Cast and Crew of It's a Wonderful Life

Cast of
It's a Wonderful Life

About It's a Wonderful Life

"It's a Wonderful Life" is a classic holiday film that has been warming the hearts of audiences for generations. The movie, directed by Frank Capra and released in 1946, tells the story of George Bailey, a man who has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. From a young age, George has had a strong sense of duty and community, always putting the needs of others before his own. This selflessness is exemplified through his modest building and loan company, which serves as the only obstacle preventing the town from being taken over by the wealthy and greedy Mr. Potter.

As the film progresses, we see that George's building and loan company is in financial trouble. On Christmas Eve, the company's $8,000 is lost, and George is faced with the very real possibility of losing everything he has worked so hard to build. The weight of this responsibility and the fear of failure take a toll on George, leading him to contemplate ending his life. However, through a series of serendipitous events and the intervention of his guardian angel, George is given the opportunity to see what the world would be like without him.

This revelation is a turning point in the film, as George is able to see the impact he has had on the people of Bedford Falls. He realizes that, despite his financial struggles, he has led a rich and fulfilling life, surrounded by loved ones and a community that he has helped to build. The film ultimately delivers a powerful message about the importance of community, selflessness, and the value of a single life. It's a wonderful reminder of the holiday spirit and the power of kindness and compassion. Whether you're watching it for the first time or the hundredth, "It's a Wonderful Life" is a timeless classic that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Full Cast of It's a Wonderful Life

James Stewart
plays George Bailey

James Stewart as George Bailey
James Stewart's portrayal of George Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life' is nothing short of iconic. His ability to convey the character's transformation from a hopeful young man with big dreams to a disillusioned family man on the brink of despair is truly captivating. Stewart's performance is marked by a deep emotional range, from his heartwarming expressions of love and joy to his heart-wrenching portrayal of despair and desperation. His nuanced acting style brings a sense of authenticity to the character, making George Bailey's journey feel incredibly real and relatable. Stewart's performance is a testament to his talent as an actor and is a big part of why 'It's a Wonderful Life' remains a beloved classic. See James Stewart's other roles

Donna Reed
plays Mary Hatch

Donna Reed as Mary Hatch
Donna Reed's portrayal of Mary Hatch in "It's a Wonderful Life" is both heartwarming and powerful. Her character's unwavering love and support for George Bailey (James Stewart) is a testament to Reed's ability to convey deep emotion and commitment. Her performance is nuanced and authentic, making Mary a relatable and endearing character. Reed's chemistry with Stewart is palpable, adding to the film's overall charm and making their on-screen relationship one of the most memorable in cinematic history. See Donna Reed's other roles

Lionel Barrymore
plays Mr. Potter

Thomas Mitchell
plays Uncle Billy

Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy
Thomas Mitchell's portrayal of Uncle Billy in 'It's a Wonderful Life' is a standout performance that adds a touch of humor and warmth to the film. Mitchell's impeccable comedic timing and endearing demeanor bring the character to life, making Uncle Billy a lovable and relatable character. His performance is a testament to his versatility as an actor, as he effortlessly switches between light-hearted moments and more serious scenes, showcasing Uncle Billy's vulnerability and genuine affection for his nephew, George Bailey. Overall, Mitchell's performance is a crucial element in the film's charm and emotional depth. See Thomas Mitchell's other roles

Henry Travers
plays Clarence

Beulah Bondi
plays Mrs. Bailey

Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Bailey
Beulah Bondi's portrayal of Mrs. Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life' is a standout performance that adds depth and warmth to the film. As the loving and devoted mother of George Bailey, Bondi brings a sense of maternal wisdom and unwavering support to her character. Her on-screen chemistry with James Stewart is palpable, and their interactions are some of the most heartfelt and genuine moments in the film. Bondi's performance is a testament to her skill as an actress, as she effortlessly conveys the complex emotions of a mother's love and sacrifice. Her nuanced portrayal of Mrs. Bailey is a key component of the film's enduring charm and emotional resonance. See Beulah Bondi's other roles

Frank Faylen
plays Ernie

Ward Bond
plays Bert

Gloria Grahame
plays Violet

H.B. Warner
plays Mr. Gower

Frank Albertson
plays Sam Wainwright

Todd Karns
plays Harry Bailey

Samuel S. Hinds
plays Pa Bailey

Mary Treen
plays Cousin Tilly

Virginia Patton
plays Ruth Dakin

Charles Williams
plays Cousin Eustace

Sarah Edwards
plays Mrs. Hatch

William Edmunds
plays Mr. Martini

Lillian Randolph
plays Annie

Argentina Brunetti
plays Mrs. Martini

Robert J. Anderson
plays Little George

Ronnie Ralph
plays Little Sam

Jeanne Gail
plays Little Mary

Jeanine Ann Roose
plays Little Violet

Danny Mummert
plays Little Marty Hatch

Georgie Nokes
plays Little Harry Bailey

Sheldon Leonard
plays Nick

Frank Hagney
plays Potter's Bodyguard

Ray Walker
plays Joe (Luggage Shop)

Charles Lane
plays Real Estate Salesman

Edward Keane
plays Tom (Bldg. & Loan)

Carol Coombs
plays The Bailey Child - Janie

Karolyn Grimes
plays The Bailey Child - Zuzu

Larry Simms
plays The Bailey Child - Pete

Jimmy Hawkins
plays The Bailey Child - Tommy

Jean Acker
plays Townswoman (uncredited)

Ernie Adams
plays Ed (uncredited)

Monya Andre
plays Elderly Woman (uncredited)

Stanley Andrews
plays Mr. Welch (uncredited)

Sam Ash
plays Nervous Banker (uncredited)

Jack Bailey
plays One of Vi's Suitors (uncredited)

Louise Bates
plays Building & Loan Depositor (uncredited)

Mary Bayless
plays Townswoman (uncredited)

Beth Belden
plays Young Girl (uncredited)

Brooks Benedict
plays Military Officer in Montage (uncredited)

Joseph E. Bernard
plays Townsman (uncredited)

Al Bridge
plays Sheriff (uncredited)

Buz Buckley
plays Young Boy (uncredited)

Marian Carr
plays Jane Wainwright (uncredited)

Adriana Caselotti
plays Singer at Martini's (uncredited)

Lane Chandler
plays Policeman (uncredited)

Michael Chapin
plays Young George's Friend (uncredited)

Tom Chatterton
plays Townsman (uncredited)

Jack Cheatham
plays Cop Arresting Violet (uncredited)

Harry Cheshire
plays Dr. Campbell (uncredited)

Edward Clark
plays Building & Loan Board Member (uncredited)

Tom Coleman
plays Building & Loan Customer (uncredited)

Ellen Corby
plays Ms. Davis (uncredited)

Bryn Davis
plays Elderly Woman (uncredited)

Lew Davis
plays High School Teacher at Poolside (uncredited)

Harry Denny
plays (uncredited)

Helen Dickson
plays Woman at Graduation Dance (uncredited)

Dick Elliott
plays Man on Porch (uncredited)

Tom Fadden
plays Tollhouse Keeper (uncredited)

Frank Fenton
plays Violet's Boyfriend (uncredited)

Eddie Fetherston
plays Horace (uncredited)

Sam Flint
plays Relieved Banker in Potter's Office (uncredited)

Lee Frederick
plays (uncredited)

Dick Gordon
plays Photographer with Sheriff (uncredited)

Jack Gordon
plays Bar Patron (uncredited)

Herschel Graham
plays Townsman (uncredited)

Joseph Granby
plays Elderly Man (voice) (uncredited)

Charles Halton
plays Carter (uncredited)

Carl Eric Hansen
plays (uncredited)

Herbert Heywood
plays Building & Loan Depositor (uncredited)

Harry Holman
plays Mr. Partridge (uncredited)

Art Howard
plays Building & Loan Board Member (uncredited)

Bert Howard
plays Building & Loan Board Member (uncredited)

Arthur Stuart Hull
plays Mr. Randall (uncredited)

John Indrisano
plays Man in Fantasy (uncredited)

Eddie Kane
plays Building & Loan Depositor (uncredited)

Carl Kent
plays Townsman (uncredited)

Milton Kibbee
plays Building & Loan Board Member (uncredited)

Effie Laird
plays Townswoman (uncredited)

Mike Lally
plays Building & Loan Customer (uncredited)

Harold Landon
plays Marty Hatch (uncredited)

Meade 'Lux' Lewis
plays Pianist in Nick's Place (uncredited)

Jack Lomas
plays Bar Patron (uncredited)

J. Farrell MacDonald
plays Man Whose Grandfather Planted Tree (uncredited)

Irene Mack
plays Townswoman (uncredited)

Wilbur Mack
plays Building & Loan Customer (uncredited)

Charles Meakin
plays Elderly Man (uncredited)

Priscilla Montgomery
plays Student in Gym (uncredited)

Bert Moorhouse
plays Man with Sheriff (uncredited)

Evelyn Moriarty
plays Bar Patron (uncredited)

Philip Morris
plays Building & Loan Customer (uncredited)

George Noisom
plays School Dancer (uncredited)

Bob O'Connor
plays Bar Patron (uncredited)

Frank O'Connor
plays Military Officer in Montage (uncredited)

Lynn O'Leary-Jameson
plays Infant Janie Bailey (uncredited)

Moroni Olsen
plays Senior Angel (voice) (uncredited)

Garry Owen
plays Bill-Poster (uncredited)

Netta Packer
plays Elderly Woman (uncredited)

Franklin Parker
plays Photographer / Reporter (uncredited)

Suzanne Ridgway
plays Nick's Waitress (uncredited)

Mark Roberts
plays Mickey (uncredited)

Constantine Romanoff
plays Bar Patron (uncredited)

Cy Schindell
plays Nick's Bouncer (uncredited)

Almira Sessions
plays Potter's Secretary (uncredited)

Cedric Stevens
plays Townsman (uncredited)

Brick Sullivan
plays Man in Fantasy (uncredited)

Charles Sullivan
plays Nick's Bartender (uncredited)

Carl Switzer
plays Freddie Othello (uncredited)

Max Wagner
plays Cashier / Nick's Assistant Bouncer (uncredited)

Larry Wheat
plays Building & Loan Board Member (uncredited)

Charles C. Wilson
plays Charlie (uncredited)

Jimmy the Crow
plays Uncle Billy's pet (uncredited)

Finn Zirzow
plays Bar Patron (uncredited)


Crew of It's a Wonderful Life

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