American actor (1908–1997) From Wikiquote, the free quote compendium
James Maitland Stewart (20 May1908 – 2 July1997), popularly known as Jimmy Stewart, was an Academy Award-winning American film and stage actor, best known for his self-effacing screen persona. In his military career he reached the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserve.
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When I got back from the war in 1946 people didn't want the Mr. Smith kind of movie any more, and I refused to make war pictures.
I've always been skeptical of people who say they lose themselves in a part. Someone once came up to Spencer Tracy and asked, "Aren't you tired of always playing Tracy?" Tracy replied, "What am I supposed to do, play Bogart?" You have to develop a style that suits you and pursue it, not just develop a bag of tricks.
As quoted in "Innocent Revisited" in TIME magazine (29 June 1970)
If you can do a part and not have the acting show.
A definition of good acting, given in an interview on WNET TV (13 March 1987); sometimes quoted as "It’s well done if you can do a part and not have the acting show."
I've sort of gotten into the habit of looking for the vulnerable guy, the guy who makes mistakes, the guy who can't figure things out all the time but keeps at it.
Hollywood dishes out too much praise for small things I won't let it get me, but too much praise can turn a fellow's head if he doesn't watch his step.
As quoted in "Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart dead at 89" at CNN (2 July 1997)
Never treat your audience as customers, always as partners.
As quoted in The Ultimate Writer's Guide to Hollywood (2004) by Skip Press, p. 199
I don't go to movies very much. In fact, I never cared for them. But when I do go, I like to watch Jimmy Stewart. I met him when he was making Strategic Air Command at St. Petersburg, Fla. and like him very much.