Jimmy Stewart Accepts AFI Life Achievement Award in 1980

Jimmy Stewart Accepts the the 8th AFI Life Achievement Award (1980).
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[@romaniaforever]

My favorite actor because he was so deeply good ( or tried so hard to be) with such integrity.

[@georgegraham9822]

Jimmy was still so sharp and funny even in his old age. One of the greats.

[@eddiebrown687]

What a great actor, and person. Funny how he didn't even think of being an actor, he went to Princeton and graduated with a degree in Architecture......just did a little summer theater work during the depression, that led to Broadway, and that led to Hollywood.

[@FilmDoctor42]

The best American actor of his generation, IMHO.

[@Kaalec]

@locotaco10 In those days, few women, even in Hollywood, had plastic surgery, there was no botox and all society wasn't bent on staying 28 forever.

[@CDJCMstryker]

Major General Jimmy Stewart. One of the greatest men to ever walk the earth

[@JRobbySh]

After the warm, when he was not sure he could resume his career, he is said to have thought about entering the aviation business. He was sure great for the Air Force.

[@mamakotterkey8782]

Jimmy Stewart was a 2 star General. Just thought you'd like to know.

[@Tar-Numendil]

Hear hear!

[@rhondamcclements86]

He was an amazing actor there will never be another Jimmy Stewart

[@Nirsterkur]

Amen!

[@michaelhoughton6210]

I may only be a teenager but this guy was one of the greatest actors of all time

[@wendyqallab6906]

True American actor. Will never see the likes of him again.

[@marilyntomson9567]

I always watched all of the older movies with my mom and fell in love with all of the movies and actors from long ago. Jimmy Stewart was always one of my favorites.

[@maxhubmann1696]

Same here! I’m 16

[@mamatibborscassady9388]

Henry Fonda, a life long democrat, and Jimmy Stewart republican, they were honest and openly friends..................we could take a lesson

[@michaelhoughton9771]

agreed

[@CYP0]

Interesting that Shirlee Fonda is here and even mentioned but Henry Fonda is nowhere to be seen. Was he unavailable to attend his close friend’s ceremony?

[@geoffwolfe9515]

If you haven't already read it, may I recommend a wonderful book by Scott Eyman, "Hank and Jim". Its a marvelous account of the lifelong friendship between Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart.

[@johnnypastrana6727]

@@CYP0 Fonda was very sick in his later years...he could not pick up his own oscar for On Golden Pond.

[@johnnypastrana6727]

@bill bixby Yep, then reconciled cause their friendship meant a lot to the both of them...they were friends when they were nobodys in the film industry.

[@johnstagnari3459]

Actor, soldier, gentleman, all around good guy. We need more like him, especially today

[@ZulcanPrime]

He was a pilot too.

[@maggiemagoon9496]

Over half of his speech was introducing/thanking others. What a man.

[@Nirsterkur]

Absolutely true. I love him from all my heart!

[@joes-lv7ro]

One of the greatest of all time who after winning an oscar for best actor sacrificed 5 years of his prime acting career to serve his country. Not only that, but the man had to go through a rigorous diet just to qualify weight wise. When offered a rather safe post as all stars were (because their death would be a huge blow to the nations's moral) he refused and instead flew dangerous bombing missions. Other than Reagan, the highest ranked actor in the military's history. then after 5 years at war, he only came back and made "It's a wonderful life" They don't make them like they used to

[@lynnturman8157]

+joe s Reagan had the same military ranking as Barrack Obama, did he not?

[@jadezee6316]

most actors served in the military......nothing special about that during ww2

[@velikovskysghost]

+ Lynn Turman, James Stewart was a full general in the Army Air Core, while Ronald Reagan only made Major and never did any dangerous duty.

[@williamratcliffe7794]

Was Obama an actor?

[@torrymadrid8986]

He continued to serve in the U.S Air Force after the war, it was not a knee jerk reaction to the war, but a lifelong commitment

[@sari924]

Class. Humility. Graciousness. None greater than Jimmy Stewart. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.

[@philiphalpenny9761]

So self deprecating. Easy to see why Stewart's appeal is so far reaching...

[@zildj1an]

One of the most humble, down-to-earth actors of his era (or any era)!

[@Nirsterkur]

Agreed.

[@MiaJamesloveofvintage]

"Their is my Gloria" awww Gloria was so beautiful here! :) Love Jimmy Stewart! R.I.P Jimmy & Gloria

[@lindashelley3635]

Mia In a town where divorce was so common, theirs was truly a match made in Heaven. They were together for 45 years, and were only separated by Gloria’s death. When Jimmy followed her just 3 years later, his last words were said to be; “I’m going to be with Gloria now.”

[@MrImiller07]

Stewart's remarks in accepting the AFI Life Achievement Award were characteristically self deprecating, however, he gave outstanding performances for a variety of top directors in legendary films: Capra's Mr.Smith Goes To Washington, Cukor's The Philadelphia Story, Capra's It's A Wonderful Life, Hitchcock's Vertigo and The Man Who Knew Too Much, Preminger's Anatomy Of A Murder and Aldrich's Flight Of The Phoenix.

[@JRobbySh]

He had friends in Ft. Worth and he and his wife would visit then.Knew someone in college who lived on the same street, and had got to met the General when he was visiting. According to him he was what you see here. But he was a man who had flown more than twenty missions in a B-24. They pulled him back to staff before his luck ran out. His hard-edged western roles after the war reveal the steel in his soul. God bless him.

[@misonoresoconto]

Nice that he gave a "shout out" to his friend Henry Fonda. Nice, classy touch.

[@Curbmaster0312]

such a great man, you hardly see this anymore. my deep respect for james stewart

[@compsecure77]

Wow we will never see his like again, never ever.

[@airport862]

And there walks a legend... Grace Kelly whom he acknowledges was 50 years old here and would pass only two years later. She was his costar in Rear Window. His friend and role model as he declares here also passed two years later. He would go on for another 17 years.

[@Nirsterkur]

That's right!

[@everettfuqua114]

Mrs. Stewart was so beautiful and regal.

[@jamescole5040]

You just can't deny that jimmy stewart is one class act. You just don't see that kind of class any more .

[@garymcconnell3924]

James Cole tell e your guess

[@idenhlm]

When one is person of deep convictions, Humility and class are the reward.

[@velikovskysghost]

James Maitland Stewart is and always will be one of the greatest actors ever. Most people don`t know he was a bomber pilot in WW ll and earned the rank of general. One story he liked to tell is when he would be introduced by Ronald Reagan as Colonel James Stewart and he`d had enough of it over the years and finally told him off and said that`s general James Stewart. Always a class act and always an honorable man with great integrity. I could do his voice when I was just a kid and still do an outstanding job of it, at least according to Alton R. Hendrickson who was sitting in this audience and did most of James Stewart`s movies. I miss them all very much.

[@mrmiked6577]

Why is it that I feel like I can listen to this man talk for hours? I would have watched another45 minutes of his speech without a second thought. One of the greatest actors and human beings ever.......

[@pounamubts7802]

same

[@lisamarovich3018]

Agreed 💯 love him!! My all-time favorite actor ❤

[@Tar-Numendil]

I love Jimmy Stewart. Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life is in my opinion the best movie ever made!

[@petermetcalfe6722]

He was truly fonda Fonda.

[@natedoggg2002]

Jimmy Stewart receive the AFI Lifetime Achievement award the same year Alfred Hitchcock died. What a Divine and fitting coincidence.

[@Nirsterkur]

Wow! Thanks for the trivia buddy!

[@stevenogle1376]

To many actors of today can learn a thing or to from Jimmy Stewart...starting with Class and Humility

[@arthurgearheard4701]

What class will you find in Hollywood today? They're all a bunch of ass holes today! Who's watching the Oscars now, anyway?

[@UltimateTrekkie1]

I wish he were still alive. He was such a wonderful and humble man.

[@susan1073]

I just Jimmy, he's adorable, he's funny, he's kind. A beautiful gift to the world. God Bless You Mr Stewart 2020

[@AlexanderWu4587]

Wow! Jimmy sounds exactly the same as his character Jefferson Smith back in 1939.

[@johnw8984]

I think he was the best American actor who ever lived two hands down, and a hero HE flew combat missions in the USAAF( United States Army Air Force) in World War II, Jimmy Stewart retired as a brigadier general in the United States Air Force in 1969. Also one of his adopted sons was killed in Vietnam. So he was more than just an actor.

[@MFPhoto1]

Actually, Steward flew in the Army Air Corps. The Air Force was not a separate service until 1947. His promotion to brigadier general came when he joined the Air Force Reserve. BTW, in the Army Air Corp, one of those who served under him as a mechanic named Walter Matthau. I was looking for Matthau's speech honoring Stewart at this event, but I guess no one has posted it.

[@davidlacy4771]

A great man….from a great time. So much that we can all learn from today . Greatness , sprinkled with humility.

[@favre16]

A true "classic" man!

[@mannyrodriguez4992]

A true gentleman... A class act all the way !!!

[@georgecorrea8491]

Inspite of Jimmy's brilliance as an actor and great human being he exuded humility and had a great sense of humor. Rip legend. Gone but never forgotten.

[@stevemccollum9838]

What a kind, grateful and incredible man.

[@thurstonhowell2262]

Jimmy Stewart, a man of dignity, humanity and civility, would be appalled to see what Hollywood has become today.

[@pmajudge]

YEP!! GREAT ACTOR INDEED. SEEN ALL HIS "FUMBLING" ACTING IN HIS MOVIES!!! THANKS TO THE LATE JAMES STEWART.

[@bobtrumpisongodssideandvic5156]

I TRULLY LOVED JIMMY STEWART !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mattcohen261]

This man did it all. Movie legend, war hero, philanthropist, great family man. They don't make movie stars with his class, humility, and decency anymore.

[@Rachmanfan4life]

I'm too young but I wish I knew him. He was a fantastic person, actor and man every way one could be. The best in humanity is found in that man. God Bless you Jimmy Stewart

[@JRobbySh]

Had a college acquaintance who lived down the block from a close friend and Air Force officer of Stewart. Behind the awshucks manner, he said, was a very strong person. Closest I came to him was a few feet away from the stage of a movie theatre in Ft. Worth where he spoke to the audience before one of his films. Very friendly man. He liked people, a thoroughly American man.

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Perhaps my favourite actor of all time. No one today comes close. The golden years are over. If you have old movies laying around...keep em!

[@dougreed2257]

The 2 jmmy's, Stewart, cagney, best screen actors ever!

[@dougalmac54]

The Shootist, with Duke Wayne, and Lauren Bacall. Duke was actually dying of cancer when they made the film, and his character was, too. The scene Jimmy and Duke have in Doc Hostetler's office is an amazing moment between two fabulous actors. and "Cheyenne Social Club" with Hank Fonda.

[@circa1720]

I remember him standing at his front door passing out Halloween candy at his house some years. You could tell how much he enjoyed it. A truly kind, generous and humble person.

[@parakeet8157]

Such a great speech.Seemed to be an honest, humble man.

[@brego129]

What class. We need this back.

[@mamatibborscassady9388]

My only republican hero........This truly was one man who America loved, respected, and admired.........what a great man......

[@lonestar6709]

What about Abraham Lincoln? Teddy Roosevelt? Come on! There have been many great Republicans.

[@cumulus1234]

mamatibbors cassady I hope you like John Wayne and Ronald Reagan. I hop your not a socialist total government control advocate.

[@colinp2238]

@@cumulus1234 What military service did Marion do?

[@Jared_Wignall]

colin Paterson well, the military rejected him for being too old when he went to join the military when WWII broke out. Plus he also had a back injury he got in college from body surfing that never fully recovered, so I’m sure that also was a reason that lead to him not being accepted into the military.

[@jonathanransier3544]

I'm a liberal Democrat and I can say james stewart is an amazing actor and a great person hes truly gifted.

[@tuxguys]

Self-deprecation as an art form... ...and because he's been the Best of the Best for longer than most of us have been alive, we believe and accept it.

[@Lilmovieman27]

Really? Two dislikes? REALLY?

[@utsavprakash24]

Happy Birthday Jimmy :) One of the finest actors and human beings to have graced our planet!

[@CathyC454]

Made me cry. Such a great actor, and fine man. We'll never see his like again.

[@yellowsky7484]

Cathy C you will when I become famous

[@nexttimewelove51]

I appreciate you Jimmy and will cherish you for the rest of my life. You have given all of us A Wonderful Life. I love you so much.

[@pounamubts7802]

yes, good movie that

[@MORITZvSTAHL]

Great Acteur, great Gentlemen! Salute you!

[@kirk2ent7]

One of the most deserved standing ovations of all time.

[@Exotic3000]

Wow! Mr. Stewart was a class act. RIP Jimmy .....and thanks for the memories!

[@josephmazzotta8813]

He was good in Winchester 73🇺🇸

[@imperial109]

Jimmy Stewart has one of those voices where he could read the phone book and I'd be completely captivated.

[@Tifflet]

love him, such humor, Harvey was one of my favourite childhood movies. fantastic footage, thank you so much AFI for putting these up for us to remember the Legends

[@pounamubts7802]

oh yes! Harvey

[@TheBigValley]

You can't take it with you, Mr. Smith goes to Washington, It's a wonderful life, Rear window, Vertigo, The man who shot liberty valance.

[@jusdafax8211]

WOW!!!! Imagine sitting at Dinner table with Mr Stewart... where would the Questions even Start??!! One Fantastic Actor and Petson!!!

[@mary.gcarpenter1490]

In his business there was no one like Jimmy Stewart.

[@lifessublime8110]

I loved this man for his integrity & giving us so many wonderful performances that will remain in our hearts & minds for years to come.

[@fernetpunker]

His humour and humbleness are great.

[@joshuawaltz9484]

My all time favorite actor. Jimmy Stewart was an every man. He was so great at what he did and for who he was. RIP Legend.

[@fredpickett6219]

One of The best We ever had. R.I.P. James.

[@4orrcountry]

The very definition of class.

[@Minime163]

James was a great actor and always struck me as a true gentleman.

[@runfast2288]

He retired as a Brigadier General.

[@donaldgraff3666]

No he did not. Reagan promoted him to brig general. He retired as a full bird Colonel.

[@2CalaLilly]

@@donaldgraff3666 That is incorrect. James Stewart retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Brigadier General. President Reagan pushed through Jim's promotion to Major General. Not counting the presidency of Ronald Reagan, James Stewart is the highest ranking actor to have served in our military. In the acting profession, no one had the depth and range of James Stewart. No one.

[@me1965]

One of my all-time favorite actors! ❤️ His comedy is always so brilliantly executed. Loved “my Gloria”… one of the longest lasting marriages Hollywood has ever seen.

[@jayslowiak]

Did my eyes play tricks on me or did I not see dustin hoffman their?

[@neelabhraroy4238]

jjslov No they aren't playing tricks

[@raymondcurry2278]

That WAS Dustin.

[@DrCruel]

Up to three now. Maybe they're all related to Liberty Valance.

[@Nirsterkur]

4:55 For me, the very definition of the word is none other than Jimmy Stewart!

[@allengreene9954]

Rest in peace Grace Kelly (:

[@sleepymofo]

Great actor. They'll never be another like this man.

[@Sophie_kent]

i love the way he talks about Henry Fonda.. I don't think Henry Fonda was truly appreciated for his talent, while he was alive..

[@pounamubts7802]

apparently he was difficult to work with....

[@Sophie_kent]

Pounamu Bts7 who isn’t in Hollywood.

[@l.e.martinez7044]

All one generación of greats actors and actress!!. James Stewart, a gentleman like today dont exist

[@runner8095]

An extremely humble man

[@klrdotorg]

What a great guy - don't make too many like him any more. He lived a great life.

[@l.e.martinez7044]

Toda una generación de grandes!!. Gente con unos valores y un objetivo en la vida!!!. Aprendan las nuevas generaciones!!.

[@derikbagley2958]

I like how he ended his speech

[@Tomtuber1988]

Hahaha, let's just clap for everyone! Love it! Thank you for the movies Mr. Stewart! CLAPCLAPCLAP!

[@billhilton3265]

Hes amazing, the most handsome in a philadelphia story, most wise and brilliant in a wonderful life, really everything he touches, love his poetry, yet hes so humble. You dont see humble in our world anymore. One of the reasons things are so ugly. Manners too

[@substitute91]

''the problem is, i dont know how to talk fast'' sweet. One of my favorites, Jimmy Stewart.

[@TennesseeMelanie]

Just how much he loved Gloria is SO evident here.

[@208stroker1]

Ive spent 5 hours watching the greats of our screens over the years and i grew up watching them like so many did...god bless them all one of a kind all of them.!!!!!

[@unclebob53703]

What a sweet, genuine, lovely man

[@LightningStash]

Wow, quite the speech man he is. Along with such kindness, & appreciation for his Family, & Colleagues whom he highly admires. I may not have seen much of his Films, but he sure is one that I consider a true gentleman!

[@harrydm]

Great Jimmy!

[@spdharan]

Has there been a more perfect gentleman ever? Dont think so

[@kjellolofsson6766]

Love this guy so much.

[@Jackie371]

Thank you for posting! Wonderful to see Mr. Stewart, him recognizing people, & the faces of people like Dustin Hoffman honoring & cherishing him.

[@JACKnJESUS]

The only Hollywood actor (that I am aware of) that served his country during WWII in actual combat. He flew 20 combat missions into hostile Axis territory...even Berlin. He didn't do milk runs either...the real deal. He didn't play it safe ...he laid it all on the line for his country.

[@JRobbySh]

Actually, Tyrone Power was a carrier pilot. One of the most handsome men ever, but very pleasant to a friend of mine who worked back stage at a Dallas theatre when he and Charls Laughton toured in “John Brown’s Body”. Impression:. Shorter than expected, Great smile. had a bit of Irish brogue when speaking conversationally. Had a very blue beard which one never saw onscreen. Black Irish. Joked about Dick Nixon’s resemblance to him. Was a bit portly. Sadly he died a few years later while in his early forties.

[@carolabecker8219]

He also served in Viet Nam and sadly lost one of his stepsons in that conflict.

[@coreyoldknow272]

Jimmy Stewart was a real man . War Hero . Patroit..Genuine great Actor. His father kept his Oscar in the front of the window of his hardware store in which he owned . His life was " A Wonderful Life "

[@arthurgearheard4701]

That was a consolation for not receiving the Award the year before for " Mr Smith goes to Washington! "

[@acdragonrider]

I just found out his birthday is two days after mine. No wonder I love him so much. His roles really are ones I love and can identify with more than any other actor

[@DrenergyNetzeal]

James Stewart remains a role model for those who chose to become good and honest citizens. He was a humble man who appreciated the value of a free society. He answered the call in WWll and flew into peril to defend the freedom and values that we cherish today.

[@jayslowiak]

He is still the best actor, military veteran, patriot and gentleman that will ever grace the film industry. I don't believe any lifetime achievement award then and since will ever equal to Jimmy Stewart's contribution to people all around the world. 2012 and he is still my favorite and to this day is the only famous person I really ever wished I could have met. Todays acting just isn't what it was and nobody could hold a candle to him. He set the bar and nobody has ever raised it since

[@Muirmaiden]

Jimmy Stewart was so sweet! I love him!

[@josephcalderon906]

Grace patricia kelly whose birthday was just recently last week(nov 12,1929) would've been eighty seven, looked ravishing here. though sadly she would only live for only two more years at only fifty two in a fatal car crash.