Movies - TV
The Only Surviving Stars Of It’s A Wonderful Life
By SHAE SENNETT
Karolyn Grimes
Karolyn Grimes was just six when she played Zuzu Bailey, whose fever brings out her father George's most compassionate, caring side, as well as his wrath.
Grimes went on to star in "The Bishop's Wife" and several Westerns but she stopped acting in 1952. She was orphaned at 15, became a medical technologist, and is now 83.
Ronnie Ralph
In a flashback to George's childhood, he saves his brother Sam Wainwright from drowning. Ronnie Ralph played Sam when he was 13, and is 90 years old today.
Jimmy Hawkins
Tommy Bailey triggers his father's outburst by pestering him for attention. Jimmy Hawkins, who was only four at the time, still has fond memories of his time on the set.
Later, Hawkins was a prominent child star as Tagg Oakley in "The Annie Oakley Show," and "The Donna Reed Show." His biggest movie role was Doc in the Elvis-led film "Girl Happy."
Carol Coombs
At age 11, Carol Coombs played Janie Bailey. She had several roles in film and television before and after the film, and at 88, she continues to appear at events.