Virginia Patton Moss, the last surviving adult cast member of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ dies at 97

[Michael Rielly]

Virginia Patton Moss, the last surviving adult cast member of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ dies at 97

The actor played Ruth Dakin Bailey, the sister-in-law of James Stewart's character, George Bailey.

August 22, 2022

Variety

 

EXCERPT:

Virginia Patton Moss, a former actor who was the final surviving adult cast member of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” died on Aug. 18 in Albany, Georgia. She was 97 years old.

Moss’ death was confirmed through Legacy. Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey as a child actor in the film, posted a tribute to her costar on her personal Facebook page.

“We have another angel! Virginia Patton Moss. She was 97 years old,” Grimes wrote. “She is now with her beloved Cruse. She will be missed!”

Moss is credited as her birth name, Virginia Patton, on the 1946 feature. She played Ruth Dakin Bailey, the wife to Todd Karns’ Harry Bailey and sister-in-law to protagonist George Bailey, played by star James Stewart. Moss was the final surviving adult cast member of the holiday classic (a number of the child actors in the film, including Grimes, are still alive).

Moss began her career as a performer as a student at the University of Southern California, acting in plays and playing small roles in features. She continued to participate in interviews regarding her experience making “It’s a Wonderful Life” throughout her life.

“Virginia was the only girl that was contracted directly by Frank Capra,” Moss’ husband, Cruse W. Moss, claimed in 2012. “Everybody else in that film was loaned by another studio. But Ginny was not with the studio and Frank Capra actually signed her for that picture.”

SOURCE: https://variety.com/2022/film/obituaries-people-news/virginia-patton-moss-dead-its-a-wonderful-life-1235346753/

 

[Michael Rielly]

I had the great privilege of meeting Virginia Patton Moss in 2013 at the St. Nicholas Institute. I remember having a wonderful conversation with her. Throughout the evening she referred to me as "My Irish Friend" ❤️

 

[Santa SteveKl]

I loved this movie and enjoyed watching it every year! I did not know that so many were gone, but I so very grateful for all involved in making this film. We need more heartfelt and impacting films and shows like this to help teach and instill the message imbedded in this film!

[Michael Rielly]

9 minutes ago, Santa SteveKl said:

I loved this movie and enjoyed watching it every year! I did not know that so many were gone, but I so very grateful for all involved in making this film. We need more heartfelt and impacting films and shows like this to help teach and instill the message imbedded in this film!

This has always been my all-time favorite movie. I will watch it throughout the year. I am sure I have watched this film over 150 times by now. I love the message. Just call me George. ❤️

[Sundblom Santa]

6 hours ago, Michael Rielly said:

6 hours ago, Santa SteveKl said:

I loved this movie and enjoyed watching it every year! I did not know that so many were gone, but I so very grateful for all involved in making this film. We need more heartfelt and impacting films and shows like this to help teach and instill the message imbedded in this film!

This has always been my all-time favorite movie. I will watch it throughout the year. I am sure I have watched this film over 150 times by now. I love the message. Just call me George. ❤️

Exactly! It's an uplifting and inspiring film for any day of the year, not only at Christmastime!

Now, if we can call you George (lol), then I think I speak for all of us when I say:

"Dear George: -

Remember no man is a failure who has friends.

Thanks for the wings!

Love, Clarence"

Edited August 22, 2022 by Sundblom Santa

[Sundblom Santa]

6 hours ago, Santa SteveKl said:

I loved this movie and enjoyed watching it every year! I did not know that so many were gone, but I so very grateful for all involved in making this film. We need more heartfelt and impacting films and shows like this to help teach and instill the message imbedded in this film!

Same. I still love this film. Watch it every single year at Christmas. It's a classic. One of the big things, to me, was how accurately it portrayed life in small towns all over America. Men and women who got married, had families, were part of a community, and loved others, no matter their differences. Then you had George and his father saving who knows how many poor, disadvantaged people from "crawling to Potter."

George always wanted to escape his little town because he was afraid that he'd never accomplish anything. You come to find out that, George, unlike Potter, had the one type of wealth you couldn't buy: friendship. Everyone in that small town loved George. He had helped and influenced so many people over the course of his life that the world would have been much different without him in it (as is the case for all of us). George Bailey came to learn he really did have a wonderful life.

Edited August 22, 2022 by Sundblom Santa

[Santa TJS]

Yes met her at the St Nicholas Institute Banquet in 2013 ,sad to hear she passed.

[Warrenton Santa]

Love this movie

 

[Rob Thompson]

On 8/22/2022 at 2:15 PM, Michael Rielly said:

This has always been my all-time favorite movie. I will watch it throughout the year. I am sure I have watched this film over 150 times by now. I love the message. Just call me George. ❤️

Similar thing here, its a movie I watch several times throughout the year, really uplifting especially on a low mood day  

[Grandpa Gus]

The thing that I always notice is her smile. I hope and wish that when I encounter people, that I leave them with half as nice a smile