Tinseltown came to Cowtown for a night of Hollywood glamour, hometown nostalgia, and a salute to one of America's most beloved movie stars. The occasion was the red-carpet premiere of Jimmy, a major new feature film about legendary actor Jimmy Stewart, which opens in theaters November 6.
The film - starring Riverdale heartthrob KJ Apa as Stewart - tells the true story of the actor’s service in World War II and how it shaped his iconic role as George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life.
The star-studded premiere took place Wednesday, November 4 at the AMC Palace 9 movie theater in Sundance Square. It was presented as the opening-night film of the weeklong Lone Star Film Festival.
Why Fort Worth?
Stewart had deep ties to city. He served as the celebrity ambassador to Fort Worth during the 1970s, supporting philanthropic efforts for the Fort Worth Zoo and recording tourism advertisements (which were revived in a new Visit Fort Worth campaign in 2023). Stewart also filmed parts of the movie Strategic Air Command in at Carswell Air Force Base. The 1955 film went on to become the year's sixth-highest-grossing movie.
Circa 1942: American actor Jimmy Stewart in his Air Force cap and wool overcoat, in front of a military airplane. hoto by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Jimmy is executive produced by Hien Papaian, founder of Fort Worth-based Papaian Studios, which co-hosted the premiere with the Lone Star Film Society and Fort Worth Film.
There are other Jimmy cast and crew ties to North Texas, as well: Screenwriter Justin Strawhand lives in Arlington, and Chicago Fire actress Kara Killmer - who plays Jimmy Stewart's love interest through much of the film - was born and raised in Crowley and went to Baylor University. She was joined by her family at the premiere.
As a symbol of the bond between Fort Worth and Stewart, mayor Mattie Parker declared November 4 "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Fort Worth. She and city councilwoman Macy Hill presented a proclamation to Stewart's daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt.
And because no Hollywood premiere should be without a little spectacle, the evening included a dramatic aerial salute: A Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber, the type Stewart piloted during World War II, streaked across the sky above Fort Worth.
When the red carpet opened, the movie's biggest stars - including Apa, Kara Killmer, Neal McDonough, Max Casella, Christopher McDonald, Sarah Drew, Rob Riggle, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley - made their way down a line of reporters and TV cameras, stopping by for interviews with each.
They were joined by director Aaron Burns, screenwriter Strawhand, producers David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, and Jack McClintock, and Stewart-Harcourt, an executive producer. A particularly special guest was Karolyn Grimes, 86, who played George Bailey's daughter Zuzu Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life.
The reporter's row included high-profile entertainment shows like Entertainment Tonight and E! News, local TV, print, and online publications; and - because Papaian makes faith-based films and Jimmy includes some spiritual themes - faith-based outlets like the Christian Post and CBN News.
KJ Apa is interviewed by 'Entertainment Tonight' in Fort Worth.Photo courtesy The Jimmy Movie
Apa told reporters he aimed to embody Stewart as a character, without merely mimicking his distinctive (Western Pennsylvania) accent and mannerisms. (He also caught attention for being "loved up" - as ET put it - with girlfriend Renee Wilkins on the red carpet.)
"It's great to be in Fort Worth," he said. "This was a very special place for Jimmy."
He revealed he'd fed a rhino that morning at the Fort Worth Zoo, where Stewart had once named a rhino, too.
Donough, who portrays Stewart's war veteran-father, Alexander Stewart, said Jimmy is a celebration of American patriotism.
"If you love the big American family film that the whole family can go and sit around and say, 'My gosh, I'm proud to be an American,' this is your film," he said.
Actress Kara Killmer, who plays Jimmy's love interest in the film, was born and raised in Crowley and went to Baylor University.Photo courtesy of Jimmy the Movie
The movie's commitment to honoring those who serve extends beyond the screen. The studio has partnered with VetTix to provide $1 million in free Jimmy movie tickets to veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and their families.
"There is no doubt in my mind that nothing would have moved my father more, or made him prouder, than to know that veterans, first responders, and active military and their families could experience the film Jimmy through the generosity of others," Stewart-Harcourt said.
Along with big Hollywood names came big Hollywood style. The men arrived looking dapper in tuxedos, while the women brought the glamour in elegant, floor-length gowns. Several added a touch of vintage Hollywood with glamorous 1940s-inspired hairstyles.
The night's standout look belonged to actress Jen Lilley, who made quite an entrance in a ballgown adorned with sculptural water lilies. The effect was something of a Monet painting, adorned with sequins and rhinestones.
Lilley has only a tiny part near the end of the film, playing Stewart's wife, but her showstopping gown gave every appearance of a leading lady.
The evening wrapped with a screening introduced in person by the film's director and stars, along with an on-screen welcome from producer Papaian.
"This movie is important to remind us all of the important messages of unity, love, kindness, and choosing to the right thing even when it's the most difficult choice," she said.
When the movie ended, the audience wasn't quite ready to leave. As the credits rolled, moviegoers were treated to five minutes of archival footage from Stewart's real-life story, career, and family. It was a poignant postscript to the film, and the audience responded with warm applause when the lights came up.
The cast, crew, and invited guests continued the celebration at a glittering party at Papaian's Fort Worth Studios, where Stewart's real Oscars were on display.
Circa 1942: American actor Jimmy Stewart in his Air Force cap and wool overcoat, in front of a military airplane. hoto by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
KJ Apa is interviewed by 'Entertainment Tonight' in Fort Worth.Photo courtesy The Jimmy Movie
Actress Kara Killmer, who plays Jimmy's love interest in the film, was born and raised in Crowley and went to Baylor University.Photo courtesy of Jimmy the Movie
