In the world of child actors, many shine brightly for a brief moment and then fade away from the limelight. Kevin Jamal Woods, best known for his role as “Stymie Beard” in the 1994 feature film adaptation of “The Little Rascals,” is one such actor who captured the hearts of many during his time on screen.
But where is he now, and what has he been up to since his days as a young actor?
Background Information
Kevin Jamal Woods was born on January 6, 1987. He is the eldest of two children born to Helen and Gary Woods.
The Little Rascals
One of Woods’ most well-known roles was as Stymie in the 1994 film adaptation of The Little Rascals. The classic comedy shorts were adapted into a feature film starring Woods as the bowler hat-wearing ringleader of the He-Man Woman Haters Club.
Woods brought charm and humor to the mischievous Stymie, who was known for outsmarting and manipulating adults.
The Little Rascals was a box office success, grossing over $50 million against a $13 million budget. Critics praised the film for recapturing the spirit of the original shorts.
Roger Ebert called it “a genial comedy” and praised the young cast for having “the peculiar combination of precocious professionalism and utter innocence.” While Woods was not singled out by critics, his performance as Stymie was integral to the film’s comedic tone. He would star in the movie alongside Travis Tedford and Bug Hall.
Audiences who grew up with the original shorts also appreciated the adaptation. Many felt Woods and the cast faithfully continued the legacy of The Little Rascals for a new generation.
Some of Woods’ most notable TV work came in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He had a recurring role as Malik on the series Sons of Thunder from 1999-2000. In 2000, he appeared in the TV movie Danny. His last major acting credit was in the 2002 series Hope, where he played Cleavell Monroe.
Later Career
After his iconic role as “Stymie” in “The Little Rascals” (1994), Kevin Jamal Woods continued to make his mark in the entertainment industry.
In 1995, he lent his voice to the character “Puppy” in the acclaimed film “Babe.” Around the same time, he appeared in the TV series “Blossom,” playing the character “Frank” from 1994 to 1995.
Additionally, Woods was featured in a series of educational videos titled “On Nature’s Trail,” where he appeared in episodes such as “Trees for Life,” “Food Chain,” and “Circle of Water” in 1995.
In 1996, he took on a role in the TV movie “America’s Dream,” where he played Clyde in the segment “The Boy Who Painted Christ Black.” That same year, he appeared in the popular TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger” as Simon Purcell. In 1997, Woods showcased his acting prowess in another TV movie titled “Hope,” portraying the character Cleavell Monroe. By 1999, he appeared in the TV series “Sons of Thunder” as Malik.
His last acting role was in “The Brainiacs.com” in 2000, where he played the character Danny. He retired from acting at the age of 13.
Life After Acting
In a 2016 video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Kevin Jamal Woods discusses his recent work experiences and the challenges he’s been facing.
After leaving a job he disliked, he started working at a factory that produces plastic bins, like the ones commonly purchased from Walmart for storage.
The factory job proved to be demanding, with 12-hour shifts, limited break times, and significant responsibilities. Kevin was initially responsible for one machine, but he was later assigned to oversee four machines simultaneously, which was overwhelming.
Due to some issues with packaging, he was moved to a slower machine, which he found more manageable.
Financially, he expressed dissatisfaction with his earnings, mentioning a paycheck for 36 hours of work amounting to only three hundred and some dollars.
Kevin expressed his intention to leave this job soon, citing the physical toll it’s taking on him, including split ends in his hair and roughening skin.
He also touched upon his job search struggles. Despite having a college degree and considering himself smart, he’s been facing challenges in securing a job in the media field, which he’s been pursuing since 2009. He mentioned frequently applying for jobs and often receiving rejection letters without even being called for an interview.
What is Kevin Jamal Woods Doing Now?
Kevin Jamal Woods, once known for his acting roles, has transitioned into the world of music, producing under the moniker “The Brazz Kru.”
His SoundCloud profile showcases a range of tracks that highlight his versatility as a “Rappa, Singa, Chopped n Screwa, Beat Maka.”
Kevin is not just producing music; he’s also deeply invested in the craft, always eager to learn more about production and instrumentation.
Some of his popular tracks include “Blame It (chopped & Screwed),” “Love U Gently (chopped & Skrewed),” and “Psyke War (Plenty Money Freestyle).”