When was John Wayne born and where was he born?
Marion Robert Morrison was born on the 26th of May 1907 in Winterset, Iowa. He was born weighing 13 pounds, a size that foreshadowed his larger-than-life presence in American cinema.
Questions about John Wayne
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did John Wayne get his nickname Little Duke?
John Wayne grew up in Southern California where a local fireman nicknamed him Little Duke because he never went anywhere without his huge Airedale Terrier. This nickname eventually eclipsed his legal name entirely.
What film launched John Wayne's career as a star?
John Wayne received his first starring role in the 1930 film The Big Trail. This film was a technological marvel using the 70 mm Grandeur process but was a box-office failure that left him in the shadows for years.
Why did John Wayne not serve in the military during World War II?
John Wayne was exempted from service due to his age and family status. He toured South Pacific bases and hospitals for the USO and carried out a secret mission for the Office of Strategic Services to assess General Douglas MacArthur's handling of OSS operations.
When did John Wayne die and what was the cause of his death?
John Wayne died of stomach cancer on the 11th of June 1979 at the age of 72. He made his last public appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony on the 9th of April 1979.
What posthumous honor did John Wayne receive in 1980?
John Wayne received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980, which is the highest civilian honor of the United States. He was the only actor to appear on the Harris Poll of Most Popular Film Actors after his death.