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 named Marion Robert Morrison and soon became known as Marion Mitchell Morrison. Originally from Iowa, his family later moved to California. John had a talent for football, playing first for Glendale High School then moving on to the University of Southern California under Howard Jones while studying for his degree.

Unfortunately, he suffered an injury while surfing at Newport Beach and was not able to continue playing football. As a consequence he lost his athletic scholarship, and had to leave the university due to a lack of funds. It was then he began working in the local film studios which would start his acting career.

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.

John Wayne mainly played parts in low budget films, until he was fortunate enough to receive stunt training in the’33 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 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.

Ross Tilley is a freelance writer with a passion for film collectibles, such as John Wayne memorabilia.