ABOUT A CONVERSATION WITH…
Film and television director Jim Drake and Karolyn Grimes discuss her career and life after playing Zuzu Bailey in the holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life (1946).
Her childhood film career spanned sixteen 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 film, 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, serving as the film's most active and appealing ambassador.
During the evening, Ms. Grimes will be selling copies of her books, autographed film stills, and hand-made ornaments.
TICKETS
Admission is FREE.
No reservation required.
VENUE
Zech Hall
ABOUT KAROLYN GRIMES
At the tender age of four, Karolyn Grimes began memorizing lines and acting in the fantasy world of cinema. She worked with film legends John Wayne, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Loretta Young, Fred MacMurray, Betty Grable, Danny Kaye and, of course, Jimmy Stewart. She already had appeared in four films when the part of Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life came along. It was just another small part, but one that has made an indelible imprint on the American consciousness.
Karolyn's life has not always been wonderful. In fact, tragedy beset her early and often. Her Hollywood career ended in her teens when her mother died from early-onset Alzheimer's disease and her father was killed in an automobile accident. An only child, Karolyn was sent by the court to live in tiny Osceola, Mo. Living in a less than desirable home, she found support from the townspeople, and, through their love and encouragement, Karolyn decided to get an education and became a medical technician.
She eventually married and had two little girls. The marriage ended in divorce, and two years later her girls' father was killed in a hunting accident. Karolyn then married a man who had three children. They had two more together, so Karolyn raised a family of seven children. Her youngest child committed suicide at age 18, and Karolyn describes this time in her life as the most devastating. As she climbed out of that despair, her husband of 25 years died from lung cancer.
At the time, the rebirth of interest in It's a Wonderful Life had begun, and Karolyn soon found a new life's focus. She travels the world and speaks at screenings, benefits, conventions, and other venues. Her sparkling personality and her courageous story allows her audiences to feel good about themselves and their lives, no matter the hardship.
FILMOGRAPHY (highlights)
Cassandra's Castle (TV Series) (2020)
Hans Christian Andersen (1952)
Rio Grande (1950)
Lust for Gold (1949)
Albuquerque (1948)
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
Unconquered (1947)
Mother Wore Tights (1947)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Blue Skies (1946)
ABOUT JIM DRAKE
Jim’s career began in 1974, working as an associate director for the Norman Lear produced sitcoms, CBS-TV's All in the Family and Good Times; he made his solo directorial debut in the syndicated comedy/soap opera spoof series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, which was executive produced by Lear. His other television works include Sanford, Gimme a Break!, We Got It Made, The Facts of Life, Newhart, Night Court, The Golden Girls, Dave's World, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, its spin-off, The Suite Life on Deck, and other series.
His film credits include Mr. Bill's Real Life Adventures, Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, and Speed Zone starring John Candy.