‘God first and country first’: Neal McDonough hopes film inspires new generation to serve

For Catholic actor Neal McDonough, the story of Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart is about more than fame or military heroism. Itʼs also a story of faith, sacrifice, and the importance of putting God and country before oneself.

McDonough portrays Alexander Stewart, Jimmy Stewart’s father, in the new film “Jimmy,” produced by Papaian Studios and Burns & Co. The film, which premiered Nov. 6, explores the transformative time of Stewart’s service in World War II as a bomber pilot and how this experience impacted his portrayal of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Alexander Stewart, who served in the Spanish-American War and World War I, had a profound influence on his son and inspired Jimmyʼs desire to serve his country. Before Jimmy went to war, his father slipped a handwritten letter — a copy of Psalm 91 — and a devotional into Jimmy’s pocket. Jimmy carried and read these items before every single bombing mission he went on during his service in World War II.

That scene of a father passing down his faith to his son resonated with McDonough, who has sought to do the same with his wife, Ruvé, in raising their five children.

In an interview with EWTN News, McDonough shared…