biography2

A Legendary Career In the mid-twentieth century, new opportunities displayed Jimmy's maturing skills. Cowboys were hot in the 50's, and "Winchester 73" persuaded the public Jimmy's talent had outgrown his nice guy image. His versatility was evidenced in the variety of roles he tackled, from "The Man Who Knew Too Much" to "The Magic of Lassie." His characterization of Elwood P. Dowd in "Harvey" became a Stewart classic, leading to stage performances and a television special starring Jimmy and a certain six-foot tall, invisible rabbit. Through TV appearances (including the short-lived Jimmy Stewart Show in 1971-72) and movie re-runs, more fans became familiar with his style and grace. "It's A Wonderful Life" became a television Christmas tradition, viewed annually by millions. Jimmy Stewart is among Hollywood's most highly honored and deeply loved men. This is not only for his professional successes, but every bit as much for his integrity, his character, and his humanitarianism. He's retained his all-American boy image; the years have only added to his stature. He's been described by one critic as "the most complete actor-personality in the American cinema." Read on through this program and you'll find selected Stewart roles featured here from among some eighty films spanning his remarkable career. The American Film Institute recognized the magnitude of Jim's accomplishments by awarding him the Life Achievement Award in 1980 for fundamentally advancing the art of American film. In presenting the award, the AFI declared:

In a career of extraordinary range and depth, Jimmy Stewart has come to embody on the screen the very image of the typical American. Whether flying the ocean as Charles Lindbergh, going to Washington as Senator Jefferson Smith, or playing ordinary men who somehow never got around to leaving their home towns, Stewart has captured the essence of American hopes, doubts, and aspirations. His idealism, his determination, his vulnerability, and above all, his basic decency shine through every role he plays... In 1995 on the occasion of Stewart's 87th birthday, The Jimmy Stewart Museum, along with a new terminal at the Jimmy Stewart Airport, were deciated with the help of daughters Judy and Kelly in his hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania. Today visitors come to Indiana from around the world to learn more about his life and career and to see where he grew up and acquired the values he embraced throughout his life - hard work, love of country, love of family, love of community, love of God. Jimmy Stewart passed away on July 2, 1997 at the age of 89. He was mourned by fans worldwide. Perhaps the greatest tribute of the American Film Institute was the observation that James Stewart is an actor "so beloved by the movie going public that they call him "Jimmy," just like a member of the family." And so he remains, our Jimmy. America still needs heroes, and Jimmy Stewart continues to fill the bill.