Roscoe Todd Karns (January 15, 1921 – February 5, 2000) was an American actor. He is perhaps best remembered for playing George Bailey's younger brother, Harry Bailey, in the 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life.
Early life
Karns was the son of the well-known character actor Roscoe Karns and his wife Mary Fraso. He initially planned to have a career as a newspaper reporter, but participation in a little theater production changed his mind, turning him toward acting.
Film
Karns started his film career in 1941 as Harry Land in two Andy Hardy movies with Mickey Rooney, but shortly after that, his beginning film career was interrupted by the Second World War, where Karns served in the Army Air Corps. When he returned to Hollywood, Karnes portrayed his signature role as Harry Bailey in Frank Capra's Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life (1946).
He often had minor film roles, such as in Good Sam (1948) and The Caine Mutiny (1954).
Television
Karns played Jackson Jones in Jackson and Jill (1949–1953), the first weekly situation comedy for television. He also appeared with his father Roscoe in the criminal series Rocky King, Detective (1950–1954), playing Sergeant Hart. He retired from film and television in the mid-1950s.
Later years
Karns and his wife Katherine with their three children moved to Mexico near Guadalajara where they opened the English-language venue, Lakeside Little Theater in 1971. There Karns produced and directed plays for the next three decades, until his death from cancer at age 79.
Painting
In addition to acting, Karns also made numerous paintings. He began painting in January 1948 and went on to sell his works to individuals and to businesses. A newspaper reporter wrote, "His style is strictly his own and bears no resemblance to anything ever heard in an art class or put in a book."
Death
Karns died of cancer in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, on February 5, 2000, at age 79. His wife and children had his private family interment in Ajijic's cemetery.
Partial filmography
Andy Hardy's Private Secretary (1941) as Harry Land
The Courtship of Andy Hardy (1942) as Harry Land
Eagle Squadron (1942) as Meyers
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) as Harry Bailey
Good Sam (1948) as Joe Adams
Jackson and Jill (1949, TV series) as Jackson Jones
My Foolish Heart (1949) as Her escort
It's a Small World (1950) as Sam
Let's Dance (1950) as Sergeant (uncredited) The Magnificent Yankee (1950) as Secretary (uncredited) Drums in the Deep South (1951) as Union Captain (uncredited) The Red Badge of Courage (1951) as Soldier (uncredited) Mutiny (1952) as Andrews Jet Job (1952) as Peter Arlen My Son John (1952) as Bedford (uncredited) The Story of Will Rogers (1952) as 1st Mechanic (scenes deleted) Battle Zone (1952) as Officer Flat Top (1952) as Judge Invaders from Mars (1953) as Jim as Gas Station Attendant (uncredited) Mission Over Korea (1953) as 2nd Lt. Jerry Barker (uncredited) Clipped Wings (1953) as Lt. Dave Moreno China Venture (1953) as Lt. March (uncredited) Sea of Lost Ships (1953) as Co-Pilot (uncredited) Rocky King, Detective (1953–1954, TV-series) as Sergeant Hart The Caine Mutiny (1954) as Petty Officer 1st Class Stillwell (uncredited)