Karolyn Grimes reflects on life after 'It's a Wonderful Life' and personal tragedies

Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey in the 1946 film "It's a Wonderful Life," faced significant personal tragedies after her childhood acting career. She lost her mother to illness at 14 and became an orphan a year later when her father died in a car accident. Grimes left Hollywood and moved to Missouri, where she experienced difficult living conditions with her relatives. She later married and had children, but faced further loss when her youngest son died by suicide in 1989, followed by the death of her second husband from cancer. Despite her hardships, Grimes has embraced the film's legacy, participating in events that celebrate its message of hope. She now shares her story and the film's impact on audiences, emphasizing its importance in today's world.