Betsy Gay, ‘Little Rascals’ Actress, Dies at 96

Betsy Gay, a yodeler and retired actress who appeared in “The Pinch Singer,” “Arbor Day,” and “Our Gang Follies of 1938,” died on June 13. She was 96.

Gay’s death was reported by her friend, Bob Satterfield.

Gay began her movie career by starring in a series of comedy films called “Our Gang Comedies,” which later became known as the “Little Rascals.” She appeared in several episodes before accepting the role of “Alfalfa’s” girlfriend, “Effie.” She stayed with the comedy group for more than four years before transitioning to other film projects in 1938.

Gay made appearances in over 40 feature films, including “Tom Sawyer,” “Came the Brawn,” “Man of Conquest,” “A Day At The Circus” and “Mystery Plane.” By 1941, the actress was involved in an Andy Cyle movie short for Columbia Pictures, where she performed a yodeling scene. Through 1943, she acted in stage plays at the Pasadena Playhouse with roles in “Quality Street,” “A Kiss For Cinderella” and “Heros Unlimited.”

Before moving to Los Angeles, Gay performed with her family, who had a background in music. Her parents ran a music school where they taught lessons in singing, piano, banjo, violin, guitar and accordion. In 1935, Gay’s family relocated to Hollywood, where she began her career as a child actress.

In addition to her acting career, she became an accomplished yodeler who performed songs in films like “What’s Buzzin Cousin” where she played a hillbilly. She acted alongside Dub Taylor, Ann Miller and Freddy Martin and his orchestra. By 1944, she made regular singing appearances with country music artist Stuart Hamblen and his Lucky Stars. A year later, Gay won the California State Yodeling Championship at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, winning the title again in 1946.

Despite not having a hit yodeling single, she was a guest on several radio shows such as the “Hank Penny Show,” “The Jimmy Wakely Show” and “The Don Ameche Show” where she sang “Belle of the Old Barn Dance,” “Texas Plains,” “Chime Bells,” “Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Dream Girl.”

She pursued her music career and embarked on an east coast tour in 1946. She joined a group of singers and performed with Tex Williams and his band through the 1950s. Although Gay had a passion for music, she didn’t abandon acting. She became a regular cast member of the ABC show Squeakin’ Deacon’s “Country Store.”

Her other TV credits include “Hometown Jamboree,” “County Barn Dance,” “Town Hall Party,” “Country America,” “International Party Time” and “Polka Show.”

She married Thomas Cashen in 1954 and had five children: twins Mimi and Gigi, Tommy, Suzy and Cathy.