End of an era: Silent film actress Jean Darling, star of Our Gang comedies, dies in Germany aged 93

By Caitlin O'toole For Dailymail.com

Published: 16:05 EST, 7 September 2015 | Updated: 17:26 EST, 7 September 2015

Silent film actress Jean Darling has died aged 93.

The Our Gang star passed away on September 4 in a nursing home in Germany, her son Roy Bowen told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday.

The former child star appeared in dozens of 'Our Gang' comedy shorts, and was one of the last remaining silent films stars.

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Child star: Jean Darling, second left, with her Our Gang costars in the 1930s

Child star: Jean Darling, second left, with her Our Gang costars in the 1930s

A four-year-old Darling began appearing in the shorts in 1926, and appeared in 46 shorts and four 'talkies' about the childhood pals, reports Deadline. 

The California native also appeared on Broadway in Count Me In in 1952.

And she originated the role of Carrie Pipperidge in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s original production of Carousel in 1945, and appeared in 850 consecutive performances.

Musicals: As an adult, Darling originated the role of Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel

Musicals: As an adult, Darling originated the role of Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel

Long career: Darling began appearing in the Our Gang comedies as as four-year-old

Long career: Darling began appearing in the Our Gang comedies as as four-year-old

Darling passed away after a short illness in Roedermark, Germany, where she lived with her son.

The actress was born Dorothy Jean LeVake in Santa Monica, California on August 32,1922.

After leaving Our Gang, she appeared in Laurel & Hardy's Babes In Toyland and in Jane Eyre, both in 1934.

She then took singing lessons and transitioned to Broadway and later radio.

Darling moved to Dublin, Ireland in 1970, where she wrote mysteries and worked as a journalist.

She had one son, Roy, with husband Reuben Bowen, who died in 1980. 

Hollywood: The actress was one of the last remaining stars of the silent film era

Hollywood: The actress was one of the last remaining stars of the silent film era

 

 

 

 

 

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