Carol Coombs Mueller talks about the holiday classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net
Carol Coombs Mueller
Each December, the town of Seneca Falls commemorates the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), with a festival that unites the community and attracts visitors from across the country. From receptions and parades to scavenger hunts and horse-drawn wagon rides, the festival commemorates the movie in a way that only the real Bedford Falls could.
This year, to mark the 65th anniversary of the motion picture starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, a new guest will travel all the way from her home in Irvine, Calif., to join the festivities, which will be held Dec. 9 to 11 at locations around Seneca Falls.
Carol Coombs Mueller, who played the role of Janie in the film, will again reunite with her fellow “Bailey sister” and longtime friend of the festival, Karolyn Grimes (who played Zuzu).
With nearly 20 motion picture credits to her name, Mueller’s journey into acting was a result of her mother’s influence.
“My mother had to raise my brother and I all by herself and we didn’t have very much at all,” Mueller said. “When I was quite young I won a contest in Canada (where I was born), a ‘baby beautiful’ contest. And so that gave her the idea that she would move out to California and see if she could get me in pictures. My first one was in 1941, in ‘Blossoms in the Dust.’ Then I went on to have tiny parts in quite a few films.”
Despite her Hollywood success, she never really considered herself an actress.
Carol Coombs-Mueller stars as Janie Bailey in the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“I was just going to work and doing what I could do to help,” she said. “It was really my mother’s desire. Sometimes I enjoyed the parts very much. Other times it was just a job. No, I never really perceived myself as an actress. I didn’t feel I had that many wonderful skills that you should have.”
Growing up, she knew “It’s a Wonderful Life” was a special film, but it wasn’t until it began showing more frequently around the holiday season that Mueller realized how fortunate she was to have been given the role.
She believes the director, Frank Capra and casting director chose her to play the memorable part because her profile most resembled her on-screen mother (played by Donna Reed), and she could play the piano, which was required for her iconic scene in the film.
In addition to her role as George Bailey’s eldest daughter, who diligently practices “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” for her recital, Mueller also had the opportunity to play Jimmy Stewart‘s daughter in another movie called “Magic Town,” although her scene didn’t make the final cut of the film.
Michael Aaron Gallagher with the “Bailey sisters” Karolyn Grimes (right) who played Zuzu and Carol Coombs Mueller (left) who played Janie in the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
By the end of the 1950s, Mueller left her Hollywood career behind to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a teacher.
“I loved it,” she said.
But just because she is retired now, Mueller’s acting days aren’t over just yet.
In fact, this year, her church is hosting a play called “The Christmas Movie,” a retelling of some of the most popular classic movies, and “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a part of the show.
“I’m going to have a few lines in it,” Mueller said. “So we’re practicing for that.”
As the holiday lights and decorations begin to transform Seneca Falls, for one weekend the town of Bedford Falls springs back to life, reminding everyone of the joys of the Christmas season.
And just in case you were wondering, it may come as no surprise that there is one holiday movie that is always a part of the Mueller family’s annual traditions.
She says with delight, “‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ of course!”
Carol Coombs Mueller talks about the holiday classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Copyright 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
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