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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.

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, 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.

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 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.

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