From 'Otay!' To Open House: 5 Surprising New Careers Of Ross Bagley, Buckwheat From The Little Rascals (Updated 2025)

The iconic catchphrase "Otay!" is instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up watching the 1994 film adaptation of The Little Rascals. That simple, charming line belonged to Buckwheat, the adorable, braided member of the "He-Man Woman Haters Club." The actor who brought that character to life is Ross Bagley, and as of the current date in December 2025, his life has taken a fascinating and highly successful turn, moving far beyond the silver screen and into the world of real estate and music.

For many, Ross Bagley is not just Buckwheat; he’s also the beloved Nicky Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Today, he represents a unique success story of a child star who successfully pivoted his career, leveraging his fame and education to build a stable, professional life as a licensed real estate agent and a professional DJ, proving that life after Hollywood can be even more rewarding.

Ross Bagley: The Complete Biography and Filmography

Ross Elliot Bagley is one of the most recognizable child actors of the 1990s, known for his roles in two of the decade's biggest hits. His career was brief but impactful, giving him a lasting legacy in pop culture. Here is a detailed look at his life and professional journey.

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• Full Name: Ross Elliot Bagley
• Date of Birth: December 5, 1988
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Mother's Name: Mary Bagley
• Education: Graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a degree in Cinema & Television Arts.
• Notable Roles: Buckwheat in The Little Rascals (1994), Nicholas "Nicky" Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Seasons 5–6), Dylan Dubrow in Independence Day (1996).
• Current Professions (2025): Licensed Real Estate Agent and Professional DJ.
• Active Years in Acting: 1994–2015 (primarily active in the 90s).
• Key Collaborators: Will Smith, Whoopi Goldberg, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

The Little Rascals and The Fresh Prince: A Dual Child Star Legacy

Bagley’s career exploded in 1994, a year that saw him secure two of his most memorable roles. He was just five years old when he took on the character of Buckwheat, the younger, high-energy member of the gang, often seen alongside his best friend, Porky (played by Zachary Mabry). The film, directed by Penelope Spheeris, was a nostalgic tribute to the original Our Gang shorts, and Bagley's performance quickly made him a fan favorite.

In the same year, he joined the cast of the hugely popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Nicky Banks, the youngest son of Philip and Vivian Banks. He played the cousin of Will Smith's character, a role that saw him grow up on screen and share significant emotional scenes with the show's star. This dual success cemented him as one of the most prominent Black child actors of the era.

His acting career continued with the blockbuster film Independence Day (1996), where he played Dylan Dubrow, the son of Will Smith's character, Captain Steven Hiller. This reunion with Will Smith showcased his talent on a massive scale, further solidifying his place in cinematic history.

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From Hollywood Sets to Real Estate: Ross Bagley’s Professional Pivot

Unlike many child stars who struggle to transition into adult acting careers, Ross Bagley made a deliberate and successful pivot out of the full-time spotlight. He chose to focus on his education and build a career with long-term stability, a decision that has paid off handsomely. This move highlights a growing trend among former child actors to seek professional fulfillment outside of the volatile entertainment industry.

The Licensed Real Estate Professional

The most significant chapter in Ross Bagley's current life is his career as a licensed real estate agent. He is a recognized and active Realtor in the highly competitive Southern California market, focusing primarily on the Los Angeles and San Diego regions. This career is a testament to his ambition and professionalism, requiring dedication, market knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills.

Bagley holds a California Department of Real Estate (DRE) license (DRE #01978134) and is associated with Premier Realty Associates in Los Angeles. He has openly discussed his passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes, a far cry from memorizing lines on a film set. His public profile and name recognition, particularly in the Southern California area, likely offer a unique advantage in building trust and rapport with clients.

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His work as a real estate professional provides a fascinating contrast to his childhood fame. He has traded in the fictional mansions of Bel-Air for the actual homes of Southern California, using his platform not for celebrity status, but for a legitimate, service-oriented career.

DJ Rossy B and Other Creative Ventures

While real estate provides his professional foundation, Bagley has not entirely abandoned the creative world. He maintains a strong connection to the entertainment industry through his passion for music, performing as a professional DJ under the stage name DJ Rossy B. This second career allows him to remain creative and engage with a public audience in a different capacity.

DJ Rossy B is known for spinning a variety of genres, often performing at clubs, events, and private parties. This venture is a perfect example of a former child star successfully monetizing a personal hobby and passion. The discipline and stage presence honed during his acting days undoubtedly contribute to his success as a DJ, allowing him to command a crowd and manage a performance schedule alongside his real estate duties.

Furthermore, after his initial acting career, Bagley pursued higher education. He attended California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he earned a degree in Cinema & Television Arts. This educational background shows a commitment to understanding the industry he grew up in, even as he chose to step away from acting. He also famously interned at Will Smith's production company, Overbrook Entertainment, after college, maintaining a professional relationship with his former co-star.

Topical Authority: Where Are The Little Rascals Cast Now?

The enduring popularity of the 1994 film means that public curiosity about the cast remains high. Ross Bagley is not the only member of the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" to have moved on to a non-acting career. The cast's varied paths offer a compelling look at life after child stardom, solidifying the topical authority surrounding the film's legacy.

Other key entities and cast members include:

• Bug Hall (Alfalfa): Continues to act, often appearing in independent films and television.
• Travis Tedford (Spanky): Stepped away from acting and has pursued a career in marketing and communications in Texas.
• Brittany Ashton Holmes (Darla): Largely left the industry, with very few acting credits since the film.
• Blake McIver Ewing (Waldo): Remains in the entertainment world as a singer, voice actor, and host.

Ross Bagley, along with many of his co-stars, participated in the film's 20th-anniversary reunion in 2014, a heartwarming event that saw the cast recreate their iconic movie poster. This reunion proved that the bond forged on the set of the Universal Pictures film remains strong, and the public's fascination with the group is timeless.

In conclusion, the story of Ross Bagley, the actor who played Buckwheat, is a refreshing narrative of successful transition. He is not defined by his childhood roles but has built a thriving, multi-faceted career. From delivering the unforgettable "Otay!" to closing real estate deals and spinning tracks as DJ Rossy B, Bagley has crafted a life that is both stable and creatively fulfilling, proving that the brightest path for a former child star is often one they forge for themselves, far from the glare of the Hollywood spotlight.