James Stewart was known as one of the most beloved actors of the twentieth century, starring in such classic Hollywood films as “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Rear Window.” Now, a new book has come out that reveals some new details about Stewart’s life.

Reporter James Bawden just wrote a book called “You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet,” in which he recounted some of the interviews he had with top Hollywood stars. He first interviewed Stewart in 1971, and he sat down with him two more times before the singer passed away in 1997 at the age of 89.

Bawden recalled that Stewart was a humble person who was grateful for all the support he received from fans.

“He did a movie with Otto Preminger [1959’s ‘Anatomy of a Murder’] where a whole trial scene revolved around a woman’s underpants,” Bawden recounted. “He said, ‘I got an Oscar nomination for that, but boy, did I hear from my fan base. They thought it was very, very risqué and asked me not to do that kind of material anymore. And I didn’t. Maybe I made a mistake.’”

Bawden explained that Stewart was asked many times over the years to take up politics, as his fellow Hollywood star Ronald Reagan had, but he refused to do so.

“It’s funny, when Ronald Reagan became president, [Warner Bros. Studio president] Jack Warner said, ‘That’s all wrong. It should be James Stewart for president.’ He was approached several times to become a senator for California,” Bawden said. “He was very, very right wing. One of his sons died in the Vietnam War. And he was really aghast at the student demonstrations in the 1960s… James Stewart did a number of combat missions in World War II. He believed in a powerful military. Always.”

Despite this, Bawden said that Stewart never had any interest in entering the political realm.

“Well, Ron [Reagan] had a successful start as governor of California and before that, he was president of the Screen Actors Guild,” Stewart told him. “I’m trying to think of an example of a politician who tried acting and lasted. Can’t off-hand. Maybe they’re all actors? But no, I never wanted to become a politician.”

In the end, Stewart had other priorities in life aside from politics.

“I’d like to be remembered as a man who believed in hard work and decent values, as one who believed in the love of country, love of family, love of community, love of God,” said Stewart.

Stewart will forever be remembered as an iconic Hollywood star but more so, for his undeniable embodiment of the very best aspects of America.