James Stewart (1908-1997) Actor. Stewart began his film career in 1935 and soon gained popularity for his lanky good looks, slow drawl and shy, homespun charm, evident in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He won an Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story in 1940. His signature role is that of George Bailey, a small towner brought to an understanding of his own importance on Christmas Eve in It's a Wonderful Life. 8” x 10” black and white photograph, signed.