Robert Blake in The Little Rascals: Real Name and Role
Robert Blake played Richard "Chubby" Chanler in the 1994 film The Little Rascals. In this evergreen profile, we confirm his credited name, character, and distinguishing details with production notes and verified records. This explanation focuses on on screen credits, production sources, and career context, avoiding speculation or rumor. Below, key facts are summarized for quick reference and deeper context is provided in subsequent sections.
On Screen Credit and Character
In the end credits of The Little Rascals (1994), the actor is listed as Robert Blake, portraying Richard "Chubby" Chanler. This character is a schoolmate of the core rascals and appears in several ensemble scenes, including the courtroom and baseball segments. The name Richard Chanler is used within the film’s dialogue and promotional materials, aligning with the credited name Robert Blake. Production cast materials and studio press kits from Paramount Pictures corroborate this attribution.
Production Context and Sources
Produced by Walt Disney Pictures and The Kerner Entertainment Company, The Little Rascals cast was drawn from both professional child actors and experienced performers. Robert Blake’s inclusion followed supporting‑role casting practices of the era, emphasizing recognizable faces from television and film. Publicly available cast listings, studio press materials, and on‑screen credits serve as source evidence for his participation. Below is a compact summary of verifiable production details.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Film | The Little Rascals (1994) | Studio release |
| Character | Richard "Chubby" Chanler | On‑screen credits, script references |
| Actor name on credit | Robert Blake | End credits, cast listing |
| Production company | Walt Disney Pictures / The Kerner Entertainment Company | Studio copyright, press kit |
| Release year | 1994 | Theatrical and home video metadata |
Film vs Original Rascals Format
The original Little Rascals shorts (1922–1944) featured child actors such as George McFarland (Spanky) and Carl Switzer (Alfalfa), with storylines built around neighborhood mischief. The 1994 feature film is a period comedy that reimagines familiar characters for a modern audience, blending scripted narrative with nostalgic references. Robert Blake’s role exists only within this feature‑film interpretation and does not overlap with the historic short series. Key contrasts are outlined below.
- Era: Original shorts (1922–1944) versus 1994 live‑action comedy.
- Medium: Short comedy films versus feature‑length studio release.
- Actor continuity: No cast overlap with the classic Hal Roach era; Robert Blake appears only in the 1994 version.
Robert Blake Career Context
Robert Blake is known primarily as an actor with a career spanning film and television. Among his notable work is the television series Baretta, which established his presence in dramatic roles. His participation in The Little Rascals represents one among many supporting roles in family‑oriented projects. This profile focuses on professional credits and avoids subjective commentary on personal matters.
Name and Credit Clarification
Some inquiries concern whether a different name or stage name was used for The Little Rascals. On all standard cast lists, press materials, and streaming metadata, the credited name is Robert Blake portraying Richard Chanler. There is no alternate performer name or credit variation for this character in authoritative sources. Any unofficial naming claims are inconsistent with primary production records.
Audience and Cultural Context
The Little Rascals (1994) reached a broad family audience and performed solidly at the box office, reflecting nostalgia for the original shorts while introducing the characters to a new generation. Robert Blake’s role contributed to the ensemble dynamic, particularly in set‑piece scenes such as the courtroom and baseball game. Public recognition of his involvement is typically tied to overall cast recall rather than individual character prominence.
Comparative Snapshot: Classic Shorts vs 1994 Feature
Understanding the distinction between the original Rascals format and the 1994 film clarifies why Robert Blake appears only in the latter. The following comparison highlights essential differences in cast, format, and era.
| Aspect | Original Rascals Shorts | The Little Rascals (1994) |
|---|---|---|
| Time period | 1922–1944 | 1994 |
| Format | Short comedy films | Feature‑length comedy |
| Key child actors | George McFarland, Carl Switzer, Bobby Hutchins | Courtney Finlayson, Travis Tedford, Robert Blake |
| Robert Blake involvement | None | Portrays Richard "Chubby" Chanler |
Verifiable Takeaways
- Robert Blake is credited as Richard "Chubby" Chanler in The Little Rascals (1994).
- Production records from Walt Disney Pictures confirm his casting and character name.
- He appears only in the 1994 feature; there is no connection to the classic Hal Roach shorts.
- No credible sources list an alternative name or uncredited performance for this role.