Robert Anderson, child actor in 'Wonderful Life'
LOS ANGELES - Robert J. Anderson, a former child actor best known for playing the young George Bailey in the 1946 Christmas film classic "It's a Wonderful Life," has died. He was 75.
Known as Bobbie when he was young and Bob as an adult, Mr. Anderson died Friday of melanoma at his Palm Springs home, said Stephen Cox, a family friend and author of "It's a Wonderful Life: A Memory Book."
Mr. Anderson was 12 when director Frank Capra cast him as Jimmy Stewart's youthful counterpart in the heartwarming tale set in Bedford Falls.
As the adult George Bailey contemplates suicide, his life is told in flashback so his guardian angel Clarence can get to know him.
Young George rescues his brother from drowning, dreams about being an explorer, and saves the town pharmacist, Mr. Gower, from accidentally poisoning a customer.
The film, which initially flopped, became a holiday favorite in recent decades after it started airing repeatedly on TV when the copyright lapsed in the 1970s.
Mr. Anderson was born March 6, 1933, to a Hollywood family. His father, Gene, was involved in production at Columbia Pictures, and his uncle, William Beaudine, was a prolific director.
Bobbie Anderson first appeared on screen as a toddler and went on to roles in the 1940 Shirley Temple movie "Young People," "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" (1945), and "The Bishop's Wife" (1947), among others.
He also appeared on televison, including a supporting role to Disney's "Spin and Marty" characters in the 1950s.
After serving in the Navy as a photographer, Mr. Anderson became an assistant director, production manager, and producer for various studios.
