Jean Darling, who starred in the silent comedy series Our Gang as a cute little blonde girl also named Jean, has died at age 93. The actress passed away on Friday, Sept. 4, in a nursing facility in Germany, her son, Roy Bowen, told The Hollywood Reporter. She was one of the last actors still alive who worked during the silent film era.
Darling, who starred in Our Gang starting at age 4 in 1926, quit just as sound was starting to be introduced to films, but participated in six “talkies” with the series before her exit, according to Deadline. She went on to appear in other films, including Saturday’s Lesson in 1929 and Jane Eyre in 1934, before moving on to stage productions.
Darling made her Broadway debut in the 1942 musical Count Me In, and originated the role of Carrie Pipperidge in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s original 1945 production of Carousel, performing in 850 consecutive shows.
Her final role was Lady Cavendish in 2013’s comedy short, The Butler’s Tale.
She is survived by her son, Roy, and two grandsons.
