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Bobby 'Wheezer' Hutchins

Mar 29, 1925 - Mar 17, 1945 (19 years old) in Tacoma, Washington, USA

Robert E. Hutchins was born March 29th, 1925, in Tacoma, Washington. He was born to James Hutchins and Olga Hutchins (nee Roe). Robert was a very outgoing boy with a charming personality, because friends persuaded James and Olga to go to a Hollywood photographer and get his picture taken. The photographer was impressed by Robert's intelligence, and asked to take a few feet of film of him. The results were so good that the film ended up in the projection room at Hal Roach Studios. Hal Roach decided the boy would be a good addition to his "Our Gang" short films, and signed him to a five year contract.

On his first day at the studio, Robert didn't have an identity for his part in the movies, and he was running around so much that he began to wheeze. Such led to the coining of the 'Wheezer' name, one he carried for the rest of his time in Our Gang. Robert played the perky, tag-along little brother that was always anxious to be part of the mischief that the gang was getting into. He played such a part in both the silent films and the talkies.

Known For

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School's Out
Wheezer
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Love Business
Wheezer Cooper
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The Stolen Jools
'Wheezer'
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It's Showtime
Self (archive footage)
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The Pooch
Wheezer
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Mush and Milk
Wheezer
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Bargain Day
Wheezer
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Lazy Days
Wheezer
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When the Wind Blows
Wheezer
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Small Talk
Wheezer

Credits