Mercersburg Academy is highlighting one of its most notable graduates ahead of the theatrical release of “JIMMY,” a biographical film that explores the life of actor and World War II veteran Jimmy Stewart.
The film is scheduled to open in theaters Nov. 6, and the school is celebrating Stewart’s connection to the campus he attended before graduating in 1928, according to a community announcement.
Actor KJ Apa, known for portraying Archie Andrews in “Riverdale,” stars as Stewart in the film. “JIMMY” focuses on a defining period in Stewart’s life, including his Academy Award-winning performance in “The Philadelphia Story,” his military service as a combat pilot during World War II and his role as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
According to the announcement, Stewart flew 20 missions over Europe during the war and later rose to the rank of colonel. The film portrays his work on “It’s a Wonderful Life” as part of his emotional recovery following military service.
Before attending Princeton University, Stewart was active in student life at Mercersburg. His activities included the choir, glee club, football team, track squad, Marshall Orchestra, Stony Batter theatre group and serving as art editor of the “Karux” yearbook.
“Our global alumni network takes immense pride in sharing an educational lineage with Jimmy Stewart,” Mercersburg Head of School Quentin McDowell said in the announcement. “His life beautifully reflects the school’s spirit of integrity, service and dedication, and we are thrilled to see his story honored on the big screen.”
Stewart’s legacy remains part of campus history
The school said in the announcement that Stewart’s accomplishments continue to serve as an example for students and alumni because of the combination of professional success and personal humility he displayed throughout his life.
According to the announcement, the school sees the release of “JIMMY” as an opportunity to introduce Stewart’s story to a new generation while recognizing the lasting influence of one of Mercersburg’s most distinguished alumni.
KJ Apa discusses portraying Jimmy Stewart
In a question-and-answer exchange shared by the school, Apa described the extensive preparation that went into portraying Stewart on screen.
“I tried to get to know Jimmy the best I could to interpret him in an authentic and honest way,” Apa said according to the announcement. “I watched all of his movies over and over and over again. It was a lot of fun. I listened to sound bites of him all day, watched the way he moves, his hands when he talks, and worked with a voice coach on the cadence, rhythm and tone of his voice.”
Apa said that learning about Stewart’s life beyond his acting career helped shape the performance.
“There are so many versions of Jimmy that people know. He was a pilot, an actor, a father and a son,” Apa said according to the announcement. “Jimmy is extremely smart, uncompromising, patriotic and loving. I wanted to embody those same values and principles in my portrayal of him, which were ingrained in him from an early age.”
When asked what aspect of Stewart’s life inspired him most, Apa pointed to the actor’s military service.
“Before Jimmy served in the military, he had it all,” Apa said according to the announcement. “But because of where his heart is and who he was as a man, he decided to go and fight for his country. He had the courage to leave his family behind, to leave his career behind, to leave his passions, because he felt a deep sense of duty to his country.”
Apa also offered a message for current students and alumni.
“His films were full of themes of redemption and hope and love — things that the world really needs right now, and that the world always will need,” Apa said according to the announcement. “We can all strive to be like him and push good out into the world.”
