out to play. Don't know what the movie was, but the songs were apparently Catholic hymns. Oh and incidentally, that long white thing where the water is kept is called a sacrement. It's not a bird bath. Just thought you might want to know.
TheFrontrowkid 10 months ago
i love this video- its really sad aswell watching him there to that music...
xxx
elijahinside 4 years ago 3
Yeah, I think they add charm.... Thanks, Jonzfriend, and thank you also for your touching comments on my myspace page. JR
jeffreyprosenberg 4 years ago
Great tribute (even with the clip-clops!)
jonzfriend 4 years ago
You're very welcome, afhickman. Thank you for watching my video. JR
jeffreyprosenberg 4 years ago
This is very nice. Thank you, jeffreyprosenberg.
afhickman 4 years ago 3