Bobs Watson was born in Los Angeles on November 16, 1930, the youngest of nine children. Nicknamed “The Crybaby of Hollywood,” Watson could shed puddles of tears on director’s cue. As a child actor, he played 125 film roles before the age of 10. He is best known for his role of PeeWee in the 1938 movie “Boys Town.”

During the filming of that movie, Watson remembers how Spencer Tracy often times would reach over and hug him and take him on his lap after shooting a scene. “I felt like a little puppy,” Watson said. “I would follow along and stand close, hoping he’d call me over, and often he would. He’d say, ‘How’re you doing?’ and put his arm around me.”

He also observed Father Flanagan very closely as he interacted with his boys and saw a genuine outpouring of God’s love to them, which made a permanent impression on the young actor.

In 1963, Watson became a minister and attributed that decision to Tracy’s inspirational performance, and his kind treatment of the boys on the set of “ Boys Town ” and to Father Flanagan’s faith in action. “Father Flanagan was many things, but mostly he was a man who didn’t care what denomination you were,” said Watson. “I was a 7-year old Methodist, but all he saw was a boy, who like all boys, needed to be loved – and he loved me – and I loved him back. Frankly, I think that is how God intended us all to behave.”

For the next 33 years, Watson used his unique theatrical talents for God, “whose earthly life gave me the supreme example of how to live – and die.”

In 1990, Watson spoke at Boys Town, helping the organization dedicate the new Chambers Chapel, the Protestant church on campus.

Nine years later, on June 27, 1999, Watson passed away in Laguna Beach, California, at the age of 68.