It’s one
of the most loved films of all time. But what most people don’t know is that
It’s a Wonderful Life’s guardian angel, Clarence, was actually born here in
Northumberland.
Born in
Prudhoe in 1874, actor Henry Travers is most famous for his role in Frank
Capra’s 1946 classic, but he was also nominated for an Oscar in 1942 for Mrs
Miniver. Travers grew up in Berwick and initially trained as an architect,
before taking up acting and moving the USA in 1917 where he appeared on Broadway
for 20 years. He retired from acting in 1949 and died in 1965.
A blue
plaque dedicated to Travers has now been installed in Prudhoe town centre.
The plaque includes his famous
line from It’s a Wonderful Life, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his
wings’, as well as the words ‘Our very own angel born in Prudhoe’.
The plaque
is located on a wall near The Glade area of Prudhoe, with the permission of the
Co-op supermarket, so if you’re nearby be sure to have a look and remember the Northumberland-born
actor who created one of the most iconic characters in film history.
