Introduction
Roscoe Todd Karns (January 15, 1921 – February 5, 2000) was an American actor perhaps best remembered for playing Harry Bailey, the younger brother of George Bailey in the Christmas classic film It's a Wonderful Life.
Early life
Karns was the son of the well-known character actor Roscoe Karns and his wife Mary Fraso. He initially planned to have a career as a newspaper reporter, but participation in a little theater production changed his mind, turning him toward acting.
Film
Karns started his film career in 1941 as Harry Land in two Andy Hardy movies with Mickey Rooney, but shortly after that, his beginning film career was interrupted by the Second World War, where Karns served in the Army Air Corps. When he returned to Hollywood, Karnes portrayed his signature role as Harry Bailey in Frank Capra's Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life (1946).
He often had minor film roles, such as in The Caine Mutiny (1954).
Television
Karns played Jackson Jones in Jackson and Jill (1949-1953), the first weekly situation comedy for television. He also appeared with his father Roscoe in the criminal series Rocky King, Detective (1950-1954), playing Sergeant Hart.:905 He retired from the film and television business in the mid-1950s.
Later years
Karns and his wife Katherine with their three children moved to Mexico near Guadalajara where they opened the English-language venue, Lakeside Little Theater in 1971. There Karns produced and directed plays for the next three decades, until his cancer death at age 79.
Painting
In addition to acting, Karns also made numerous paintings. He began painting in January 1948 and went on to sell his works to individuals and to businesses. A newspaper reporter wrote, "His style is strictly his own and bears no resemblance to anything ever heard in an art class or put in a book."
Death
Karns died of cancer in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico on February 5, 2000, age 79. His wife and children had his private family interment in Ajijic's cemetery.
Selected filmography
- Andy Hardy's Private Secretary (1941)
- The Courtship of Andy Hardy (1942)
- Eagle Squadron (1942)
- It's a Wonderful Life (1946) as Harry Bailey
- Good Sam (1948)
- My Foolish Heart (1949)
- Jackson and Jill (TV series, 1949-1953)
- The Magnificent Yankee (1950)
- Let's Dance (1950)
- The Red Badge of Courage (1951)
- My Son John (1952)
- Jet Job (1952)
- Battle Zone (1952)
- Flat Top (1952)
- Invaders from Mars (1953)
- Clipped Wings (1953)
- China Venture (1953)
- Rocky King, Detective (TV-series, 1953-1954)
- The Caine Mutiny (1954) as Stilwell (uncredited)