Jimmy Stewart, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, has long been the subject of rumors and speculation about his eye. Many have wondered how Jimmy Stewart lost his eye, with tales of wartime injuries circulating for decades. This enduring mystery has captivated fans and film enthusiasts alike, prompting a closer look at the truth behind the legend.
To uncover the facts, we’ll explore the origins of the glass eye myth and its spread through popular culture. We’ll also examine Stewart’s actual experiences during World War II and the impact they had on his acting career. By delving into his post-war performances, we’ll see how Stewart channeled his wartime trauma into his craft, creating some of the most memorable characters in cinema history.
The Glass Eye Myth: Origins and Spread
The rumor about Jimmy Stewart having a glass eye has persisted for decades, captivating the imagination of fans and film enthusiasts alike. This myth, however, has no basis in reality and stems from a misunderstanding of Stewart’s post-war experiences and his portrayal of characters with physical impairments.
How the rumor started
The origins of the glass eye myth can be traced back to Stewart’s role in the 1971 film “Fools’ Parade.” In this movie, Stewart portrayed Mattie Appleyard, a convicted murderer recently released from prison who had an obviously mismatched glass eye. The prosthetic eye used in the film was a prop, specifically designed to be worn over Stewart’s real eye. The discomfort caused by this prop was so significant that Stewart could only wear it for 20 minutes at a time, requiring careful timing of filming sessions.
This portrayal, combined with Stewart’s changed appearance after World War II, likely contributed to the spread of the rumor. Upon his return from the war, Stewart looked noticeably different, with his biographer Robert Matzen noting, “He came back looking like hell. There’s a before-and-after photo in the book that shows him in 1942 looking all youthful and then in 1944 looking like hell”.
Why people believed it
Several factors contributed to the persistence of the glass eye myth:
- Stewart’s wartime experiences: Stewart served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, flying numerous combat missions. The physical and emotional toll of his service was significant, leading to visible changes in his appearance and demeanor.
- Post-war struggles: After the war, Stewart faced challenges in resuming his acting career. He suffered from nightmares, sleep difficulties, and significant hearing loss. These struggles were well-known in Hollywood, potentially fueling speculation about other physical impairments.
- Convincing on-screen portrayals: Stewart’s ability to channel his wartime experiences into his acting led to powerful performances, particularly in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” His portrayal of George Bailey, a man grappling with suicidal thoughts, was so convincing that it may have blurred the lines between fiction and reality for some viewers.
- Lack of public understanding: In the post-war era, there was limited public awareness of the psychological impacts of combat, such as PTSD. This lack of understanding may have led people to seek physical explanations for Stewart’s changed appearance and demeanor.
The glass eye myth serves as a reminder of how easily misinformation can spread, especially when it involves beloved public figures. It also highlights the profound impact that Stewart’s wartime experiences had on his life and career, shaping both his on-screen performances and public perception.
Jimmy Stewart’s Actual War Injuries
Physical toll of combat flying
Jimmy Stewart’s wartime service took a significant physical toll on him. During his time in the Army Air Corps, Stewart flew numerous combat missions over Germany in B-24 Liberator bombers. The conditions in these unpressurized planes were extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Crews had to constantly knock ice off their oxygen masks to breathe.
The physical strain of these long missions, often lasting seven to eight hours, had a severe impact on Stewart’s health. He experienced significant weight loss, appearing gaunt and sickly upon his return to the United States in August 1945. Stewart’s already high metabolism and pre-existing digestive issues worsened during the war, making it difficult for him to keep food down. He reportedly subsisted mainly on peanut butter and ice cream, a diet consisting of just protein and sugar.
Additionally, Stewart suffered from hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to the deafening sounds of bomber engines. This physical deterioration was so pronounced that when his parents saw him for the first time after the war, they were shocked by his appearance, noting that he looked decades older than his 37 years.
Psychological impact of war
The psychological impact of Stewart’s wartime experiences was equally profound. He developed what was then known as being “flak happy,” a term used to describe what is now recognized as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition was triggered by the intense stress of combat missions and the constant fear of enemy anti-aircraft fire.
Stewart was haunted by the memories of lost comrades and the civilians killed during bombing raids. One particularly devastating mission resulted in the loss of 13 planes and 130 men under his command, many of whom he knew personally. This event had a lasting impact on Stewart, contributing to his nightmares and emotional distress.
Upon returning to civilian life, Stewart struggled with depression, lack of focus, and an inability to sleep. When he did manage to sleep, he was plagued by nightmares of planes exploding and men falling through the air screaming. Despite these challenges, Stewart rarely spoke about his war experiences, even to other veterans, bottling up his emotions.
Stewart’s Post-War Acting: Channeling Trauma
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and Other Roles
Jimmy Stewart’s return to Hollywood after World War II marked a significant shift in his acting career. Initially struggling to find work, Stewart was offered the role of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946). This role proved to be a turning point, allowing Stewart to channel his wartime experiences into his performance.
The film’s emotional scenes, particularly those depicting George Bailey’s breakdown, were not scripted but rather a raw expression of Stewart’s own trauma. In one memorable scene on the bridge, Stewart’s unplanned emotional outburst continued even after the cameras stopped rolling, with the cast and crew watching in solemn silence.
How War Experiences Influenced His Performances
Stewart’s wartime experiences profoundly impacted his acting style, infusing his performances with a depth and intensity previously unseen. His portrayal of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” showcased this transformation, with Stewart tapping into his own struggles with post-traumatic stress.
The actor’s post-war roles often allowed him to explore darker themes and express the rage and anguish he had internalized during his military service. Films like “Shenandoah” and “Winchester ’73” provided Stewart with opportunities to delve into his “dark side,” an aspect of his personality that emerged after the war.
Stewart’s ability to convey raw emotion on screen was attributed to his wartime experiences. As biographer Robert Matzen noted, “I don’t think he had that kind of capacity before the war. It enabled him to be ferocious and to have that raw emotion”. This newfound depth in Stewart’s performances resonated with audiences and critics alike, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
Conclusion
Jimmy Stewart’s life story goes far beyond the rumors of a glass eye, revealing a man deeply affected by his wartime experiences. His service in World War II had a huge impact on both his physical health and mental state, shaping his post-war acting career in profound ways. Stewart’s ability to channel his trauma into his performances led to some of the most memorable characters in cinema history, showcasing his incredible talent and resilience.
The enduring myth of Stewart’s glass eye serves as a reminder of how easily misinformation can spread, especially when it involves beloved public figures. At the same time, it highlights the profound effect that Stewart’s wartime experiences had on his life and career, influencing both his on-screen performances and public perception. Stewart’s journey from war hero to Hollywood icon is a testament to his strength of character and his lasting legacy in the world of film.
FAQs
What were James Stewart’s final words?
James Stewart’s last words were, “I’m going to be with Gloria now.” He expressed this sentiment to his family shortly before his death in 1997, referencing his late wife, Gloria, who had died three years prior. At the age of 89, Stewart was deeply affected by his wife’s passing.
Did James Stewart wear a prosthetic eye in films?
During the filming of one of his movies, James Stewart wore a prosthetic glass eye, which caused him significant discomfort. This discomfort limited his filming capacity to sessions of no longer than twenty minutes at a time, necessitating immediate action once the prosthetic was in place to ensure efficient use of production time.
What was Jimmy Stewart’s opinion on the film “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
“It’s a Wonderful Life” held a special place in Jimmy Stewart’s heart; he, along with co-star Donna Reed and director Frank Capra, considered it their favorite film among those they had worked on.
What is known about Jimmy Stewart’s sons?
Jimmy Stewart became a father to Michael and Ronald upon marrying Gloria in 1949, as they were her children from a previous relationship. Tragically, Michael passed away from cancer recently, while Ronald died in combat during the Vietnam War in June 1969.