Biography

Michael Jackson was a huge fan of the Our Gang series, and visited the elderly McFarland at his Dallas-area home. As they looked over George's photo albums, a picture of Spanky sitting on the front steps of his home caught Michael's eye. Unbeknownst to any of them before that day, both the McFarlands and the Jacksons had resided in that home, several decades apart.

Spanky's famous double and triple-takes were taught to him by Stan Laurel, while a great deal of his mannerisms (rolling of eyes, hands on hips, and his trademark exasperated expression) were inspired by Oliver Hardy. He, Laurel and Hardy were working together, but in different shorts, that were produced and directed by Hal Roach.

After leaving the acting profession, he worked for a wine company, an appliance manufacturer and a boot company.

Was an ardent golfer who, in his later years, could be frequently seen on the pro-am circuit.

Was an executive with Philco (later Philco Ford) for many years.