Former child star Jimmy Hunt has died at the age of 85.
The actor was most known for his efforts in Invaders from Mars and Cheaper by the Dozen and a string of other movies.
He died in a hospital in Simi Valley on Friday, after suffering from a heart attack six weeks ago, his daughter-in-law confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter.
According to the outlet, the LA-born star began his career at a very young age when a scout for MGM arrived at his school – he first graced the screen aged six, in 1947 flick High Barbaree.
From there, Hunt commanded roles in Pitfall, the Mating of Millie, Holiday Affair, Special Agent and Louisa.
In 1950, he popped up in the original Cheaper by the Dozen movie, playing William Gilbreth – one of the many Gilbreth children.
He starred opposite Barbara Bates, Carol Nugent, Anthony Sydes, Walter Baldwin and Jeanne Crain, while Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy played the parents of the brood.
Two years later, he appeared in the sequel, Belles on the Toes, but in a different role.
The original flick spawned a remake in 2003, with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt as the leaders of the family.
Hunt’s biggest role came in 1953 hit Invaders from Mars, in which he played David MacLean opposite Helena Carter, Arthur Franz and Hillary Brooke.
The cult classic followed a young boy who sees a flying saucer behind his home, but things take a bizarre turn when his father goes to investigate and returns acting strangely – with others following suit.
However, the star had to return to the set after the movie was complete, to film further scenes for the UK release.
Following this, he decided to step out of the spotlight for good at the age of 14, sharing that the pressure in front of the camera became too much – but he did play a small role in the 1986 remake.
‘It’s interesting that that film, probably the lowest-budget feature I ever made, is the one that still attracts people,’ he said in a previous interview. ‘It’s also the one that made me conclude that I didn’t want to continue acting.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that he went on to serve three years in the US Army, and later worked as a sales manager for a supply company that serviced aerospace firms.
‘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.
‘Invaders from Mars was real work. 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.’
Hunt is survived by his wife, Roswitha, and their sons, Randy and Ron.
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