Karolyn Grimes

Karolyn Grimes

85 · Born: Jul 4, 1940

Personal Details

BornJul 4, 1940 Hollywood, California, USA
Spouse
  • Michael T Wilkerson

    ( Jul 22, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )
  • Chris Brunell

    ( Dec 6, 2025 to Dec 6, 2025 )
  • Hal Barnes

Parents
  • La Van Grimes

Biography

Karolyn Grimes, a talented young actress, made her mark on the silver screen at the tender age of six, taking on the iconic role of Zuzu Bailey in the timeless holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life, released in 1946. What's more, her childhood film career spanned an impressive 16 movies, cementing her status as a child star of the era. However, it is her portrayal of the daughter of George and Mary Bailey, played by James Stewart and Donna Reed respectively, that remains her most enduring legacy.

The scene in which Zuzu presents her mother with a bouquet of flowers, complete with delicate petals, has become an integral part of the film's enduring appeal. The rose, a symbol of the values that bring people together, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family, friends, and the preciousness of life itself. And who can forget Zuzu's most memorable line, "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings," which has become an integral part of the movie's cultural lexicon?

Fast forward to the present day, and Karolyn Grimes has continued to carry the torch for It's a Wonderful Life, serving as the film's most dedicated and charismatic ambassador. Her tireless efforts to promote the movie's message of hope, kindness, and the importance of human connection have endeared her to fans around the world, ensuring that the spirit of It's a Wonderful Life continues to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come.

Career

1951
Honeychile
Honeychile as Effie
1950
Rio Grande
Rio Grande as Margaret Mary
1949
Lust for Gold
Lust for Gold as Young Martha
1948
Albuquerque
Albuquerque as Myrtle Walton
1947
The Bishop's Wife
The Bishop's Wife as Debby Brougham
Mother Wore Tights
Mother Wore Tights as Iris - Age 6 (uncredited)
1946
Blue Skies
Blue Skies as Mary Elizabeth Adams
Sister Kenny
Sister Kenny as Carolyn (uncredited)
It's a Wonderful Life
It's a Wonderful Life as The Bailey Child - Zuzu
1945
Pardon My Past
Pardon My Past as Stephanie Pemberton