Hollywood stars, military veterans and family members of James Stewart gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 4 for the red carpet premiere of "Jimmy," The Christian Post reports. The film is a biographical drama about the Oscar winner's wartime service and his legacy of faith and sacrifice. It opened in theaters November 6.
The evening began with a military color guard ceremony and a performance of the National Anthem. A B-24 bomber, the type of aircraft Stewart flew in World War II, flew overhead. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker proclaimed the date "Jimmy Stewart Day" in honor of the actor's service to his country and his work in American film. The premiere was held with the Lone Star Film Festival and hosted by Papaian Studios, a Fort Worth faith-oriented entertainment company founded by Hien Papaian, an executive producer of the film. Guests were encouraged to give $5 to the Wreaths for Indiana County Veterans Project, which honors deceased service members in Stewart's home county in Pennsylvania.
Directed by Aaron Burns and starring KJ Apa as Stewart, "Jimmy" follows a chapter many fans do not know. Stewart left Hollywood at the height of his career to serve as a combat pilot. The film traces his change from movie star to military leader and explores the toll of combat, including the emotional struggles he faced when he came back to Hollywood. Stewart's daughter, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, an executive producer, told The Christian Post she remembers her father not for his Hollywood honors but for his commitment to doing what was right, fueled by his faith.
Apa, best known for "Riverdale," told the outlet that playing Stewart, a devout Christian, gave him a deeper understanding of what American service members give up and what they face after coming home. Actor and Marine Corps veteran Rob Riggle, who plays Col. Terrill, said he hopes the film reminds audiences of the sacrifices made by those who volunteer to serve. "He was at the top, top of his game in Hollywood, at actually the zenith, winning an Academy Award in '41, and then boom, he's off to war. That's a true American hero story, in my opinion," Riggle said.
Kara Killmer plays Lady Julia, a British aristocrat who supports Allied service members while facing losses of her own. She said she hopes the film introduces younger generations to Stewart. The cast also includes Neal McDonough as Stewart's father, Alexander Stewart, Max Casella as Frank Capra, Christopher McDonald as Lionel Barrymore, Sarah Drew as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and Jen Lilley as Gloria Stewart, whom the actor married in 1949. Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to look to the interests of others, and Stewart's story gives that call a face.
Read Philippians 2:3-4
