James Stewart was a major actor who starred in films such as “Vertigo,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” However, he didn’t get his first movie contract until he was in his late 20s. Like most successful actors, Stewart had to work hard at the beginning of his career before becoming a star.
Stewart’s full name was James Maitland Stewart, but he often went by Jimmy Stewart. Throughout his career, Stewart starred in nearly 100 films along with numerous TV shows. He was the recipient of over 30 different awards, including an Oscar for Best Actor in “The Philadelphia Story” and an Honorary Award from the Academy for fifty years of memorable performances.
Before becoming an actor, Stewart attended Princeton University and received a degree in architecture. It was the positive reviews from one of the Broadway plays he starred in that led to his first movie contract. His debut film was “The Murder Man,” a 1935 film that Tim Whelan directed.
Aside from many of the quotes in his movies, Stewart also had many inspiring and humorous quotes that displayed his personality and love for his family. Although James Stewart died in 1997 at the age of 89, his most famous quotes remind us of his legacy in Hollywood.
To create a list of the most famous quotes by James Stewart, 24/7 Tempo consulted several news and film publications, including IMDb and the American Film Institute. (After this article, don’t forget to read Oscars: Best Picture Winning Movies That No One Remembers Anymore.)
Here are 10 of the most famous quotes by James Stewart.
“I suppose people can relate to being me, while they dream about being John Wayne.”
1969: John Wayne, in his Oscar winning performance as Rooster Cogburn, in scene from the movie 'True Grit' directed by Henry Hathaway in 1969. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Stewart was an all-American boy. For many who watched his films, he was someone they could relate to. It’s no surprise that his viewers found him relatable, even if they were dreaming about being John Wayne. (Don’t miss John Wayne Said: 25 of the Most Memorable Movie Quotes from ‘The Duke.”)
“I don’t act. I react.”
With any famous actor, it’s interesting to get a glimpse into what acting is like for them. Stewart’s acting was unique because he mastered acting as a version of himself for every role. Stewart aimed to be as natural as possible on screen.
“I am James Stewart playing James Stewart. I couldn’t mess around with the characterizations. I play variations on myself.”
Here’s another quote showing Stewart’s method of naturalism that he had perfected for his roles. In every role, he claimed to play a version of himself, which led to him being known for a specific type of role, often playing a character who was morally resilient.
“I have my own rules and I adhere to them. The rule is simple but inflexible. A James Stewart picture must have two vital ingredients. It will be clean and it will involve the triumph of the underdog over the bully.”
Stewart was very specific about what type of movie he was willing to be in. You’ll see a lot of consistency in the roles he played and the type of movies he starred in. As far as the movie being clean, Stewart held to his morals and values throughout his career.
“Our views never interfered with our feelings for each other, we just didn’t talk about certain things.”
This Stewart quote was referencing his good friend Henry Fonda. Although Stewart was a Republican and Fonda was a Democrat, they were able to get along despite their differences. Stewart first met Fonda after graduating from college and their friendship lasted fifty years.
“If I had my career over again? Maybe I’d say to myself, ‘Speed it up a little.’”
Stewart originally received a degree in architecture and didn’t get into filmmaking until he was in his late 20s. After he starred in several Broadway plays, he ended up securing a film contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for the film “The Murder Man.”
“Mr. Hitchcock did not say actors are cattle. He said they should be treated like cattle.”
Stewart was very familiar with Alfred Hitchcock and starred in several of his films, including “Vertigo,” “Rope,” “Rear Window” and “The Man Who Knew Too Much.” This response to Hitchcock’s humorous comment about actors was unsurprising to anyone who knew the director.
“There ought to be a law against any man who doesn’t want to marry Myrna Loy.”
Myrna Loy was a well-known actress and performer in the 1920s and 30s. Her career took off after she starred in “The Thin Man,” which was a film Stewart also starred in. Fans named her Queen of Hollywood in 1937 and Stewart certainly wasn’t the first man to declare his love for her.
“As someone who believed in hard work and love of country, love of family and love of community.”
Growing up with his family in Indiana, Stewart was a family man and someone who valued his country and his community. Stewart said this quote in response to someone asking him how he wanted to be remembered.
“I’m going to be with Gloria now.”
These words were James Stewart’s last. In 1997, Stewart passed away at the age of 89 but before he died, he said this quote, alluding to going to be with his late wife, Gloria Hatrick McLean. Gloria had died five years prior after a battle with lung cancer. (For more notable quotes, check out 17 of the Most Legendary Movies Lines of All Time)