
Biography
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.
Acted in 14
2020s
- 2026
1950s
- 1951
Honeychile
Effie
- 1950
1940s
- 1949
Lust for Gold
Young Martha
- 1948
- 1947
Mother Wore Tights
Iris - Age 6 (uncredited)
The Private Affairs of Bel Ami
Movie
Philo Vance's Gamble
Pat Roberts
Sweet and Low
Tammie
- 1946
Blue Skies
Mary Elizabeth Adams (uncredited)
Sister Kenny
Carolyn (uncredited)
- 1945
Pardon My Past
Stephanie Pemberton
Appearances3
2010s
- 2016
- 2011
A Night at the Movies: Merry Christmas!
Self - Interviewee / Zuzu Bailey
1980s
- 1987
James Stewart: A Wonderful Life
Self (archive footage)