Posted on 06/07/2008 1:12:23 PM PDT by lunarbicep
Bob Anderson, who played George Bailey as a young boy in the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life," has died. He was 75. Anderson died Friday of cancer at his home in Palm Springs, his wife, Victoria, said Saturday.
Robert J. Anderson grew up in Hollywood to a movie family. His father, Gene, was an assistant director and later a production manager. His uncles were directors William Beaudine and James Flood and his brothers and cousins were editors and production managers.
Anderson's introduction to films began when he was literally snatched from his crib by relatives to appear in a movie scene that called for a baby, his wife said.
He was 7 when he appeared in the 1940 Shirley Temple film "Young People" and went on to appear in other movies such as 1945's "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."
But he was best known for his role as the young Bailey in Frank Capra's 1946 "It's a Wonderful Life." In one scene, the story called for him to spot a potentially fatal error made by a drunken druggist, played by H.B. Warner.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
“Why don’t you just go bother somebody else.”
Think about why George Bailey was considered a hero in this essentially liberal movie. It was because he offered sub-prime mortgages. He was always in conflict with the evil Republican banker, Mr. Potter, who opposed them.
Liberals conveniently forget that they used to champion sub-prime mortgages. They ALWAYS championed sub-prime mortgages until this year.
per IMDB, looks like all the Bailey kids (Janie, Zuzu, Pete and Tommy) are still alive (at least no DOD listed).
Carol Coombs ... Janie Bailey (as Carol Coomes) DOB-1935
Karolyn Grimes ... Zuzu Bailey DOB-1940
Larry Simms ... Pete Bailey DOB-1934
Jimmy Hawkins ... Tommy Bailey DOB-1941
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/fullcredits
You beat me by a minute! LOL!
Unless something’s happened very recently, Karolyn Grimes, the lady who played Zuzu is still alive. She was at the quarterly Hollywood Collector’s Show last year, and no matter what her age, she was youthful and enthusiastic. She also played David Niven’s and Loretta Young’s daughter in the Bishop’s Wife, and she kindly autographed a magazine ad I had showing her as a child listening raptly to Cary Grant. What woman wouldn’t listen raptly to Cary Grant?! I bought her cookbook which is filled with her family favorites and lots of Wonderful Life photos and memories.
Zuzu comes to Chicago once in a while to M.C. a big theater showing of “Wonderful Life”.
Wow, you’re good!
“You see George, you’ve really had a wonderful life.”
And thank you for making mine a little better too.
Rest in peace.
I am one of the nephews of Bob Anderson. He had a great life and will be greatly missed. Thank you all for your thoughts.
I know for sure that Karolyn Grimes and Jimmy Hawkins are still alive since I’ve been in contact with them over that last couple of days.
“Please don’t hurt my ear again!” One of the most heart-wrenching scenes in movie history; I still choke up every time. Farewell to a truly great actor.
Enjoyed his performance in IAWL. RIP, Mr. Anderson.
God bless you and your family.
Please know that my prayers are with you and your family at this time. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is an immortal movie and your family can always be proud of your uncle’s contribution in making it such.
Correction: “I wish I had a million bucks...HOT DOG!”
IIRC: All four actors who played the Baily kids are still alive. Todd Karns, who played the adult Harry Bailey (George’s brother), passed away several years ago. Tragically, the kid who opened up the dance floor was none other than Carl “Alfalfa” Swieitzer. I say tragic because he was shot and killed over a matter of fifty dollars. Most, if not all, of the adult actors have passed away already. If Jimmy Stewart were still alive, he would be 100.
A pox on me. Carl Sweitzer!
Prayers for the family.
(smacking forehead) You are SO right! And it's my favorite line from the movie. How could I have forgotten?? (slumps away, head hanging...)
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