The Legendary John Wayne: An American Icon

John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, became one of the most iconic figures in American cinema. Known for his rugged masculinity and embodiment of American values, Wayne's career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry and popular culture.

Biography of John Wayne

Early Years

Born in Iowa, John Wayne moved to Southern California with his family as a child due to his father's health condition. It was in Glendale that young Marion acquired the nickname "Duke," named after his childhood dog. Wayne attended Glendale High School from 1921 to 1925, where he was active in sports and school activities.

Education and Early Career

Wayne attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship starting May 17, 1926. However, a bodysurfing accident resulted in a shoulder injury, causing Wayne to lose his scholarship. Unable to continue his education due to financial constraints, he left USC during his junior year.

In 1928, Wayne began working in Hollywood as a prop man and extra. His first leading role came on May 19, 1930, in "The Big Trail." Between 1933 and 1938, he appeared in over 70 films, honing his craft.

Rise to Stardom

Wayne's breakthrough role came in John Ford's "Stagecoach" (1939), which catapulted him to mainstream stardom. In 1947, he took on his first role as a producer for "Angel and the Badman." Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Wayne continued to star in major films, battling lung cancer in 1964 but persevering in his career.

Personal Life and Health Struggles

Wayne was married three times and had seven children. He faced significant health challenges, battling lung cancer in 1964, which resulted in the removal of his left lung. He also underwent heart valve replacement surgery in 1978 and had his stomach removed in 1979 due to cancer.

Later Years and Legacy

Wayne's final film role was in "The Shootist" (1976). In 1973, he received a Grammy nomination for his spoken word album "America, Why I Love Her." On May 26, 1979, his 72nd birthday, Wayne was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. He passed away on June 11, 1979, at the age of 72, due to stomach cancer.

John Wayne's Career Highlights

Iconic Roles

Some of John Wayne's most memorable performances include:

• Ethan Edwards in "The Searchers" (1956)

• Rooster Cogburn in "True Grit" (1969)

• J.B. Books in "The Shootist" (1976)

• Tom Dunson in "Red River" (1948)

• John T. Chance in "Rio Bravo" (1959)

• Ringo Kid in "Stagecoach" (1939)

• Davy Crockett in "The Alamo" (1960)

• Captain Nathan Brittles in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" (1949)

Awards and Achievements

• Won Academy Award for Best Actor for "True Grit" (1969)

• Received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1979

• Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980

Beyond the Silver Screen

Political Views and Controversies

John Wayne was known for his conservative political stance, which often reflected in his films. Movies like "The Alamo" (1960) and "The Green Berets" (1968) showcased his patriotic fervor. However, his political views and some public statements have been subject to criticism, especially in recent years.

Personal Interests

Wayne owned a 39-mile working cattle ranch in Arizona called the 26 Bar Ranch, showcasing his interest in the Western lifestyle beyond his on-screen portrayals.

Facts About John Wayne

1. John Wayne's birth name was Marion Robert Morrison.

2. He acquired the nickname "Duke" as a child due to his constant companionship with his dog, also named Duke.

3. Wayne appeared in 179 film and television productions over a 50-year career.

4. He holds the record for the actor with the most leading parts - 142. In all but 11 films, he played the leading role.

5. Wayne was of English, Scottish, Ulster-Scots, and Irish ancestry.

6. His last public appearance was at the 1979 Academy Awards ceremony, just a few months before his death.

7. Wayne's estate was worth approximately $6.85 million at the time of his death, consisting of $1 million in real property, $5.75 million in personal property, and $100,000 in income.

8. His seven children were the primary beneficiaries of his will, with each receiving $5,000 multiplied by their age at the time of his death minus 21.

9. Wayne's first wife, Josephine, received a trust account providing monthly checks for $3,000.

10. Orange County Airport was renamed "John Wayne Airport" in his honor in June 1979.

Famous Quotes

John Wayne's most famous line is considered to be: "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."

Other notable quotes include:

• "A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by."

• "Talk low, talk slow, and don't say too much."

• "Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid."

Legacy and Impact

John Wayne's influence extends far beyond his filmography. He became a cultural icon, symbolizing American values and frontier heritage. His impact on the Western genre is immeasurable, and his distinctive walk, talk, and mannerisms have been imitated and parodied countless times.

Wayne's legacy continues to be celebrated in American culture. His films offer a unique window into mid-20th century America and the evolution of the Western genre. Despite controversies surrounding some of his views, John Wayne remains an enduring symbol of a particular vision of American identity and values.

Underrated Films and Lesser-Known Roles

While John Wayne is best known for his iconic Western and war films, he also starred in several underrated movies that showcase his versatility as an actor. Some of these include:

1. Dark Command (1940) - A Civil War-era Western featuring Wayne in a more romantic light.

2. Reap the Wild Wind (1942) - A seafaring adventure directed by Cecil B. DeMille.

3. The Fighting Seabees (1944) - A war film about the U.S. Navy's Construction Battalion.

4. Back to Bataan (1945) - One of Wayne's grittiest WWII films, portraying him leading Filipino resistance against Japanese occupation.

5. The High and the Mighty (1954) - An ensemble disaster film that predates later classics of the genre.

6. The Wings of Eagles (1957) - A biopic directed by John Ford about a naval aviator turned screenwriter.

7. Rio Lobo (1970) - While initially a box office failure, this Howard Hawks-directed Western is now considered underrated.

These films demonstrate Wayne's range as an actor and his willingness to take on diverse roles throughout his career.

Impact on Popular Culture

John Wayne's influence extends far beyond the silver screen. His persona has become deeply ingrained in American popular culture:

• His distinctive walk and talk have been widely imitated and parodied in various media.

• The phrase "What would John Wayne do?" has become a cultural shorthand for taking decisive, masculine action.

• Wayne's image has been used in advertising campaigns long after his death, testament to his enduring appeal.

• His political views, while controversial, have made him an enduring symbol for certain political ideologies.

John Wayne's Filmmaking Contributions

Beyond acting, Wayne made significant contributions to filmmaking:

• He founded Batjac Productions in 1952, which produced many of his later films.

• Wayne directed two films: The Alamo (1960) and The Green Berets (1968).

• He was known for his loyalty to certain directors and crew members, working repeatedly with them throughout his career.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation

In the wake of Wayne's death from cancer, his family established the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. The foundation's mission is to bring courage, strength, and grit to the fight against cancer. It supports research, education, awareness, and support programs related to cancer.

Controversies and Criticisms

While John Wayne remains an iconic figure, it's important to acknowledge the controversies surrounding him:

• Some of his political views and statements, particularly regarding race and social issues, have been criticized as outdated or offensive by modern standards.

• His support for the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era has been a point of contention.

• Wayne's portrayal of Native Americans in his films has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes.

These controversies have led to ongoing debates about how to appreciate Wayne's artistic contributions while acknowledging the problematic aspects of his public persona.

Conclusion

John Wayne's life and career offer a complex portrait of 20th-century America. From his humble beginnings to his status as a Hollywood legend, Wayne's journey embodies a particular vision of the American Dream. His films continue to be watched and studied, providing insight into the values and ideals of his era.

While controversies surrounding his personal views have complicated his legacy, John Wayne's impact on cinema and American culture remains undeniable. He continues to be a subject of fascination for film historians, culture critics, and movie fans alike.

Whether viewed as an embodiment of traditional American values or as a problematic figure from a bygone era, John Wayne's larger-than-life persona continues to loom large in the cultural landscape. His famous quote, "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway," perhaps best encapsulates the spirit of determination and grit that made him an enduring American icon.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.