On this day in 1908 James Stewart was born. Stewart worked for a period of time as an assistant in Bill Neff’s illusion show and maintained a love of magic throughout his life. He is better known, however, for his work as an actor. During his career he appeared in 80 films, including multiple roles in both Capra’s and Hitchcock’s work. In 1950 he won an Academy Award for his performance in George Cukor’s The Philadelphia Story. James Stewart is not the same person as Stewart James, who was born in the same year just six days earlier.
Almanac
May 20: James Stewart
He had a turn as a magic assistant but found his success in the movies.
