Switzer debuted in Our Gang in 1935 with his older brother, Harold, in the short "Beginner's Luck". Alfalfa's off-key singing of popular songs was just part of his screen persona; off screen, he was an expert singer and musician. Although Alfalfa was officially paired with Darla Hood, she was actually afraid of him and preferred to do scenes with George McFarland. As an adult, Switzer worked as a dog breeder and hunting guide. He died at age 31 of a gunshot wound, which was held to be justifiable homicide.