Why James Stewart was 'critical' of 'It's a Wonderful Life' role
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- James Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, recalls watching the holiday classic “It's a Wonderful Life” every Christmas, highlighting it as a family tradition that grew in popularity after airing on TV in the 1970s.
- The new biopic “Jimmy,” starring KJ Apa, explores Stewart’s military service during World War II and his struggles with mental health, providing a deeper look at the actor’s life beyond his famous film career.
- Stewart-Harcourt makes a brief cameo in “Jimmy,” marking her first film set experience since her father’s 1962 movie, while “It's a Wonderful Life” actress Karolyn Grimes also appears, sharing memories of Stewart’s kindness during filming.
- Director Aaron Burns emphasizes Stewart’s genuine connection with Grimes on set, noting how Stewart’s attentiveness helped build authentic father-daughter chemistry that translated into their memorable scenes.
