John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, remains an iconic figure in American cinema, particularly renowned for his roles in Westerns and war films. His journey from a small-town boy to a Hollywood legend is a captivating story that underscores his enduring appeal and impact on the movie industry.
Wayne’s family background was rooted in a mix of European ancestry, including English, Scottish, Ulster-Scots, and Irish. His father, Clyde Leonard Morrison, a pharmacist, moved the family to Southern California seeking a better climate for his lung condition. The family’s initial attempt at ranching in the Mojave Desert proved unsuccessful, leading them to Glendale, California. During his youth in Glendale, Marion, nicknamed “Duke” after his Airedale dog, helped his father by delivering medicines and selling newspapers. He excelled both academically and athletically, particularly in football, during his school years.
Although narrowly missing admission to Annapolis, Wayne’s football prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC) from 1925 to 1927. His foray into Hollywood began through a summer job as a prop man, secured with the help of Western star Tom Mix in exchange for football tickets. This role introduced him to director John Ford, a pivotal figure in Wayne’s career. He started taking on minor roles, often billed as John Wayne, under Ford’s guidance and others. His first credited role came in U 13 (1930).
Despite appearing in over 70 low-budget Westerns and adventure films, Wayne’s career stagnated until his breakthrough role in John Ford’s Stagecoach (1939), known in German as Höllenfahrt nach Santa Fé. This John Wayne Movie transformed him into a major star, cementing his image as a rugged, heroic figure. He went on to star in nearly 250 films, many of which were large-scale epics that further solidified his legendary status in Hollywood.
Beyond acting, Wayne also ventured into radio with “The Three Sheets to the Wind” series in 1942-43. In 1944, reflecting his conservative political beliefs, he co-founded the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals and later became its president. His political views were prominently displayed in The Alamo (1960), a film he produced, directed, and starred in, and The Green Berets (1968), which he co-directed and starred in, emphasizing his patriotic stance.
Throughout his life, John Wayne faced several health challenges. He underwent lung cancer surgery in 1964, a heart valve replacement in 1978, and stomach removal surgery in 1979. Despite these serious health issues, he continued to work. His acting accolades include a Best Actor nomination for Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), known in German as Du warst unser Kamerad, and finally winning the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn in True Grit (1969), or Der Marshal. In 1979, he was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing his significant contributions to American culture.
John Wayne’s legacy is particularly strong due to his collaborations with John Ford in the cavalry trilogy: Fort Apache (1948), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), and Rio Grande (1950). These John Wayne movies are considered classics and epitomize the Western genre, forever associating John Wayne with the American frontier and heroic ideals. His extensive filmography and enduring popularity confirm his place as one of the greatest movie stars of all time.
