James Maitland Stewart (1908-1997)
Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Legendary American actor, born & raised in this town. During his long career, 1932-91, Jimmy Stewart achieved fame on stage, screen, and TV. He won an Academy Award for his role in "The Philadelphia Story." Other films included "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "It's a Wonderful Life," & "Harvey." He flew 20 combat missions in World War II; rose to Brigadier General, Air Force Reserve; and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1985.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The small college town of Indiana, Pennsylvania, raised one of Hollywood's most beloved leading men. Jimmy Stewart carried an everyman decency into classics of the 1930s and 1940s, from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to It's a Wonderful Life. His fame was matched by real service: he flew 20 combat missions over Europe in World War II and remained in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a brigadier general.
Why it matters
Stewart embodied a distinctly American ideal of the modest citizen-hero, on screen and in uniform, during the nation's mid-century rise.
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Related people
- ¡ James Maitland Stewart
Related events
- ¡ World War II
Themes & tags
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Indiana County
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