Cheaper By The Dozen star tragically passes away aged 85 weeks after suffering a heart attack as devastated fans pays tribute

Cheaper By The Dozen star Jimmy Hunt has tragically passed away aged 85, it’s been announced. 

The former child actor found fame in the original 1950 comedy, which was later remade in 2003 with Steve Martin, died in a Californian hospital on Friday, six weeks after suffering a heart attack his daughter-in-law told The Hollywood Reporter. 

As well as playing son William and later Fred in the Cheaper By The Dozen sequel, Jimmy starred in a whopping 31 movies across his short career, before retiring from acting at the tender age of 14.

His famous onscreen co-stars included the likes of Bing Crosby, Ronald Reagan, Claudette Colbert, Burt Lancaster and Barbara Stanwyck. 

One of his most memorable roles was as David in 1953’s iconic Invaders from Mars and he even came out of retirement to appear in the film’s 1986 remake in which he played the town’s Sheriff. 

Following the news of Jimmy’s death, devastated fans rushed to social media to pay their respects: ‘Watched Invaders from Mars just recently. A very sad day for the #horrorcommunity, #scifi and #classicmovies. Rest in peace Jimmy Hunt’. 

Cheaper By The Dozen star Jimmy Hunt has tragically passed away aged 85 it’s been announced (pictured February 2024) 

The former child actor who found fame in the original 1950 comedy, died in a Californian hospital on Friday, six weeks after suffering a heart attack 

Jimmy starred in a whopping 31 movies across his short career, before retiring from acting at the tender age of 14 (pictured, right in 1953’s Invaders From Mars)

‘ANOTHER SAD FAREWELL Jimmy Hunt (Invaders from Mars, Cheaper by the Dozen, Sorry Wrong Number, Pitfall, etc) has died at the age of 85, according to posts by family members and friends. Sad news. RIP’.

Jimmy left the acting profession in his teens, reportedly in order to concentrate on playing sports in high school, he then went on to serve in the army before working in sales. 

One of his most memorable roles was as David in 1953’s iconic Invaders from Mars (pictured) and he even came out of retirement to appear in the film’s 1986 remake 

Pictured as the Sheriff in the 1986 remake of Invaders from Mars

Jimmy (pictured 1949) left the acting profession in his teens, reportedly in order to concentrate on playing sports in high school, he then went on to serve in the army before working in sales

Following the news of Jimmy’s death, devastated fans rushed to social media to pay their respects