Larry Simms was a child actor who appeared in 36 films between 1937 and 1951. He is best known for his roles as Alexander “Baby Dumpling” Bumstead in the Blondie film series and Pete Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. He died on June 17, 2009, in Chonburi, Thailand, of emphysema. He was 74 years old.
Early Life and Career
Larry Simms was born on October 1, 1934, in Los Angeles, California. He worked as a child model from the age of two and was discovered by a Hollywood talent scout when he appeared in a 1937 Saturday Evening Post advertisement according to Wikipedia. His first film was The Last Gangster (1937), where he played Edward G. Robinson’s young son.
Simms became famous for his appearances as Alexander “Baby Dumpling” Bumstead in the popular Blondie film series starring Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake. Between 1938 and the end of the series in 1950, Simms appeared as Alexander in 28 films earning at one point $750 a week according to Wikipedia.
Simms occasionally acted outside of the Blondie series, most notably in two Frank Capra films. He played one of the sons of Governor Hopper (Guy Kibbee) in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) and Pete Bailey, the oldest child of James Stewart’s George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).
Retirement and Later Life
Simms retired from show business to join the Navy (he appeared in uniform as himself in the Columbia Screen Snaphots short Hollywood Grows Up), then studied aeronautical engineering at California Polytech. He later worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California and around the world as an engineer until his retirement from aeronautical engineering according to Wikipedia.
Simms and his wife resided in Thailand prior to his death on June 17, 2009, of emphysema according to Dead or Kicking. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and four grandchildren.
Legacy and Tributes
Larry Simms was one of the most successful child stars of his era. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances that entertained millions of viewers. His role as Pete Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life is especially cherished by fans of the classic film.
Simms was remembered by his co-stars and colleagues as a talented and professional actor who was also kind and humble. Penny Singleton, who played his mother Blondie, said that he was “a wonderful boy” who never gave her any trouble according to It’s a Wonderful Blog. James Stewart, who played his father George Bailey, said that he was “a fine young man” who did a great job in the film according to It’s a Wonderful Blog.
Simms was honored by fans and friends on social media and online forums after his death. Many expressed their condolences and appreciation for his work. Some also shared their personal stories and memories of meeting him or watching his films.
Larry Simms cause of death may have been emphysema, but his life was full of joy and achievements. He will always be remembered as a beloved child star who brought smiles and laughter to generations of audiences.
