MOVIE NEWS – Virginia Patton Moss, who had a relatively short but memorable acting career, died in her ninety-eighth year.
Actress Virginia Patton Moss, best known for one of the earliest Christmas movies, It’s a Wonderful Life, has died. According to Variety, Moss, who was the last living adult cast member of the film, reportedly died on August 18 in Albany, Georgia, at the age of ninety-seven.
Moss was born on June 25, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. All these years later, it’s a bit amazing to describe her as the niece of George S. Patton, a legendary American general of World War II.
Moss started out as an actress with stage work in the early forties before moving into feature films. She broke through with her role in the 1946 Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life, which remains one of the most celebrated holiday films in film history. Previous roles include Thank Your Lucky Stars, The Last Ride, Janie, Hollywood Canteen, The Horn Blows at Midnight, Canyon Passage and Nobody Lives Forever.
Moss continued acting for only a few years after the release of It’s a Wonderful Life because, after marrying Cruse W. Moss in 1949, she decided she wanted to concentrate on raising children. The couple had three children during their marriage and remained together until Cruse’s death in 2018.
After the premiere of It’s a Wonderful Life, she starred in the western film Black Eagle, the drama The Burning Cross, and the film noir A Double Life. His last acting role was in the 1949 film The Lucky Stiff, after which he retired from acting.
Virginia Patton Moss later had a successful career as a businesswoman.
“I couldn’t see me doing that for my life,” Virginia Patton Moss said of her decision to retire in 2012, according to Variety. “I wanted exactly what I am. Ann Arbor, Michigan, a wonderful husband, wonderful children, a good part of the community. I work hard for the community.”
We want to extend our condolences to the family and friends who are bearing the weight of the loss of Virginia Patton Moss during this difficult time. Rest in peace as her memory lives on.
Source: Variety
