Jay R. Smith
| Jay R. Smith | |
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| Born | Jay Roger Smith August 29, 1915 Los Angeles, California U.S. |
| Died | October 5, 2002 (aged 87) Las Vegas, Nevada U.S. |
| Cause of death | Homicide |
| Other names | Freckles |
| Occupation | Child actor |
| Years active | 1925–1929 |
Jay Roger Smith (August 29, 1915 – October 5, 2002) was an American former child actor who replaced Mickey Daniels as the "freckle-faced kid" of the Our Gang series in 1925. He continued appearing in the shorts until 1929.
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[edit] Our Gang
His first film was Boys Will Be Joys. He was considered the skinny kid in the series and somewhat of a nerd. He continued until the silent era ended. At that point he began preparation to leave the series, as he felt he would be unable to make the transition to sound. After persuasion from the studio, Jay appeared in the sixth Our Gang talkie episode Moan and Groan, Inc.; he felt that his performance was unsuccessful, and left immediately after. He stopped his acting career in 1929 and enjoyed a peaceful retirement.
[edit] Later years
A native of Los Angeles, California, Smith left acting as a teenager, eventually going into the retail paint business and moving to Kailua, Hawaii. Those who knew him reported that he was a friendly and affable man off-screen.
[edit] Murder
Smith would manage for some time to live a long and healthy life. He retired in the early 1990s, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and living there until he was reported missing in early October 2002. After extensive searching, his body was found stabbed to death on October 5, 2002 in the desert near Las Vegas. Charles "Wayne" Crombie, a homeless man who Smith had reportedly befriended, was later convicted of the murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison.
[edit] External links
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