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 memory of John Wayne lives on today in the films he made, in the minds of his fans and through a wide range of John Wayne memorabilia which pays tribute to his life and works.
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.
His initial work there saw John helping out in the prop department, but this soon developed into speaking a few lines in films. It was here that Marion Robert Morrison became John Wayne, a screen name decided for him by his agent.
John Wayne mainly played parts in low budget films, until he was fortunate enough to receive stunt training in the 1933 cowboy film Riders of Destiny. This got him a role in Stagecoach which gave him the exposure and credibility he needed to truly break into acting.
John Wayne believed in acting in films that reflected American values, and he turned down roles that he felt did not match these expectations. He later became the face of war heroes in movies, and was associated with the United States military despite not enlisting in World War II.
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. - 29772
The memory of John Wayne lives on today in the films he made, in the minds of his fans and through a wide range of John Wayne memorabilia which pays tribute to his life and works.
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.
His initial work there saw John helping out in the prop department, but this soon developed into speaking a few lines in films. It was here that Marion Robert Morrison became John Wayne, a screen name decided for him by his agent.
John Wayne mainly played parts in low budget films, until he was fortunate enough to receive stunt training in the 1933 cowboy film Riders of Destiny. This got him a role in Stagecoach which gave him the exposure and credibility he needed to truly break into acting.
John Wayne believed in acting in films that reflected American values, and he turned down roles that he felt did not match these expectations. He later became the face of war heroes in movies, and was associated with the United States military despite not enlisting in World War II.
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. - 29772
About the Author:
Ross Tilley is a freelance writer with a passion for film collectibles, such as John Wayne memorabilia.
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