Tommy Bond

Thomas Ross Bond (September 16, 1926 – September 24, 2005) was an American actor, director, producer and writer. He was best known for his work as a child actor for two nonconsecutive periods in Our Gang (Little Rascals) comedies (first as "Tommy" and later as "Butch"). He is also noted for being the first actor to appear onscreen as DC Comics character Jimmy Olsen in the film serials Superman and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950).

Biography

Early years and Our Gang Born in Dallas, Texas, Bond got his start in 1931 at the age of 5 when a talent scout for Hal Roach studios approached him as he was walking down a Dallas street with his mother. Bond retired from television in 1991. In his latter years he lived in the Fresno and Madera Ranchos area, and served as a spokesman for a number of Our Gang-related materials. Bond published his autobiography, Darn Right It's Butch: Memories of Our Gang/The Little Rascals, with the help of Fresno teacher, film historian and co-author Ron Genini, in 1994. Tommy's son, Thomas R. Bond II "Butch, Jr.", who is a film and television producer, worked with his father in their family production company, Biograph Company. The senior Bond also hosted The Rascals, a documentary on the life and times of the Little Rascals.

Throughout his lifetime, Bond appeared in 73 films, was a charter member of the Screen Actors Guild, joining in 1937, and worked with many Hollywood stars in the years of 1933 to 1951, including James Stewart, Eleanor Powell, Ray Bolger, Frank Morgan, and Eddie Cantor among many others.

Death Bond died on September 24, 2005, at age 79 due to complications from heart disease in Northridge, California. He was survived by his wife, son, and grandson. He is buried at U.S. Veterans Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

Filmography