Sidney Kibrick, widely remembered for his role in the classic Our Gang comedy shorts of the 1930s, has passed away at the age of 97, according to confirmation from his family. Best known to audiences by his nickname “Woim,” Kibrick became part of a generation of child performers whose work shaped early Hollywood comedy. His passing marks the end of an era, as he was the final surviving cast member from that original group of film shorts.
Born in Minneapolis in 1928, Sidney Kibrick moved with his family to Los Angeles at a young age, where his journey into film began almost by chance. He later shared that he was discovered while attending a movie, an experience that led him into the world of short-form comedies produced during Hollywood’s golden age. By the time he was five years old, he had already begun appearing on screen.
Kibrick went on to star in more than two dozen short films between 1935 and 1939 as part of Our Gang, later known to many as The Little Rascals. The series focused on humorous stories about children from working-class neighborhoods in Los Angeles and became a staple of American entertainment. Alongside this work, Kibrick also appeared in feature films of the era, gaining valuable experience at a remarkably young age while balancing schooling with long days on set.
At just 15, after nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, Kibrick chose to step away from acting and pursue a life outside the spotlight. Although he left Hollywood early, his connection to Our Gang stayed with him, including organizing a cast reunion years later and receiving fan mail well into adulthood. His life reflects both the opportunities and challenges of early child stardom, and his legacy continues through the timeless films that introduced him to audiences around the world.