15 Facts About Johnny Downs

John Morey Downs was an American actor, singer and dancer.

Johnny Downs began his career as a child actor, most notably as Johnny in the Our Gang short comedy film series from 1923 to 1926.

Johnny Downs remained active in films, television and theatre through the early 1960s.

Johnny Downs's mother took him to Hollywood for an audition with the Hal Roach Studios.

Johnny Downs appeared in a silent film; then was cast as Johnny in the Our Gang series, where he was a regular from 1923 until 1927 and appeared in 24 episodes.

Johnny Downs found his niche in the "college musical" movies of the late 1930s, starting with College Scandal and College Holiday.

Johnny Downs had a notable cameo in the 1945 film Rhapsody in Blue where he danced to Robert Alda's piano playing of "Swanee".

In 1949 Johnny Downs was co-host of Manhattan Showcase, a 15-minute talent-discovery program on CBS television.

Johnny Downs settled in Coronado, California where he sold real estate and became a respected amateur tennis player.

From 1953 to 1968 he hosted an after-school kids' television show, The Johnny Downs Show, on Channel 10.

The theme started as an airport hangar with Downs playing a former World War II pilot, "Johnny Jet".

Between reruns of The Little Rascals, Johnny Downs entertained and informed studio audiences and viewers.

Since one of the show's sponsors was Golden Arrow Dairy, Johnny Downs was regularly featured as a superimposed miniature dancer on top of an old-style milk bottle.

When each show concluded, Johnny Downs waved to the viewing room and the visitors entered the studio.

Johnny Downs died of cancer on June 6,1994, in Coronado, California at the age of 80.