Los Angeles ? Bob Anderson, who played the young George Bailey in the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” died Friday. He was 75.

Anderson died of cancer at his home in Palm Springs, his wife, Victoria, said Saturday.

Robert J. Anderson grew up in a Hollywood family. His father, Gene, was an assistant director and later a production manager. His uncles were directors William Beaudine and James Flood, and his brothers and cousins were editors and production managers.

Anderson was introduced to films when relatives arranged for him to appear in a movie scene that called for a baby, his wife said.