‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ actress Virginia Patton Moss dies aged 97

Virginia Patton Moss, a former actress who was the final surviving adult cast member of Frank Capra’s classic film It’s a Wonderful Life died on Aug. 18 in Albany aged 97 years old.

Moss’ death was confirmed today through Legacy agency as reported by Variety.

In It’s A Wonderful Life (credited as Virginia Moss) she played Ruth Dakin Bailey, the husband 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 however a number of the child actors who appeared in the film are still alive.

Moss acted in four more films, including a lead performance in 1948’s Western Black Eagle, before retiring from acting. Her final screen credit came in 1949 with the comedy The Lucky Stiff, starring Dorothy Lamour, Brian Donlevy and Claire Trevor.
Karolyn Grimes, who worked with Moss as Zuzu Bailey in the classic posted a tribute to her costar on her personal Facebook page.

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