Born: 20 May 1908 · Died: 2 July 1997 · Age at death: 89
How old was James Stewart when he died?
James Stewart died aged 89. He was born on 20 May 1908 and died on 2 July 1997.
Star of Hollywood classics like It's a Wonderful Life
Did you know?He was a highly decorated bomber pilot during the Second World War and reached the rank of brigadier general.
Quick facts
Date of birth20 May 1908
Date of death2 July 1997
Age at death89
Cause of deathMyocardial infarction, cardiac arrest
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceIndiana, United States
Occupationmilitary officer, aircraft pilot, film actor
Editor's Take:
James Stewart grew up in a small Pennsylvania town where his father ran a hardware store. He studied architecture at Princeton before turning to acting. His drawling, honest manner made him the everyman of Hollywood. He enlisted before Pearl Harbor and flew combat missions as a bomber pilot. After the war he took on darker roles in westerns and Hitchcock films. Vertigo is now often ranked among the greatest films ever made.
Key Milestones
1939: Stars in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
1941: Wins the Oscar for Best Actor
1946: Stars in It's a Wonderful Life
James Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American actor and military aviator. Known for his distinctive drawl and everyman screen persona, Stewart appeared in 80 films from 1935 to 1991.
