Jimmy Stewart Movie Honors Veterans and First Responders
A new movie titled “Jimmy,” set for release in November, will spotlight Jimmy Stewart’s heroism and offer free tickets to veterans and first responders. The actor, best known as a Hollywood icon, was also a decorated World War II hero. This new film, says producers, brings his little-known service to light.
The free tickets are made possible by Hien Papaian, founder of Papaian Studios, a new media company “committed to developing and supporting projects that illuminate faith, inspire hope and positively influence culture.” Papaian, who also executive-produced “Jimmy,” founded the veteran effort in honor of her husband, Haig Papaian Jr., who died in 2024. She provided the first 10,000 tickets for the campaign.
“The moment I finished reading the script for ‘Jimmy,’ I knew it was a story Papaian Studios had to support,” she said. “Beyond the Hollywood glamor and the trials of war, what resonated most was its message of kindness — something our world desperately needs right now. ‘Jimmy’ reminds us to look beyond our own struggles, to embrace the suffering of others and to choose grace.”
Stewart is known for an illustrious Hollywood career and for bringing beloved character George Bailey to life in the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Rear Window.” Actor K.J. Apa will portray Stewart in “Jimmy,” which is being produced and directed by Aaron Burns. Burns told CBN News in a 2024 interview about his motivation for bringing the project to fruition. He said he, like so many other Americans, has long known Stewart as an actor, but his perspective changed when he read an article detailing his decision to fight in World War II.
Stewart grew up in a small town with a faithful father who was a deacon in the Presbyterian church.
“His dad just prayed for his son, raised him, invested in him,” Burns said. “And, all of a sudden, Jimmy winds up making it as an actor, heading off to Hollywood and rising through the ranks to become a huge star.”
Before Stewart shipped off to war, his father gave him a note that included Psalm 91.
“It’s about the Lord’s comfort and Lord being with you,” Burns said. “And his dad said, ‘I have confidence, and I will be praying for you the whole time you’re away that God will be with you. You’ll make it home safely,’ and Stewart kept that with him in his uniform every mission that he went on.”
–Alan Goforth
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