Anderson was 12 when he appeared in the 1946 Christmas film, which featured actor Jimmy Stewart recognizing the value of his life, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

While the movie was not an immediate commercial success, Anderson's appearance helped him land parts in films such as "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and "Young People."

Author Stephen Cox, who was a friend of Anderson's family, said the actor later moved behind the cameras as a producer and assistant director.

"Most people don't know what happened to him, mainly because he stayed behind the cameras," Cox said. "Not that he didn't like 'It's a Wonderful Life.' He was very proud of his work in it."

The Times said Anderson, who died last Friday of melanoma, is survived by his wife Victoria; a brother and sister, three sons, three daughters and 11 grandchildren.