In 1936, James Stewart met his favourite co-star: “It was so obvious he was in love with her”
James Stewart’s favourite co-star was Margaret Sullavan, a close friend who helped launch his Hollywood career. In 1936, she pressed the studio to cast the then-unknown Stewart opposite her in *Next Time We Love*, and coached him to bring out his natural, awkward charm.
They appeared in four films together, including *The Shop Around the Corner*, where their chemistry was widely noticed. Co-star Walter Pidgeon said Stewart seemed to come alive in scenes with Sullavan and was obviously in love with her. Their careers later diverged: Stewart’s continued to rise, while Sullavan’s declined; she died aged 50 in 1960, after which Stewart’s wife said he fell into a depression and avoided work for a time.
- Sullavan helped secure Stewart’s first major film role.
- They appeared together in four films.
- Their chemistry was clear to co-star Walter Pidgeon.