The beloved Jimmy Stewart first began his career as a Broadway theater actor, and transitioned into films in the mid ‘30s. He became a popular Hollywood star due to his image as the American every-day man. The actor has portrayed almost every popular profession there is, such as a lawyer, a cowboy, a military officer, a politician, a businessman, a reporter and more. He debuted as a film actor in 1936, alongside Spencer Tracy, in the the classic black and white crime film, “The Murder Man”. His first Academy Award was earned just four years later, for his performance in George Cukor’s “The Philadelphia Story”.
Stewart was considered the “American Ideal”, and helped bring the nation together. Stewart’s greatest film is arguably the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”. He also appeared in other classics, such as “The Man Who Knew too Much”, “Anatomy of a Murder”, and popular Western films like “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962) and “Cheyenne Autumn” (1964), both directed by John Ford.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, thanks to his incredible looks and stellar acting. He has appeared in various amazing action and sci-fi films such as "Drive", "The Place Beyond the Pines", and the highly awarded "Blade Runner 2049". He also appeared in a few deeply tear-jerking films such as "Blue Valentine" and the iconic "The Notebook". Gosling also starred in some interesting drama roles, such as "The Big Short", a film which follows the events of the 2008 mortgage crisis, and "The Ides of March", a political drama thriller.
If you’re looking for the absolute zenith of his acting skills, you’ll likely find it in the 2011 crime drama "Drive", where he plays a veteran criminal getaway driver who falls in love with his neighbor and her young son. It’s arguably Gosling’s most highly acclaimed film. "Drive" received four British Academy Awards and was one of the best films of 2011.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise has had a long line of great movies from way back in the ‘80s. He is one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood, with just about every production he does resulting in big box office revenues. Cruise has starred in countless films so far. He seems to be most at his element in exciting action films that are a bit lighter on the drama.
If you’re looking for a serious and soul-wrenching performance by the actor, check out the iconic film "Interview With the Vampire". However, if you’re in the mood for a fun, light film, the "Mission: Impossible" franchise is your best bet.
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is hailed as one of the most popular and beloved actors of all time. He also took up movie directing in his later years, and managed to release a few extremely successful films. His best directing work is clearly seen in 1992’s "Unforgiven" and the incredible boxing drama film, "Million Dollar Baby". Eastwood continues to appear in films today, even now at age 90.
Eastwood performed in some of the best spaghetti western films of all time, and is well known for his role in "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly", and as the anti cop Harry Callahan, in the five "Dirty Harry" films that were released during the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Sean Connery
Back when masculinity was praised and promoted in Hollywood films, the late Sean Connery was the king of manliness. The actor was best known for his portrayal of James Bond, in what is considered the last portrayal of the character. Although he has appeared in many other films, he will forever be remembered as Bond.
If you’re interested in having a movie night honoring Connery's life and career, check out his five depictions of James Bond. He played 007 in "Dr. No" (1962), "From Russia With Love" (1963), "Goldfinger" (1964), "Thunderball" (1965), and "You Only Live Twice" (1967). He reprised his role a decade later, in "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), and again in the next decade with "Never Say Never Again" (1983).