Hollywood child star dies weeks after major heart attack as tributes pour in

Beloved Hollywood child star Jimmy Hunt - who starred in several major hit films such as Cheaper by the Dozen and Invaders from Mars - has sadly died at the age of 85, according to reports. The actor's dauther-in-law told The Hollywood Reporter, the actor - who retired from acting at the young age of 14 - died on Friday (July 18) in a hospital in Simi Valley, California. His passing comes six weeks after he suffered a major heart attack.

His first acting credits include Song of Love (1947) and The Mating of Millie (1948). He then went on to appear in other family films such as Top o' the Morning (1949), where he worked alongside Bing Crosby an Ann Blyth in the much-loved romantic comedy. The following year, the freckle-faced actor portrayed William Gilbreth, one of the 12 offspring of Frank Bunker Gilbraith (played by Clifton Webb) and Mrs. Lillian Gilbreth (Myrna Loy) in Cheaper by the Dozen (1950).

It was released in 1950, two years after the book's publication. Following the film's success, the star returned for the sequel Belles on Their Toes (1952) based on the follow-up novel.

During his acting career, Jimmy also appeared in films like the Lone Hand (1953), where he shared the screen alongside Joel McCrea and Barbara Hales. He also worked with the likes of Tony Curtis and Lori Nelson on the film All American (1953).

However, it is understood that he took on the role of another sibling, Fred Gilbreth, who was previously played by Anthony Sydes in the first film. Jimmy is also known for his role in Invaders from Mars (1953).

He starred as David MacLean in the sci-fi role, in which his character witnesses a flying saucer before twigging that his relatives and neighbours began to act strangely. The movie, directed by William Cameron Menzies, also starred Arthur Franz and Helena Caeter as Dr. Stuart Kelston and Dr. Patricia Blake respectively.

Back in 2024, the film was described as an "indie classic" and inducted into the National Film Registry of the US. Years later, a remake of Invaders from Mars which was directed by Tobe Hooper, was released more than 30 years later in 1986.

Despite leaving his acting career behind, the star made a surprise return to Hollywood for the film, this time portraying a police chief in the remake. According to the Hollywood Reporter, as a teenager, Jimmy decided to retire from acting in order to pursue a blossoming career in sports at high school.

He's said to have moved on to college and even served three years in the army before he became a sales manager for an industrial tool and supply company. The news of his death prompted some tributes from fans on social media. One fan wrote on X - formerly known as Twitter: "I'm grateful to have met Jimmy Hunt two summers ago. A lovely man! I'm so sorry to hear this news."

Another added: "... and sadly, barely a week after this wonderful #Svengoolie airing of a restored version of INVADERS FROM MARS... #RIP Jimmy Hunt [prayer emoji]." A third chimed in with: RIP Jimmy Hunt - invaders from mars scared the hell out of me when I watched it as a kid in the 1980s."