In March 2008 a proposal was submitted to award Stewart the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his services to the nation.
Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1972.
Introduced the Cole Porter standard "Easy to Love" in 1936's Born to Dance (1936). His undubbed, reedy tenor voice was actually not so bad. He would later say of the experience, "the song had become such a big hit that they felt even my singing couldn't ruin it." He would later sing a few bars of "Over the Rainbow" as part of his Oscar-winning performance in The Philadelphia Story (1940).
James Stewart is caricaturized in a Merrie Melodies short cartoon called Hollywood Steps Out directed by Tex Avery (Warner Brothers 1941). The action takes place in the famed Ciro's nightclub where the Hollywood stars are having dinner. Dorothy Lamour and James Stewart are seated at the same table. She begs him to dance. Stewart starts stuttering and hesitating, but in the end agrees to follow her to the dance floor. When she moves her body to the beat he gets scared and runs away, leaving a sign that says "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington".
James was named Best Classic Actor of the 20th Century in an Entertainment Weekly on-line poll. [September 1999]
Jimmy Stewart was the first major American movie star to wear a military uniform in World War II.
Jimmy Stewart was the first major American movie star to wear a military uniform in World War II.
Joined the Army eight months before Pearl Harbor. Served overseas for 21 months, where, as a pilot with the 445th Bomb Group, 703rd squadron, he flew 20 combat missions.
Made London stage debut in 1975 with "Harvey".
Many of his works were donated to Brigham Young University in 1983, including his personal copy of It's a Wonderful Life (1946).
Medals awarded: the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf cluster, Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Service Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the French Croix de Guerre with Palm,, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Never took an acting lesson, and felt that people could learn more when actually working rather than studying the craft.
Of all the films that he had done It's a Wonderful Life (1946) was his favorite one.
Often incorrectly noted as having achieved the highest rank in Boy Scouting, Eagle Scout, while in his youth in Indiana, Pennsylvania; he was a scout for four years, attaining Second Class. He appeared in a series of award-winning commercials promoting the Boy Scouts, and served as a volunteer with the Orange County and Los Angeles Area Councils. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest adult award.
One of the first (if not the first) stars to receive a percentage of the gross of his movies.
Originally intended to make On Golden Pond (1981), but Jane Fonda bought the rights before he could.
Over 3,000 people, mostly Hollywood celebrities, attended his funeral to pay their respects.
Pictured on a 41¢ USA commemorative postage stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series, issued on Friday, August 17th, 2007.
President Harry S. Truman was an admirer of Stewart's work, and even commented that if he'd had a son, he'd have wanted him to be "just like Jimmy Stewart."
Principal speaker at Veterans Rights ceremony - Arlington, VA, November 1956.