Norman Chaney
He played Chubby in 18 "Our Gang" comedies from 1929 to 1931. The resident plus-size member of "The Little Rascals" at the dawn of the talkie era, he relied on an affable personality, a flair for funny dialogue, and a priceless frown of frustration that seemed to swallow up his whole moon face. He was taught the expression by the master of the "slow burn" himself, comedian Edgar Kennedy. Chubby's meatiest moments are in the classic short "Love Business" (1931), in which he competed with Jackie Cooper for the affections of their teacher, Miss Crabtree. (Bringing her flowers and candy, he coyly proposes, "Don't call me Norman, call me 'Chubsy-Ubsy'"). Chaney's other notable "Our Gang" appearances include "Boxing Gloves" (1929), "Shivering Shakespeare" (1930), "Teacher's Pet" (1930), "School's Out" (1930), "Helping Grandma" (1931), "Bargain Day" (1931), and "Fly My Kite" (1931). Norman Myers Chaney was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He gained his spot in "Our Gang" in a nationwide talent contest to replace original "fat kid" Joe Cobb, though it appears his age was falsified so he'd stand a better chance of winning. Cobb later said of his successor, "He adapted gracefully, and we all liked him, he was a nice fellow". Roughly 14 at the time ("retirement" age by child star standards), the roly-poly youth's stay with the series was destined to be brief but he still made a memorable impression on generations of "Rascals" fans. After leaving the Gang Chaney returned to Baltimore and attended public school. He continued to gain weight and eventually topped 300 pounds. In 1935 he underwent surgery for a glandular ailment at Johns Hopkins Hospital; his weight dropped to 136 pounds and he remained in poor health until his death the following May. Chaney was the first former "Our Gang" star to die.
The Stolen Jools
as ChubbyFamous actress Norma Shearer's jewels are stolen… (Star-packed promotional short film intended...
Movie pageSchool's Out
as Chubby ChaneyThe schoolchildren lost their last teacher because she got married and quit her job. When the...
Movie pageBoxing Gloves
as ChubbyThe Rascals have a boxing arena that could pack them in if they could find fighters who would...
Movie pagePups Is Pups
as ChubbyThe gang decides to enter their animals in a local pet show.
Movie pageTeacher's Pet
as ChubbyJackie prepares a series of elaborate jokes for his new teacher.
Movie pageRailroadin'
as ChubbyThe gang is playing around the railroad station, and Joe and Chubby's father, an engineer,...
Movie pageMoan & Groan, Inc.
as ChubbyThe gang goes digging for treasure in an old abandoned house against Kennedy the Cop's wishes.
Movie pageWhen the Wind Blows
as ChubbyJackie throws his schoolbook out the window in disgust, but then climbs outside to retrieve it....
Movie pageShivering Shakespeare
as ChubbyThe gang is participating in a program sponsored by the Golden Age Dramatic League. They present...
Movie pageThe First Seven Years
as ChubbyJackie gets in a duel over the affections of Mary Ann.
Movie pageThe Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 2
as uncreditedThe Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 2 contains the next 11 Our Gang sound...
Movie pageLazy Days
as ChubbyWhile the other kids and animals find things to do on the farm, Farina becomes single-minded in...
Movie pageOur Gang - Comedy Festival
as ChubbyFeaturing the most riotous Rascals of all. This hilarious comedy compilation spans more than...
Movie pageBear Shooters
as ChubbyThe gang decides to go camping with a little bear hunting on the side. A pair of poachers...
Movie pageHelping Grandma
as ChubbyThe kids' adopted grandma decides to sell her store, but can't decide whom to sell it to. The...
Movie pageFly My Kite
as ChubbyA greedy man tries to get rid of his mother by putting her in an old folks home until he...
Movie pageThe Little Rascals: The Best of Our Gang Collection (In Color)
as ChubbySpanky, Buckwheat, Porky and all of the Little Rascals at their hilarious best! All films in...
Movie pageLove Business
as ChubbyMiss Crabtree, the teacher Jackie has a crush on, rents a room at Jackie's house.
Movie pageA Tough Winter
as ChubbyThe gang creates a huge mess after they get into a taffy-pulling contest.
Movie pageBargain Day
as ChubbyWheezer and Stymie, door-to-door salesmen, meet a lonely little rich girl.
Movie pageThe Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 1
as uncreditedThe Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 1 contains the first 11 Our Gang sound...
Movie pageLittle Daddy
as ChubbyFarina plans a going-away party for Stymie as authorities prepare to place him in an orphanage.
Movie pageBouncing Babies
as ChubbyWith Wheezer's new baby brother getting all the attention, he tries to send the baby back.
Movie page