Allen 'Farina' Hoskins

Biography

Allen "Farina" Hoskins was a child actor born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1920, who began his career at 14 months old with the Hal Roach Studios' "Our Gang" series. He went on to appear in 105 episodes between 1922 and 1931, and later transitioned to a successful career in the medical field, helping disabled young people with drug and mental health issues. Farina's on-screen persona, inspired by a cereal mascot, evolved from a traditional "pickaninny" character to a distinct personality. He passed away in Oakland, California in 1980.