Matthew 'Stymie' Beard

Matthew Beard, known as Stymie, was an American actor who began as a baby in films before signing a five-year contract with Our Gang in 1930. Born near Los Angeles in 1925, he became famous as Stymie in the Our Gang short comedies from 1930 to 1935, playing a self-assured, sly con artist whose oversize derby hat, a gift from Stan Laurel, became his trademark. He took the name Stymie Beard from the role. After leaving the series in 1935, he appeared in minor parts in features such as Captain Blood (1935) and Jezebel (1938), and in independent race films including Two Gun Man from Harlem (1938) and Broken Strings (1940). He retired from acting as an adult, then later returned for small film roles and television guest spots. He had a recurring role on Good Times as Monty from 1974 to 1977 and appeared in The Buddy Holly Story (1978).