Jimmy Stewart - an Icon for the Ages

Why Doesn't Hollywood Produce Real Men Anymore?

Growing up I never had any idols to speak of. At age twenty, that changed. Up to that time I didn't have too high a regard for men and mates. Many bad things had happened to me that my brain was conflicted. Late one night, near Christmas, I was exposed to the movie - It's a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Everyone, at one time or another, has seen this movie. Whether they want to or not. To me it will always be the best movie that director, Frank Capra, ever made. It was also the turning point in my life.

I had never really been interested in old movies, but the story actually made me cry. That in itself was a feat. Sitting there all alone in the dark crying over a movie was unusual behavior for me. Not only did I remember the movie for several days afterward, but Jimmy Stewart's performance has stayed with me since that night. I found myself interested in learning more about this man on the screen. Now remember, those were the very early days of cable television and the internet wasn't yet invented. Heck, computers were still really big and expensive who could afford one except the government. So learning more about Mr. Stewart came via his movies in those early days. I would find myself begging out of plans to stay home and watch any movie with Jimmy in it, whether he was the lead or not.

James Maitland Stewart named for both his grandfathers was an everyday man that never let fame, success or money ever go to his head. He was kind, endearing and hardworking whether it be in a movie, writing poetry or working in his garden at home. He stood six foot, three inches tall and for many, many years never weighed more than 150 pounds. It has been said that he was most comfortable with one sweater, a good pair of shoes and his old Volvo despite his wealth.