May 20 marks the 108th birthday of Jimmy Stewart, one of the most adored Hollywood actors of all time. On May 20, 1908, James Maitland Stewart was born to Alexander and Elizabeth Stewart. Growing up in a small town, no one would have ever guessed the influence this boy would have on American people.
Stewart had a wonderful childhood. Every sibling was encouraged to play an instrument, and his parents strove to instill godly principles in all of their children. Both of these two attributes would follow him throughout his life.
At first, Stewart went to Princeton and pursued his love for architecture. During his time at college, he joined the Stoney Batter drama club. His first stage role was in “The Frog Prince.” However, he never lost his love for aviation and architecture. His teachers were so impressed with his studies, Stewart was awarded a scholarship to continue on into graduate school. Unfortunately, in 1929 hard times came crashing down on the Stewart family, and he gave up his graduate studies to help his family. It was at this time he began performing on the accordion at the Falmouth theater, and it was also at this time he met the soon to be discovered talent, Henry Fonda. At the Falmouth theater, he learned all about the theatrical business. It was not long before he landed on Broadway. His first notable appearance was in “Goodbye Again” (1932). Critics were captivated with Stewart’s ability to play natural homespun characters. By 1936, he was at MGM in Hollywood. He starred in numerous films in his beginning years and was also a familiar voice on the “Lux Radio Theater” and “The Screen Guild Theater.”
There is one particular film Stewart made in 1938 that is remembered for its’ loveable characters and enjoyable plot: “You Can’t Take It With You.” He played alongside the comical and adorable Jean Arthur in this film. Here is a fun clip where the typical Stewart teases his girlfriend in a classy restaurant:
Although not as popular as some of his other films, “You Can’t Take It With You” is a treasure.
In 1939, things began to change for Stewart. He was chosen for a western role in “Destry Rides Again” and more famously as Senator Jefferson Smith in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” where he played alongside Jean Arthur again.
Frank Capra loved Stewart’s typical American man appearance. Stewart had a talent for acting as the struggling man who had good intentions but many adversaries. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” was a major success. This story reveals the influence one man can have on the American political system, but the film also shows the corrupt government that Smith had to commune with. Here is a memorable clip from this timeless film:
It was for this role Stewart won an Academy Award nomination.
Stewart’s film career paused in 1940 when Congress adopted the “Selective Service Bill.” He was eager to defend his beloved country. The same passionate patriotic zeal that he portrayed on “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington” was flowing through him as America prepared to enter WWII. At first, Stewart was underweight and sent back home; however, he was not one to give up easily. After eating enough to gain the desired weight, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Although, this part of his life is not as known, he had a very successful record. The article “Hometown Boy” by the Jimmy Stewart Museum describes his achievements beautifully. “Stewart’s war record included 20 dangerous combat missions as a command pilot, wing commander or squadron commander. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, The Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. At the end of the war, he had risen to the rank of Colonel. After the war, he remained in the US Air Force Reserves and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1959.”
After returning home, it wasn’t long before Stewart made one of his most memorable films of all time “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Surprisingly, this film was not a success at first as many believed it to be overly sad for a Christmas film, yet, as time passed by, this movie became a Christmas tradition in the majority of American homes. To this day, families love turning on the television set during the holiday season to hear the famous lines such as, “Mary! Oh, Mary?” along with, “Every time a bell rings an angel gets its’ wings.”
Stewart continued making films—one being “Harvey.” Also, he was a familiar face in westerns, and even played alongside decorated WWII hero Audie Murphey in “Night Passage.” One other notable film that should be recorded here is Stewart’s portrayal of Charles Lindbergh in “The Spirit of Saint Louis.” His film list includes many more classics. There is no doubt this man left a wonderful legacy for Americans to remember through his example both on and off the screen.
