Remembering Jimmy Hunt: A Former Child Star Who Left a Lasting Legacy
Jimmy Hunt, a former child star known for his memorable roles in classic films, passed away at the age of 85. His career spanned several decades, and he left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his performances in iconic movies such as Invaders from Mars and Cheaper by the Dozen. His death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, who shared the news with the Hollywood Reporter, stating that he died in a hospital in Simi Valley after suffering a heart attack six weeks prior.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born in Los Angeles, Hunt began his acting journey at a very young age. At just six years old, he made his film debut in the 1947 movie High Barbaree. A talent scout from MGM had discovered him at school, setting the stage for a promising career. Over the years, he appeared in various films, including Pitfall, The Mating of Millie, Holiday Affair, Special Agent, and Louisa. These early roles helped establish him as a talented young actor in the industry.
In 1950, Hunt played William Gilbreth in the original Cheaper by the Dozen film, which became one of his most recognizable roles. The movie featured a stellar cast, including Barbara Bates, Carol Nugent, Anthony Sydes, Walter Baldwin, and Jeanne Crain. Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy portrayed the parents of the large family, bringing the story to life. A sequel, Belles on the Toes, followed two years later, with Hunt playing a different role in the film.
The original Cheaper by the Dozen was later remade in 2003, starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, but Hunt himself only made a small appearance in the remake.
Iconic Role in Invaders from Mars
Hunt’s most famous role came in the 1953 sci-fi film Invaders from Mars, where he played David MacLean alongside Helena Carter, Arthur Franz, and Hillary Brooke. The cult classic follows a young boy who witnesses a flying saucer near his home, leading to a series of bizarre events when his father goes missing and returns with strange behavior. The film gained a loyal following over the years and is still celebrated today.
Interestingly, Hunt had to return to the set after the film was completed to shoot additional scenes for the UK release. Despite the success of the movie, he decided to step away from acting at the age of 14, feeling the pressure of being in front of the camera was too much for him.
“I told my folks I wanted to quit. They wanted to make sure I realized the financial consequences. Once they saw how strongly I felt they accepted it and we never looked back,” he once said.
Later Life and Career Shifts
After leaving acting, Hunt served three years in the U.S. Army before transitioning into a career in sales. He worked as a sales manager for a supply company that catered to aerospace firms. Reflecting on his time in the industry, he noted that the transition from child actor to adult performer was challenging.
“The older I got the more serious I became about getting a scene right on the first take. Adult actors all made jokes when they blew their lines. Kids just feel dumb when it was their fault. So acting became harder for me all the time.”
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, his legacy continues through his work in Invaders from Mars, which remains one of his most recognized contributions to film. He once remarked that it was the lowest-budget feature he ever made, yet it still attracts attention from fans around the world.
Personal Life and Final Days
Hunt is survived by his wife, Roswitha, and their sons, Randy and Ron. His passing marks the end of an era for those who remember his contributions to classic cinema.
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