Actor. Born in Hollywood, California, the son of Mary Frass and character actor Roscoe Karns. Following his father's example, he became an actor, beginning his career at age 20 with "Andy Hardy's Private Secretary" and "The Courtship of Andy Hardy." Barely begun, his career was interrupted by the Second World War. He served with the Army Air Corps for the duration and upon his return to Hollywood, stepped into what was his best known role; that of Harry Bailey in the Capra classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." In 1949, he broke new ground, co-starring in "Jackson and Jill," the first weekly situation comedy for television. The 1950s saw him in very minor film roles in such films as "The Caine Mutiny," "China Venture," and "My Foolish Heart" while he expanded his television work, appearing in such programs as "The Lone Ranger," "Rocky King, Detective," in which he appeared with his father; and "Dragnet." In 1971 he and his wife moved to Ajijic, Mexico, near Guadalajara, where they opened the Lakeside Little Theater, an English-language venue where he produced and directed plays for the next three decades, until his death.
Actor. Born in Hollywood, California, the son of Mary Frass and character actor Roscoe Karns. Following his father's example, he became an actor, beginning his career at age 20 with "Andy Hardy's Private Secretary" and "The Courtship of Andy Hardy." Barely begun, his career was interrupted by the Second World War. He served with the Army Air Corps for the duration and upon his return to Hollywood, stepped into what was his best known role; that of Harry Bailey in the Capra classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." In 1949, he broke new ground, co-starring in "Jackson and Jill," the first weekly situation comedy for television. The 1950s saw him in very minor film roles in such films as "The Caine Mutiny," "China Venture," and "My Foolish Heart" while he expanded his television work, appearing in such programs as "The Lone Ranger," "Rocky King, Detective," in which he appeared with his father; and "Dragnet." In 1971 he and his wife moved to Ajijic, Mexico, near Guadalajara, where they opened the Lakeside Little Theater, an English-language venue where he produced and directed plays for the next three decades, until his death.
Bio by: Iola
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
