The life and works of John Wayne
By Ross Tilley on December 16, 2009
John Wayne can be described as a true American hero. He had rugged looks, enjoyed American football, and was an actor. Like so many other idols before him, like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne’s popularity after death seems even to have eclipsed the fame he enjoyed in life.
The flame of his memory is kept burning bright by his movies, people’s memories, and the vast range of John Wayne memorabilia available to his fans.
John Wayne was actually named Marion Robert Morrison and soon became known as Marion Mitchell Morrison. Originally from Iowa, his family later moved to California. John had a talent for football, playing first for Glendale High School then moving on to the University of Southern California under Howard Jones while studying for his degree.
John sustained an injury whilst surfing in Newport Beach, which meant that he was unable to continue with his football. As he was studying on an athletic scholarship, this also meant that he could no longer continue his studies. This was a blessing in disguise because after he left University he began working in his local film studios.
John started working in the prop department, but soon began to do a couple of speaking lines in films. It was at this time when he earned the screen name John Wayne; he was not even present when this was decided as his agent sorted this out on his behalf.
John then moved on to playing parts in low budget films until he received stunt training for the 1933 film Riders of Destiny. It was this which secured him a role in Stagecoach, the film that would truly open the doors to the acting world for him.
John was passionate about acting in films that reflected American values, turning down parts that did not meet his expectations. He became the face of several war heroes in movies and synonymous with the US military, despite never enlisting in WWII.
John Wayne’s long and full life came to an end in 1979 after a struggle with stomach cancer. In his lifetime he had four wives, seven children, as well as multiple affairs. His belief in American values was reflected not only in the films he made but also in his political interests, and it is these passions which make John Wayne so memorable today.
Ross Tilley is a freelance writer with a passion for film collectibles, such as John Wayne memorabilia.
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