I can’t say that I actually remember meeting Our Gang member Joe Cobb during Hollywood ’80, but I always knew that I did because he signed my little blue autograph book. Now I am doubly certain as my friend Jimmy just sent me a nice shot of Joe Cobb at the Hollywood ’80 convention, with a dopey kid in a red t-shirt standing nearby getting an autograph. I never realized this great photo existed. As you may have guessed, the dopey kid (as seen below) is me.
Joe signs the autograph below
I’m actually rather surprised that I don’t remember meeting Joe in 1980. If any former Little Rascal was going to leave a lasting impression on you, it would be Joe. Both looking and sounding (AND being virtually the same size) just as he did during his Our Gang days made meeting him a unique and unforgettable experience. Fortunately, my association with Joe didn’t end here. Although he soon became mentally unable to attend many further functions after this appearance, he welcomed me into his living quarters three times when I visited him with my friend Bob…in 1988, 1995, and 1997.
As one of the nicest little guys I ever had the good fortune of meeting, he was always so cordial about signing autographs that Bob amassed a huge collection of signed photos of Joe – and shared many with me. In fact, I most certainly have more autographs from Joe Cobb than any other celebrity.
Below is just one example as to provide a good ‘then-and-later-on’ comparison.
The Our Gang stars of Hollywood ’80 will continue…
Who’s a “dopey kid?” For a dopey kid, you certainly managed to meet a lot of the (then) living legends!
Peter
August 15th, 2007
I Love Joe Cobb It Would Be Nice If He Was Living I Would Love To Meet Him That’s Awesome You Got To Meet Him.
Jieron
March 5th, 2022