Sidney Kibrick, best remembered for his role as the mischievous Woim in the Our Gang comedy shorts of the 1930s, has died at the age of 97. A beloved figure in early Hollywood, Kibrick brought humor and charm to nearly two dozen films alongside iconic child actors such as Spanky, Alfalfa, and Darla. His daughter, Jane Lipsic, confirmed he passed away at a hospital in Northridge, leaving behind a family and a legacy cherished by fans of classic cinema.
Born Sidney Henry Kibrick on July 2, 1928, in Minneapolis, he moved to Los Angeles as an infant. From the very beginning, his parents encouraged him and his older brother, Leonard, to pursue acting, setting Sidney on a path that would make him a memorable part of the Little Rascals series. Kibrick later reflected that his experiences on set shaped his childhood, offering both hard work and lasting friendships.
Sidney Kibrick’s Career in Our Gang
Sidney Kibrick appeared as Woim, the henchman to the neighborhood bully Butch, in films produced by Hal Roach Studios and MGM between 1935 and 1939. The role earned him recognition as one of the series’ most cunning young antagonists. Despite the long hours—up to sixteen per day—Kibrick recalled that director Gordon Douglas knew how to get the best from the child actors, creating scenes that remain iconic today.
Beyond the shorts, Kibrick also appeared in feature films such as Just Around the Corner (1938) with Shirley Temple, Jesse James (1939), and Flight Lieutenant (1942). Even at a young age, Sidney Kibrick earned a notable salary for the time, reflecting both his talent and the popularity of the series during the Depression era.
Life After Hollywood and Lasting Memories
By the time he was 15, Sidney Kibrick decided to step away from acting. He attended USC, built a career as a real estate developer in Southern California, and stayed connected to the Our Gang legacy through reunions and fan events. He cherished the friendships formed on set, especially with co-stars like George “Spanky” McFarland, maintaining bonds that lasted decades.
Even in his later years, Sidney Kibrick remained engaged with fans, attending celebrations such as the 100th anniversary exhibit for Our Gang at the Hollywood Museum. Reflecting on his time in the series, he said, “It was fun, and it made people laugh. … I was living the studio life. Those are memories I will never forget.” His enduring presence ensures that Sidney Kibrick’s contributions to classic American comedy will be remembered for generations.