Bug Hall from Little Rascals Shares His Off-the-Grid Life with 5 Kids and a Commitment to Simplicity

Bug Hall.
Credit :

Melissa Moseley/Amblin/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Bug Hall/X

Need to Know

• Bug Hall, his wife, and their five children are living off the grid on an 80-acre property near Mountain View, Arkansas.
• The actor, known for his role as Alfalfa in 1994’s The Little Rascals, identifies as a “radical Catholic extremist” and has taken a "vow of poverty," donating his material possessions and savings.
• Hall made this life-altering decision following his arrest in June 2020 for allegedly huffing air duster cans.

Former child star Bug Hall, best recognized for his portrayal of Alfalfa in The Little Rascals, has shared insights into his decision to leave Hollywood. He now identifies as a “radical Catholic extremist,” embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes faith and simplicity.

Hall, who was born Brandon Rowan, revealed to The Daily Mail that he has taken a vow of poverty and relocated his family to an expansive 80-acre plot in Arkansas, where they plan to live entirely off the grid. His goal includes constructing a family home equipped with hydro-electrical systems and plumbing.

The 40-year-old actor, married for eight years to his wife Jill, is raising four daughters and one son. They initially welcomed their eldest daughters in Los Angeles before embarking on their journey that led them through Texas, Michigan, and Ohio, before settling in Arkansas.

In June 2020, Hall’s life took a significant turn after his arrest for allegedly huffing air duster cans during a visit to family in Texas. Although he faced a misdemeanor possession charge, he claims no charges have persisted. Hall was previously sober for 15 years, but he acknowledged experiencing several relapses during his time in Hollywood. He described the environment as one that fostered “manipulation” in both personal and professional realms.

“I didn’t want to go work some job that was basically meaningless, making widgets to entertain people or distract people,” Hall expressed regarding his discontent with the entertainment industry.

In a YouTube video titled “Into the Unknown,” Hall further explained that he no longer sees his career as compatible with his faith. “It was a hard realization, but it was something that I was pretty firm on,” he stated, emphasizing that his love for storytelling, film, and television remains intact.

Hall commented on donating most of his possessions and all of his savings to free himself from financial obligations. “If there’s a financial need that comes up, I’ll go take some work or do an odd job for cash,” he elaborated, while dismissing his previous belongings as “a big pile of nothing."

He also mentioned his intent to raise his children as “extremists,” opting for homeschooling over traditional education, which he critiques as “nonsense.” Hall’s family, including his mother and brother, have also moved to rural Arkansas to support this new lifestyle.

Bug Hall as "Alfalfa" in The Little Rascals in 1994.

Alamy

As Hall embraces his new life, he reflects on the changes he has made and the motivations behind them. Sharing his experience sheds light on the complexities of fame, personal struggles, and finding peace through faith.