James Maitland Stewart, better known as Jimmy Stewart, was not only one of the most beloved actors of the 20th century but also an icon whose career and service mirrored the values, struggles and triumphs of the 1940s, a decade marked by the looming shadow of a World War, cultural change and the rise of new cinematic styles.

Born in Indiana, Pa., in 1908, Stewart began acting in college, making his way to Broadway in the 1930s. In 1935, he signed a contract with MGM and landed his first cinematic leading role opposite Margaret Sullavan in 1936. Three years later, he was starring in landmark pictures like Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

But Stewart's career in the 1940s would be synonymous with some of the finest works in Hollywood history.

The decade began with his breakout roles in films that would become part of the American cultural fabric for generations.

In 1940, he starred in The Philadelphia Story alongside Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. The film was a massive success, and Stewart’s portrayal of the awkward, charming reporter Macaulay Connor earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. It was a role that showcased Stewart’s range — his comedic timing, warmth and likable everyman persona. His performance became one of the definitive moments in his career and cemented his status as one of the leading actors of the era.

Throughout the 1940s, Stewart appeared in an array of diverse and critically acclaimed roles. He worked again with the legendary director Frank Capra in It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), a film that, although initially a box office disappointment, became a timeless classic. Stewart’s portrayal of George Bailey, an everyman struggling with the pressures of life, resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting the core values of resilience, hope and community. The film has become an integral part of American Christmas tradition. Stewart’s performance remains one of his most iconic, especially considering it was the first film he made after his service in WWII.

In addition to his work with Capra, Stewart continued to excel in various genres, including suspense films like “Rope,” his first of four collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, and Westerns that solidified his adaptability and range. Other notable films were “The Shop Around the Corner” and ”The Mortal Storm,” a bold anti-Nazi film that dared to confront fascism, both in 1940.

His work in the 1940s truly established him as a cinematic icon. His gentle demeanor, moral fortitude and everyman relatability resonated with a generation of viewers navigating the challenges of the war years and the social upheaval that followed.

What sets Stewart apart from many other Hollywood stars of the 1940s is his service to his country during World War II.

Many stars stayed behind in the relative safety of Hollywood. It was Stewart who made a conscious decision to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps. In 1941, Stewart, then a rising film star who had just won an Oscar, voluntarily entered military service. He went on to serve as a bomber pilot, achieving the rank of colonel by the end of the war.

His decision to enlist was because of a deep, personal responsibility to serve. The Stewart family tradition of serving in the military goes back to Jimmy’s third great-grandfather, Fergus Moorhead, who served in the Revolutionary War. Jimmy’s maternal grandfather was a general for the Union in the Civil War, and his father, Alex, served in both the Spanish-American War and World War I.

Stewart was a great pilot and flew 20 dangerous combat missions over Germany. He earned numerous decorations for his bravery, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Croix de Guerre and the Air Medal. His military service was both a reflection of his patriotism and his character, showcasing a commitment to his country that went beyond the screen.

Stewart’s military experiences deeply impacted his later performances. His role in the 1948 film Strategic Air Command was influenced by his own experiences during the war. His portrayal of a veteran struggling with postwar adjustment resonated with many viewers, as he embodied the struggles of returning servicemen dealing with the emotional scars of combat.

Stewart’s popularity in the 1940s can also be attributed to his personal character and integrity, which resonated with a nation recovering from the trauma of war.

He was the epitome of the American hero, but in a way that was relatable and grounded. His characters often embodied the idealized values of humility, integrity and courage in a time when those qualities were desperately needed.

Stewart's performances in films like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939), “The Shopworn Angel“ (1941) and It's a Wonderful Life presented him as the everyman who, despite personal or societal setbacks, was willing to fight for the greater good. Stewart’s characters were the moral compass in a world that was still trying to rebuild itself after the war.

Stewart’s personal life mirrored the qualities his characters portrayed. Stewart was a deeply private man, maintaining a reputation for being grounded and modest despite his immense fame.

In 1949, the bachelor tied the knot with Gloria Hatrick McLean and adopted her two young sons. The couple later welcomed twin daughters and enjoyed a happy marriage until Gloria's death in 1994.

He was a dedicated family man and an advocate for the causes he believed in, further cementing his status as a role model. Stewart frequently used his platform to champion causes and speak out on issues he felt strongly about.

While his career continued to thrive in the 1950s and beyond, it was during the 1940s that his impact was most profound. As one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, Stewart helped define the way Americans viewed both themselves and the world around them. His legacy is seen in the everyman hero he so often portrayed.

Stewart was nominated five times for an Academy Award: for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), The Philadelphia Story (1940, winner), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), Harvey (1951) and the 1959 thriller, Anatomy of a Murder. He received an Academy Honorary Award in 1985.

But Stewart’s influence transcended the film industry. His decision to serve in World War II set a precedent for future generations of actors and public figures to engage meaningfully with society beyond their professions. His deep sense of duty, personal sacrifice and morality served as motivation for others to contribute to national efforts during times of crisis. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985.

Stewart embodied the resilience, decency and patriotism that defined the 1940s and remains an enduring symbol of the American spirit. His legacy continues to inspire not only aspiring actors but also generations of individuals who seek to live with integrity and purpose. That is the reason people from all over the world still visit The Jimmy Stewart Museum in his hometown Indiana, Pa. Even now, there is a desire to honor and to learn more about this heroic, everyday man.

Janie McKirgan is the president and executive director of the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, Pa. Visit jimmy.org.