Norman Chaney

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.

  • Title: Norman Chaney
  • Popularity: 1.59
  • Known For: Acting
  • Birthday: 1914-11-01
  • Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
  • Homepage:
  • Also Known As: Norman 'Chubby' Chaney, Norman Myers Chaney, Chubby
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Norman Chaney Movies

  • 1930
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    Las fantasmas

    Las fantasmas

    1 1930 HD

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  • 2001
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    Our Gang - Comedy Festival

    Our Gang - Comedy Festival

    1 2001 HD

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  • 1929
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    Boxing Gloves

    Boxing Gloves

    6 1929 HD

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  • 1929
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    Lazy Days

    Lazy Days

    4.8 1929 HD

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  • 1929
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    Railroadin'

    Railroadin'

    5.7 1929 HD

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  • 1930
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    Pups Is Pups

    Pups Is Pups

    6 1930 HD

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  • 1929
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    Moan & Groan, Inc.

    Moan & Groan, Inc.

    5.5 1929 HD

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  • 2021
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    The Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 2

    The Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 2

    1 2021 HD

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  • 1929
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    Bouncing Babies

    Bouncing Babies

    6.1 1929 HD

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  • 1930
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    Shivering Shakespeare

    Shivering Shakespeare

    5.7 1930 HD

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  • 1930
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    The First Seven Years

    The First Seven Years

    5.1 1930 HD

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  • 1930
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    Bear Shooters

    Bear Shooters

    5.2 1930 HD

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  • 1931
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    Fly My Kite

    Fly My Kite

    7 1931 HD

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  • 1930
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    A Tough Winter

    A Tough Winter

    5.6 1930 HD

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  • 1930
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    Teacher's Pet

    Teacher's Pet

    7.2 1930 HD

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  • 1930
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    School's Out

    School's Out

    6.9 1930 HD

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  • 1931
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    Helping Grandma

    Helping Grandma

    6.8 1931 HD

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  • 1931
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    Love Business

    Love Business

    6.9 1931 HD

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  • 1931
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    Little Daddy

    Little Daddy

    7 1931 HD

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  • 1931
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    The Stolen Jools

    The Stolen Jools

    5.6 1931 HD

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  • 2021
    imgMovies

    The Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 1

    The Little Rascals - The ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 1

    1 2021 HD

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  • 1930
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    When the Wind Blows

    When the Wind Blows

    6.1 1930 HD

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  • 1931
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    Bargain Day

    Bargain Day

    6 1931 HD

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  • 1931
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    The Little Rascals: The Best of Our Gang Collection (In Color)

    The Little Rascals: The Best of Our Gang Collection (In Color)

    1 1931 HD

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