Who’s Still Alive From ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’?
What To Know
- Three surviving cast members from It’s a Wonderful Life are Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu Bailey), Carol Coombs (Janie Bailey), and Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey), all of whom played the Bailey children.
- Each has maintained a connection to the film through public appearances, festivals, and sharing memories, with Grimes and Hawkins especially active in celebrating the movie’s legacy.
- The film will air in a 24-hour marathon on E! starting November 27, 2025, on NBC on December 24, 2025, and is also available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
It’s a Wonderful Life is essential holiday viewing for many of us — and many viewers will be catching it for the first time this season on November 27, 2025, when E! runs a 24-hour It’s a Wonderful Life marathon, beginning at 6 a.m. EST. The film was released nearly 80 years ago, on December 20, 1946, so naturally, most of the cast has passed on. However, three cast members are still with us — Karolyn Grimes, Carol Coombs, and Jimmy Hawkins, who played the Bailey children.
Read on to find out more about what they’re up to now, along with an In Memoriam for the film’s main stars.
Karolyn Grimes (85)
Zuzu Bailey
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Karolyn Grimes is perhaps the most recognizable surviving cast member, thanks to her unforgettable line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” Grimes was only six when she filmed It’s a Wonderful Life, yet her role as Zuzu left a lasting impact on audiences.
After continuing to act through childhood, she eventually stepped away from Hollywood and pursued a career in medical technology. Grimes eventually became the unofficial ambassador of It’s a Wonderful Life, traveling to festivals and events that celebrate the film’s enduring legacy. She often says she didn’t see the movie until she was an adult because it wasn’t originally a major success. Today, she continues to share memories of working with director Frank Capra and star James Stewart.
Carol Coombs (90)
Janie Bailey
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Carol Coombs, who played Janie Bailey, appeared in several films during the 1940s and early 1950s. Not long after her early acting career, she stepped away from the spotlight and dedicated her life to teaching. She later became a longtime resident of Canada, where she worked in education and raised a family.
Coombs rarely made public appearances until the growth of It’s a Wonderful Life festivals in the 2000s. She has participated in several cast reunions, sharing recollections of being on set as a young performer.
Jimmy Hawkins (84)
Tommy Bailey
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As a child actor, Hawkins appeared in numerous films and television shows, including The Ruggles and Annie Oakley. He also appeared in several Elvis Presley movies, most notably Girl Happy and Spinout, which remain some of his most recognizable film credits. After acting for many years, he transitioned to behind-the-scenes work as a producer and writer.
He is also an enthusiastic guardian of the film’s history; Hawkins has written books about It’s a Wonderful Life and regularly participates in events honoring the cast and crew.
In Memoriam
James Stewart, who played George Bailey, died on July 2, 1997, at age 89 from a pulmonary embolism.
Donna Reed, who played Mary Hatch Bailey, died on January 14, 1986, at age 64 from pancreatic cancer.
Lionel Barrymore, who played Mr. Potter, died on November 15, 1954, at age 76 from a heart attack.
Henry Travers, who played Clarence Odbody, died on October 18, 1965, at age 91 from arteriosclerosis.
Thomas Mitchell, who played Uncle Billy, died on December 17, 1962, at age 70 from cancer.
Gloria Grahame, who played Violet Bick, died on October 5, 1981, at age 57 from breast cancer.
Larry Simms, who played Pete Bailey, died on June 17, 2009, at age 74.
Where to Watch It’s a Wonderful Life
Catch it on E! during the Thanksgiving marathon, starting at 6 am EST on November 27, 2025; it will also air on NBC on December 24, 2025, at 8 pm EST. You can also stream the movie with an Amazon Prime subscription.
Remind 
PUZZLER: Holiday Movies
December 2022
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