Biography

His last "Our Gang" contract with the Hal Roach Studios called for a weekly salary of $350; far more than any of the other kids (even Jackie Cooper) were paid at that time.

In the early 1950s Hoskins was blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), because as a teenager in the 1930s he had participated in public events sponsored by communist and socialist organizations. Hoskins described its affect on his later acting career: "It didn't matter, because I wasn't getting work anyway." In 1952 he turned his back on Hollywood and moved to Northern California, where he married and built a successful career in the rehabilitation field. In a 1950s televised reunion on the "Our Gang" cast, Hoskins explained why he abandoned acting: "I preferred a job that allowed me to eat regular.".

Served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant. In his later years he forged a successful career at Northern California medical centers, helping disabled young people afflicted with drug problems and mental illnesses.

On screen from the age of 14 months. He acquired the name 'Farina' from a type of cereal. Member of 'Our Gang' in 106 episodes between 1922 and 1931 - more than any other character.

The character Farina, played by Allen Hoskins, was producer Hal Roach's personal favorite of all the "Little Rascals", in part because Hoskins was a more gifted natural actor than most of his co-stars.