One of the last remaining Little Rascals actresses and acclaimed yodeler, Betsy Gay, passed away on June 13. Betsy made a name for herself during the Golden Age of Hollywood, starring as Alfalfa’s girlfriend Effie in the Little Rascals. Betsy’s friend, Robert Satterfield, broke the news on Facebook.
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“I am so sorry to report my friend Elizabeth Cashen passed away yesterday in Bakersfield, CA. Elizabeth, was better known as child actress and singer Betsy Gay (February 2, 1929-June 13, 2025). She appeared in ‘The Pinch Singer,’ ‘Arbor Day,’ ‘Our Gang Follies of 1938’ and ‘Came the Brawn’ with the Our Gang Comedies,’ he wrote. “Other projects included: ‘The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer’ (1938); ‘Mystery Plane’ (1939); ‘At The Circus’ (1939); ‘Bachelor Daddy’ (1941); ‘What’s Buzzin’, Cousin’ (1943) and ‘The Spike Jones Show’ TV-Series (1954).”
Betsy Gay married Thomas Cashen in 1954, and they were married until his death in 2005. The couple shared five children.
Betsy Gay Was a Champion Yodeler
In addition to her acting career, Besty made a name for herself in the yodeling circuit. Her last public appearance was in a YouTube video for World Yodel Day in 2019. She smiled for the camera, looking thrilled to be part of the day.
“Betsy attended the Sons of the Desert International Convention, Laurel and Hardywood in 2014 and was a part of the very last Little Rascals Reunion. She will be deeply missed,” Robert Satterfield wrote of Betsy Gay.
“I remember passing through Downey, California, and seeing Betsy’s name on the marquee of a local club,” a fan wrote. “I was 20 at the time, and couldn’t get in to see her show. One of my life regrets.”
Others shared their condolences with Robert following Betsy Gay’s death.
“So sorry to lose her! Thank you for sharing so many wonderful pictures,” a fan wrote.
“My deepest condolences,” someone shared.
This person agreed, writing simply, “Very sad news.”
Betsy was 96.
This story’s featured image is by John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images.
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