Fan mail address
Carol Coombs
5200 Irvine Blvd.
Spc 364
Irvine, CA 92620-2060
USA
Address information
(Home Address)
5200 Irvine Blvd.
Spc 364
Irvine, CA 92620-2060
USA
Carol Coombs is an American actress best known for her role as Janie Bailey, the older daughter of George and Mary Bailey, in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. Born on October 15, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Coombs began her acting career at a young age, entering Hollywood during the golden era of child stars. Despite her brief career, her role in It’s a Wonderful Life became iconic and left a lasting mark in film history.
In It’s a Wonderful Life, Coombs played Janie Bailey, the daughter of George Bailey, portrayed by James Stewart, and Mary Bailey, played by Donna Reed. Her character is remembered for a touching scene in which Janie, practicing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” on the piano, unknowingly underscores her father’s growing stress and despair. This scene has become one of the memorable images from a movie that resonates as a holiday classic and is loved for its exploration of family, sacrifice, and resilience.
Before her role in It’s a Wonderful Life, Coombs appeared in other films and television projects. She was cast in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), though she played only a minor role. Like many child actors of her time, Coombs was often cast in supporting or background roles that allowed her to learn the craft but rarely brought her center stage. Hollywood in the 1940s was challenging for young actors, as they were expected to work under strict contracts and demanding schedules. However, Coombs reportedly found joy in her experiences, noting years later in interviews that the atmosphere on Capra’s set was welcoming, and her experience in the film industry was positive.
