OUR GANG/LITTLE RASCALS Otay! The Billy Buckwheat Thomas Story VIDEO

William Thomas, the man known as "Buckwheat," one of the most beloved characters in the history of the Our Gang and Little Rascals films, rose from obscurity to become an American icon. Billy's heritage grew to be more than the ninety-three comedies in which he appeared as Buckwheat. He was a husband, father, and soldier. Several generations have come to know Buckwheat as if he was a real person, but few knew Billy, the man behind the myth.

In "Otay!" The Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas Story, William Thomas, Jr., Billy's son, joins with acclaimed author David W. Menefee to brush back the sands of time and unearth the facts beneath the fable. For the first time, the true story is told how producer Hal Roach, Sr. plucked three-year-old Billy from hundreds of children and raised him on a pedestal before an adoring public. For a decade, Billy was the most prominent Black American in motion pictures, but World War Two brought an end to the famous comedy series and a halt to his film career. Billy went on to live a private, nearly normal life, married, fathered an adorable child, and then answered the call to arms and enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War. Years later, imposters attempted to steal his limelight, but Billy forgave the offense with his characteristic, childlike good humor.

In an era when most Black American actors were struggling to gain a foothold in Hollywood, Billy achieved a lasting legacy. Enjoy the timeless tale of a baby superstar, who once shown brightly on movie screens during Hollywood's "Golden Years" and still fascinates audiences today.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Buckwheat
• Otay
• Our Gang
• Little Rascals
• Hal Roach
• film
• comedy
• spanky
• darla
• alfalfa
• Sons of the Desert
• Laurel & Hardy
• Black American

[mgunde]

wow, nice story, I grew up watching the Little Rascals in the 60's they were the best, and I just loved Buckwheat, such an inspiration to me, I made the clubhouse, I had go-cart races down the street, so much fun, thanks for the memories.

[TheXtro101]

I remember back during the mid 1980's when I was just starting my early teenage years(in Jr High at the time),the "BuckWheat" surf clothing style(simliar to "OP" clothing,that's Ocean Pacific).Like a t-shirt of Buckweat on a surfboard & caption on the bottom reads,"oh tay".

[knowledgebk305]

i was looking at the buckwheat hoax

[shellyny65]

Thank you for this! Your dad was a wonderful actor..and a Credit as a American! still places a smile on my face:)

[COMPASSION2611]

Loved This! Thumbs up across the board!!! Thanks!

[MadameSarah1000]

What fun to learn about the man behind the star. Leave it to author David Menefee to research and right a gripping biography of one of the best loved members of the little rascals.

[ringearner]

The book is absolutely incredible and we can't wait to add the audio to our collection as well. Definitely a must to any little rascal fans collection.

[sbgibbons99]

I had the opportunity to read this book recently. If you are a fan of Buckwheat or Our Gang, this is a must read. Well written and compelling. I highly recommend it!

[klrambo]

Thanks for sharing this story!