Daughter Kelly Recalls the Magic of Christmas with Jimmy Stewart
Every year, countless families gather around their TVs to watch It’s a Wonderful Life, a timeless holiday classic. For Kelly Stewart Harcourt, the daughter of the late Jimmy Stewart, this film holds a special place in her heart. "My dad always said that It’s a Wonderful Life was his favorite movie," Kelly exclusively shares with Closer Weekly. She fondly remembers the joyous celebrations they had during the holidays, where her father, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 89, made Christmas extra magical.
There's something about It’s a Wonderful Life that resonates deeply with viewers, especially during the holiday season. The story of George Bailey, a compassionate man who learns the value of his life through the love of his community, strikes a chord with many. For Kelly, now 69, these memories are not just about the movie but about the man behind it. Her father, Jimmy Stewart, wasn’t just an actor; he was a man who believed in family, honor, and doing what’s right. These values shone brightly during their family Christmases.
When Jimmy Stewart Became Santa Claus
One Christmas in 1958, while on a trip to Hawaii, Jimmy Stewart surprised his daughters by dressing up as Santa Claus. Kelly recalls the astonishment she and her sister felt when their dad, in full costume, walked into their bedroom. Though they eventually figured out it was their father under that red suit, Jimmy, ever the consummate actor, never broke character. "I slapped him on the back and nudged him, but he just carried on as Santa," Kelly laughs, reminiscing about the moment. It’s these personal memories that paint a picture of a man who was not only a Hollywood legend but also a devoted father.
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Jimmy Stewart’s performances in films like Rear Window, Vertigo, and Harvey showcased his versatility as an actor. However, his life experiences, particularly his service during World War II, added depth to his portrayals. This is evident in his role as George Bailey, a character that resonates with audiences even today. George’s emotional breakdown in the film, where he loses his temper and destroys items in his living room, reflects a complexity that Stewart might not have been able to convey before the war.
War and the Transformation of Jimmy Stewart
Robert Matzen, author of Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe, explains that the war changed Jimmy Stewart profoundly. "He had seen dark things and internalized some rage," Matzen says. "After he returned, he sought more challenging roles." This transformation is evident in his portrayal of George Bailey, a character that requires emotional depth and complexity. The war not only shaped Stewart's acting career but also deepened his understanding of life and its challenges.
Before the war, Jimmy Stewart was known as "The Great American Bachelor," charming Hollywood with his good looks and charisma. He was linked to numerous stars like Mae West, Ginger Rogers, and Olivia de Havilland, often double-dating with his close friend, actor Henry Fonda. Marc Eliot, author of Jimmy Stewart: A Biography, describes Jimmy as someone who was as popular off-screen as he was on. "You can’t manufacture or learn likability, but Jimmy had it. And it took him everywhere," Eliot notes.
By 1939, Jimmy Stewart had joined the A-list with starring roles in Frank Capra’s You Can’t Take It With You and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. In 1941, he won a Best Actor Oscar for The Philadelphia Story, beating out Laurence Olivier. Despite his success, Jimmy's sense of duty was strong. Both of his grandfathers had fought in the Civil War, and his father served in WWI. When WWII broke out, Jimmy enlisted with the Army Air Corps, flying bomb raids over enemy territory.
