Known as the "affectionate guy", sometimes Stewart's magnificent acting abilities were overlooked by his awe-striking charisma. Harry Truman once said, "If Bess and I had a son, we'd want him to be just like Jimmy Stewart".

Not only did he dazzle us, in 1939 's "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", and 1946 's "It's A Wonderful Life", but also in films like Cukor 's, 1940 's "The Philadelphia Story", co-starring the lovely Katharine Hepburn. But the story doesn't end there; he also leaves us breathless, in 1940 's "The Shop Around The Corner". Somehow, through his entire loveableness, there shone through this remarkable maturity and keen wit that left us dumfounded. He paired up with Hitchcock, to once again stun us, in 1954 's "Rear Window", and 1958 's "Vertigo".

Obviously his key movie was "Wonderful Life", because he portrays someone's emotions so realistically and passionately.But, Stewart contributed to so much more than just that film, not only in the film industry itself, but to life. As 'People' once quoted, "Until the end, he remained a tower of affability, but as an actor he was more fascinating as he became less wholesome". And Walter Matthau pretty much cleared it up by stating, "They used to refer to him as though he was a movie star, then they'd realize he was one of the boys." (CD)

MORE ABOUT JIMMY -

* The much beloved Jimmy Stewart is usually remembered for his lovable idealistic, and wholesome characters. The quaint stammer and small town modesty that he potrayed in several movies made him America's ideal son.

* He won his first and only Oscar for his role as cynical reporter Mike Connor in 'The Phildephia Story" (1940)

* All throughout his career and life , Stewart remained a "tower of affability". With whatever character he played, from George Bailey to a necrophilac ex-detective he did it with passion and feeling.  (KRC)