Jimmy Stewart flew 20 combat missions in World War II, stayed in the Air Force Reserve until 1968 and retired as a brigadier general. He never talked about it.
In "Jimmy" the new biopic opening nationwide on Nov. 6, that story takes center stage.
Two stars of the film, Kara Killmer (Chicago Fire) and Julian Works (9-1-1: Lone Star), talk about how Stewart’s service shaped his return to Hollywood and "It’s a Wonderful Life," the silent generation and World War II veterans, and the family stories the cast uncovered while making the film.
Also in this episode, hosts Adam and Stacy reflect on what Veterans Day means to them and what meaningful recognition looks like beyond Nov. 11.
01:06 Celebrating Veterans Through Stories
04:54 Jimmy Stewart: The Actor and the Veteran
07:40 Introduction to the Cast and Film
08:37 Personal Connections to Themes of Service
11:34 The Journey to Portraying Iconic Characters
17:29 Character Development and Historical Context
22:42 Exploring the Legacy of Jimmy Stewart
28:06 The Journey of Veterans: From Service to Home
29:27 Coping Mechanisms: Art as Therapy for PTSD
30:33 Faith and Comfort: The Role of Spirituality in War
33:15 Questions for Jimmy Stewart: Insights from a Legend
35:17 The Impact of Jimmy Stewart: Legacy and Influence
36:49 Personal Stories: Connecting Family History to Service
39:40 The Silent Struggles of Veterans: Unspoken Stories
41:53 The Importance of Hope: A Call to Action for Audiences