Darla Hood
| Darla Hood | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Darla Jean Hood November 8, 1931 Leedey, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | June 13, 1979 (aged 47) North Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Acute hepatitis Heart failure |
| Other names | Cookie |
| Occupation |
Film actress child actress singer |
| Years active | 1935-1979 |
| Spouse(s) | Robert W. Decker (m.1949-1957; divorced) (2 children) Jose Granson (m.1957-1979; her death) (3 children) |
Darla Jean Hood (November 8, 1931 - June 13, 1979) was an American child actress, best known as the leading lady in the Our Gang series from 1935 to 1941. She was born in Leedey, Oklahoma, the only child of music teacher Elizabeth Davner, and James Claude Hood, who worked in a bank.
Hood's mother introduced her to singing and dancing at an early age, taking her to lessons in Oklahoma City. Just after her third birthday she was taken to New York City, where she was seen by Joe Rivkin, a casting director for Hal Roach Studios, who arranged a screen test. She was then taken to Culver City, California, to appear in the Our Gang movies.
She played Darla in Our Gang, except for her Our Gang debut, in which her character's name was "Cookie". She made her debut at age four in the 1935 film Our Gang Follies of 1936 and was soon given a role in The Bohemian Girl with Laurel and Hardy. From 1935 to 1941, she continued to play in Our Gang. She is well remembered for her coquettish character, typically the love interest of Alfalfa, Butch, or (occasionally) Waldo. One of her most memorable moments was singing "I'm in the Mood for Love" in The Pinch Singer.
Hood's final appearance Our Gang film was 1941's "Wedding Worries".
...
Wikipedia