Person

Karolyn Grimes

Acting · Born 1940-07-04 · Hollywood, California, USA

Karolyn Grimes (born July 4, 1940) is an American actress. At age 6, Karolyn Grimes played the role of Zuzu Bailey in the holiday film It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Her childhood film career spanned 16 movies, but she is best remembered for playing the daughter of George and Mary Bailey (James Stewart and Donna Reed). The petals from her rose symbolize the values of family, friends and life itself in the 1946 classic, and it is Zuzu who speaks the movie's most memorable line, "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." In recent years, Karolyn has carried on the spirit of It's a Wonderful Life (1946), serving as the film's most active and appealing ambassador.

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  It's a Wonderful Life

  Zuzu Bailey

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  Creature Features

  Self

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  Rio Grande

  Margaret Mary

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  Blue Skies

  Mary Elizabeth Adams (uncredited)

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  The Bishop's Wife

  Debby Brougham

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  Pardon My Past

  Stephanie Pemberton

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  The Private Affairs of Bel Ami

  1947

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  James Stewart: A Wonderful Life

  Self (archive footage)

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  Sister Kenny

  Carolyn (uncredited)

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  Lust for Gold

  Young Martha

• 2016Creature FeaturesSelf
• 2011A Night at the Movies: Merry Christmas!Self - Interviewee / Zuzu Bailey
• 1987James Stewart: A Wonderful LifeSelf (archive footage)
• 1951HoneychileEffie
• 1950Rio GrandeMargaret Mary
• 1949Lust for GoldYoung Martha
• 1948AlbuquerqueMyrtle Walton
• 1947The Bishop's WifeDebby Brougham
• 1947Mother Wore TightsIris - Age 6 (uncredited)
• 1947The Private Affairs of Bel Ami
• 1947Philo Vance's GamblePat Roberts
• 1947Sweet and LowTammie
• 1946It's a Wonderful LifeZuzu Bailey
• 1946Blue SkiesMary Elizabeth Adams (uncredited)
• 1946Sister KennyCarolyn (uncredited)
• 1945Pardon My PastStephanie Pemberton