Film · Sports · Literature · 1907–1979
Born: 26 May 1907 · Died: 11 June 1979 · Age at death: 72
John Wayne died aged 72. He was born on 26 May 1907 and died on 11 June 1979.
American actor known as the Duke, star of Stagecoach and The Searchers, who won an Oscar for True Grit
Did you know?His birth name was Marion Morrison, and he originally hoped to play professional American football before suffering an injury.
John Wayne was the face of the American western. Born Marion Morrison in Iowa, he worked as a prop man before acting. Director John Ford made him a star in Stagecoach. Together they made classics such as The Searchers. His slow drawl and rolling walk became iconic. He won the Oscar for True Grit. He remained a symbol of rugged American masculinity.
Marion Robert Morrison (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979), known professionally as John Wayne, was an American actor. Nicknamed "Duke", he became a popular icon through his starring roles in films which were produced during Hollywood's Golden Age, especially in Western and war movies.
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Profile
American actor, 1907–1979
John Wayne was born in Winterset, Iowa, on 26 May 1907.
He played football at USC.
Stagecoach (1939) made him a star.
He won the Oscar for True Grit (1969).
Career highlights
Did you know?His nickname "Duke" came from his childhood dog.
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