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 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.
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 1933 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.
Sadly John Wayne died of stomach cancer in 1979 after a long and successful film career. During this time he managed to find the time to have four wives, seven children, as well as a number of affairs. John also had strong political interests, mainly revolving around his American values. These values are what make John Wayne so memorable; the reflection of America in a glorified display on the silver screen.
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.
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 1933 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.
Sadly John Wayne died of stomach cancer in 1979 after a long and successful film career. During this time he managed to find the time to have four wives, seven children, as well as a number of affairs. John also had strong political interests, mainly revolving around his American values. These values are what make John Wayne so memorable; the reflection of America in a glorified display on the silver screen.
About the Author:
Ross Tilley is a freelance writer with a passion for film collectibles, such as John Wayne memorabilia.
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