George Bailey, played by James "Jimmy" Stewart, is at the center of It's a Wonderful Life, and the actor was 37 years old when principal photography began. Stewart turned 38 on May 20, 1946, during the middle of production.

What did James Stewart pass away from?

On June 25, 1997, a thrombosis formed in his right leg, leading to a pulmonary embolism, and a week later on July 2, 1997, surrounded by his children, James Stewart died at age 89 at his home in Beverly Hills, California. His last words to his family were, "I'm going to be with Gloria now".

Did James Stewart like It's a Wonderful Life?

Capra revealed that it was his favorite among the films he directed and that he screened it for his family every Christmas season. It was one of Stewart's favorite films.

How old was Zuzu in It's a Wonderful Life?

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 (

Did Jimmy Stewart date Dinah Shore?

He saw lots of action, both in the war and on the dating front. ` On the dating front, he started dating Dinah Shore. They even got engaged, but before they could get to the altar in Las Vegas, Stewart called it off.

Jimmy Stewart: It Wasn't A Wonderful Life

How many biological children did James Stewart have?

Married to his beloved Gloria for 45 years, the Stewarts had two sons (one killed in Vietnam) and twin daughters.

How tall was Jimmy Stewart and how much did he weigh?

When his number was called and he appeared at Draft Board No. 245 in West Los Angeles in February 1941, the 6'3” Stewart weighed only 138 pounds, 5 pounds under the acceptable weight level.

What is Zuzu short for in It's a Wonderful Life meaning?

Meaning of Zuzu

Zuzu (the character from It's a Wonderful Life) got her name from a brand of gingersnap cookies. Hence the quote, "Zuzu, my little gingersnap." Zuzu means "sweet" in Yiddish and "lily" in Czech. In China, Zuzu means "little pearl", referring to a perfect child.

What does Zuzu stand for in It's a Wonderful Life?

Zuzu is thought to have come from a Nabisco cookie called Zu Zu Ginger Snaps, which were advertised widely a century ago in “Life” magazine and other national publications. “I was named after a cookie!” laughed Grimes. Further evidence of this is an inside-joke in the movie.

What is Zuzu short for in Its a Wonderful Life?

In the movie “It's A Wonderful Life”, (1946) Jimmy Stewart's daughter is named ZuZu, after a cookie called “ZuZu's Gingersnaps”.

Why didn't James Stewart like Donna Reed?

Stewart is said to have blamed his co-star for the movie's failure. Because It's a Wonderful Life wasn't successful at first, it has been said that Stewart blamed co-star Donna Reed, who played his wife in the movie. The drama was Stewart's first movie after serving in the military during World War II.

Where did they film It's a Wonderful Life?

It's a Wonderful Life was filmed entirely in California, as were most movies at that time. However, Seneca Falls has long believed itself to be the inspiration for key scenes in the film and Bedford Falls itself.

How did Jimmy Stewart feel about It's a Wonderful Life?

That movie is It's a Wonderful Life, and out of all the 80 films I've made, it's my favorite.

What were the last words of James Stewart?

"I'm going to be with Gloria now."

Said by Jimmy Stewart to his family just before dying in 1997, referring to his wife, Gloria, who had passed away three years earlier. The actor, 89 when he died, apparently never got over his wife's death.

Who was James Stewart best friend?

Henry Fonda and James Stewart were two of the greatest stars of Hollywood's golden years. A new biography describes their 50-year friendship and dedication to their craft. Each was an actor before he became a star, their biographer writes, and they both remained actors after they became legends.

How old was Barrymore in It's a Wonderful Life?

Henry Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore, is the antagonist of It's a Wonderful Life, and the star was 67 when principal photography began on April 15, 1946. However, like James Stewart, Barrymore celebrated a birthday during filming, so after April 28, he was 68 years old while on the set of the Christmas movie.

Is anyone from It's a Wonderful Life still alive?

In fact, most of the adults in the film passed away before the 21st century began. However, between flashbacks and family scenes, there are quite a few children in this film who have lived to see 2024. They're well into old age now, but many of the youngest cast members in "It's A Wonderful Life" are still alive today.

Is Zuzu still alive from It's a Wonderful Life?

But, the actors who played the two Bailey daughters, Zuzu and Janie, are still around and still celebrating the film. Grimes is 81, and Carol Coombs, who played Janie, is 86. Read on to find out about how their lives have gone since starring in one of the most beloved movies of all time.

Who was the little girl in a wonderful life?

Actor and author Karolyn Grimes, best known for her role as young Zuzu Bailey in the classic 1946 Christmas film “It's A Wonderful Life” will be at the show for all five days. As a child actor, Karolyn appeared in several notable films.

What's the angel's name in It's a Wonderful Life?

Travers John Heagerty (5 March 1874 – 18 October 1965), known professionally as Henry Travers, was an English film and stage character actor. His best known role was the guardian angel Clarence Odbody in the 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life.

What is the Angels name in Wonderful Life?

Clarence Odbody is the deuteragonist of It's a Wonderful Life. He is the guardian angel of George Bailey, whose life he reviews with the head angel Joseph. For this reason, he is not shown for most of the film. He was portrayed by the late Henry Travers.

Were Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne friends?

John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart seemed to get along just fine. While not particularly close, nor exactly what one would even think of as friends off-screen, they had a friendly and solid working relationship and appeared together in several films, including Wayne's last film, The Shootist.

What did Steven Spielberg say about Jimmy Stewart?

Steven Spielberg, who was in attendance, said that he was humbled to even be in the same room as Stewart, because he respected him so much. Of all his films, he has said that It's a Wonderful Life (1946) was his favorite.

Who did Jimmy Stewart marry in real life?

In 1949, he married former model Gloria Hatrick McLean. They had twin daughters, and he adopted her two sons from her previous marriage. The marriage lasted until Gloria's death in 1994, and Stewart died of a pulmonary embolism three years later.