3. Matthew “Stymie” Beard, Jr.
Beard had already been in a number of films as a baby, but he’s most remembered for his role as the slick-tongued con-artist Stymie in Our Gang. After his five-year contract was up, Beard managed to land some minor roles in films, including Captain Blood, Jezebel, and The Return of Frank James. By the time he was in high school, Beard retired from acting, which unfortunately spiraled him into drug addiction. However, Beard managed to clean up his act and traveled around the country speaking about drug abuse. He died two days after his 56th birthday after injuries from a preceding stroke led to pneumonia. He was buried with his iconic Stymie derby hat.
Advertisement
