John Wayne's rugged looks, American football talents and acting ability certainly earn him the title of 'American Hero'. Like so many other American Hero's such as Elvis and Marilyn, John Wayne seems to have become more famous after his death, elevated to legendary status.
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 born Marion Robert Morrison as was later known by the name of Marion Mitchell Morrison. He was born in Iowa and lived there until his family moved and settled down in California. John was a successful football player, playing first for his team at Glendale High School and then later at University of Southern California.
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.
After this he played parts in mostly low budget films, but was lucky to receive stunt training as a cowboy in the'33 Riders of Destiny. Because of this, he got a role in Stagecoach which would 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 passed away in'79, after a battle with stomach cancer. Throughout his busy life, John was married four times, fathered seven children and had numerous affairs. The American values that he portrayed in his long and successful film career were reflected in his political interests, and have helped to make John Wayne so memorable.
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 born Marion Robert Morrison as was later known by the name of Marion Mitchell Morrison. He was born in Iowa and lived there until his family moved and settled down in California. John was a successful football player, playing first for his team at Glendale High School and then later at University of Southern California.
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.
After this he played parts in mostly low budget films, but was lucky to receive stunt training as a cowboy in the'33 Riders of Destiny. Because of this, he got a role in Stagecoach which would 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 passed away in'79, after a battle with stomach cancer. Throughout his busy life, John was married four times, fathered seven children and had numerous affairs. The American values that he portrayed in his long and successful film career were reflected in his political interests, and have helped to make John Wayne so memorable.
About the Author:
Ross Tilley is a freelance writer with a passion for film collectibles, such as John Wayne memorabilia.
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