John Wayne: The American Hero
With his good looks, acting ability and American football prowess John Wayne could certainly be called an 'American Hero'. Like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe before him, John Wayne's fame seems to have gathered pace after his death.
With his good looks, acting ability and American football prowess John Wayne could certainly be called an 'American Hero'. Like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe before him, John Wayne's fame seems to have gathered pace after his death.
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.
He was actually born as Marion Robert Morrison, soon known as Marion Mitchell Morrison. Born in Iowa, his family then moved to California where he grew up. He played football for Glendale High School, and later played at a higher level at the University of Southern California under Howard Jones while studying.
Unfortunately for the football world, John suffered an injury whilst surfing and was forced to leave University after losing the athletic scholarship which funded his studies. However, this was fortunate for the film world, as after John left University he began working at a local film studio.
Starting in the prop department, John quickly progressed into speaking a few lines here and there in films. This was to be where he gained his screen name John Wayne, which was decided on his behalf by his agent.
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.
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.
With his good looks, acting ability and American football prowess John Wayne could certainly be called an 'American Hero'. Like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe before him, John Wayne's fame seems to have gathered pace after his death.
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.
He was actually born as Marion Robert Morrison, soon known as Marion Mitchell Morrison. Born in Iowa, his family then moved to California where he grew up. He played football for Glendale High School, and later played at a higher level at the University of Southern California under Howard Jones while studying.
Unfortunately for the football world, John suffered an injury whilst surfing and was forced to leave University after losing the athletic scholarship which funded his studies. However, this was fortunate for the film world, as after John left University he began working at a local film studio.
Starting in the prop department, John quickly progressed into speaking a few lines here and there in films. This was to be where he gained his screen name John Wayne, which was decided on his behalf by his agent.
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.
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.
About the Author:
Ross Tilley is a freelance writer with a passion for film collectibles, such as John Wayne memorabilia.
