Last ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ adult star, Virginia Patton, dead at 97

Virginia Patton, the final surviving grownup solid member from “It’s a Fantastic Life,” died Thursday at age 97. The actress’s passing was confirmed in a Fb put up by co-star and former baby actor Karolyn “Zuzu” Grimes.

“We have now one other angel! Virginia Patton Moss. She was 97 years outdated,” Grimes wrote. “She is now together with her beloved Cruse. She might be missed!”

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1925 and raised in Portland, Oregon, Patton is most well-known for showing in Frank Capra’s 1946 vacation basic, “It’s a Fantastic Life.” She performed Ruth Dakin Bailey, the sister-in-law of James Stewart’s protagonist, George Bailey.

Virginia Patton as Ruth Dakin Bailey and James Stewart as George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946).
Virginia Patton as Ruth Dakin Bailey and James Stewart as George Bailey in “It’s a Fantastic Life” (1946).
CBS through Getty Pictures
Patton retired from acting in 1949.
Patton retired from performing in 1949.
Courtesy Everett Assortment
Patton after being signed by Warner Bros. in 1943.
Patton after being signed by Warner Bros. in 1943.
Courtesy Everett Assortment

“Virginia was the one woman that was contracted instantly by Frank Capra,” Patton’s husband, Cruse W. Moss, claimed in 2012 concerning his spouse’s casting within the movie, Selection reported. “All people else in that movie was loaned by one other studio.”

He added, “However Ginny was not with the studio and Frank Capra truly signed her for that image.”

Patton, who was the niece of legendary World Conflict II Gen. George Patton, would go on to star in 4 extra movies, together with “The Burning Cross” in 1947 and “Black Eagle” in 1948, earlier than retiring from performing in 1949. In her remaining credited function, Patton appeared within the 1949 comedy “The Fortunate Stiff” alongside Dorothy Lamour, Brian Donlevy and Claire Trevor.

From left: Julie Bishop, Lynn Baggett, Virginia Patton, and Andrea King in"Hollywood Canteen" (1944).' class="wp-image-23554362"/>
(From left) Julie Bishop, Lynn Baggett, Virginia Patton and Andrea King on the Hollywood Canteen in 1944.
Courtesy Everett Assortment
Todd Karns, Virginia Patton, James Stewart, and Thomas Mitchell in "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946).
(From left) Todd Karns, Virginia Patton, James Stewart and Thomas Mitchell in “It’s a Fantastic Life” (1946).
"I couldn’t see me doing that for my life,” Moss said in 2012, while discussing her decision to retire from acting.
“I couldn’t see me doing that for my life,” Patton stated in 2012 whereas discussing her resolution to retire from performing.
Courtesy Everett Assortment

That very same yr, Patton married Cruse W. Moss and relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan, whereupon she began a profession as a businesswoman and raised three children. The pair remained married till Cruse’s loss of life in 2018.

“I couldn’t see me doing that for my life,” Patton informed native information outlet Patch in 2012 whereas discussing her resolution to retire from performing. “I needed precisely what I'm. Ann Arbor, Michigan, an exquisite husband, great youngsters, a very good a part of the group. I work exhausting for the group.”

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post