About
John Wayne’s Life
Welcome to the official website of The Duke, an Academy Award winning American actor who became a popular icon through his film roles made during Hollywood’s Golden Age.
MAY 26, 1907
Marion Robert Morrison is Born
Wayne was born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa. The local paper, Winterset Madisonian, reported on page 4 of the edition of May 30, 1907, that Wayne weighed 13 lbs. at birth.
Living in Iowa
While growing up in Iowa, stories indicate Marion’s love of sports began at an early age. One of his favorite pastimes was playing football with his father, who had played college football. In December 1912, Marion’s brother, Robert Emmett Morrison, was born.
1907-1914
1914-1916
The Morrisons Move West
Not long after the birth of Marion’s brother, Robert, the Morrisons decided to make the move west to California. Stories indicate Marion’s father developed a health ailment, and it was suggested a dry climate might help improve his condition.
The Nickname “Duke”
In 1916, the Morrison family moved to Glendale, California. The small town was an idyllic spot for the Morrison family with its temperate climate and bustling yet quaint community. It was while living in Glendale that Marion acquired the nickname, Duke. The Morrison’s dog Duke, an Airedale, was Marion’s constant companion. Marion would visit the local firehouse accompanied by his dog. The firefighters knew the dog’s name and started calling Marion “Duke” as well. The name stuck.
1916-1921
1921-1925
Marion Morrison’s High School Years
A member of the class of 1925, Duke Morrison attended Glendale High School, where he was active in sports and school activities. Duke played football as a member of the Class B and champion Varsity teams and excelled as a 170-pound guard. Duke thrived at academics, earning the Bronze Honor Pin and contributing to the school newspaper, the Explosion, as a sports writer. Active in student government, Duke was junior class representative and vice president, and later elected president for the class of ’25. Duke also enjoyed social activities, serving as chairman of the senior class dance and reception committee.
Duke Morrison at University of Southern California
Duke’s athletic ability as a 170-pound guard and his academic excellence earned him a college scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California. He was active in social activities, joining Sigma Chi fraternity, and continued his academic success studying pre-law. While at USC, Morrison, along with a few of his football teammates, worked part-time at what was then Fox Film Corp. Morrison worked as a member of the swing gang moving set props, and as the occasional extra, often playing a football player. During 1926 and 1927, Morrison appeared on screen as a Yale football player in “Brown of Harvard” (1926) and a USC football player in “Drop Kick” (1927).
1925-1927
1944
Making of an Icon
The 1940’s for America was punctuated with conflict and major milestones in U.S. history. Wayne was an avid and proud supporter of the U.S. military. John Wayne made many trips to the front during World War II as part of the newly created United Services Organization (USO).
On the Open Water
Wayne’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends, especially aboard the Wild Goose. Originally a converted wooden naval minesweeper (USS YMS 328) christened and launched by the U.S. Navy on December 19, 1942, deep-sea fishing, swimming, water skiing and card games with friends and family took center stage. Upon moving to Newport Beach, California where he would live for nearly two decades, the Wild Goose became a familiar site in Newport Harbor.
1960s
1964
Lung Cancer
Considered at the time to be a taboo topic, Wayne was encouraged to keep news of his lung cancer diagnosis private. Unconcerned with the impact on his image or career, he didn’t heed such warnings, telling the press, “there is a hell of a lot of good image in John Wayne beating cancer.” Though he would lose a lung in battling the disease, it did not stop him from continuing with physically challenging and demanding roles – from fighting oil well fires in “Hellfighters” (1968) to fighting on the front lines in “The GreenBerets” (1968) – portrayals difficult with two lungs!
Wayne became a passionate advocate for early checkups, doing numerous public service announcements for the American Cancer Society, as shown in this magazine.
26 Bar Ranch
Along with this longtime friend Louis Johnson, Wayne owned a 39-mile working purebred Hereford cattle ranch in Arizona, the 26 Bar Ranch. It raised more than 400 bulls each year, often winning at the big stock shows. Wayne frequently attended the Hereford production sales and often made the opening day welcome speech at events.
1960s
1979
Congressional Gold Medal
Approved by Congress on Wayne’s 72nd birthday, the Congressional Gold Medal inscribed simply “John Wayne – American,” was presented to John Wayne’s family in March 1980. Among friends offering testimony in support of the Congressional bill was a longtime friend and former co-star, Maureen O’Hara Blair.
Wayne became a passionate advocate for early checkups, doing numerous public service announcements for the American Cancer Society, as shown in this magazine.
John Wayne Airport
In his honor, Orange County Airport was renamed “John Wayne Airport” in June 1979. Visitors are greeted by the nine foot heroic bronze by artist Robert Summers. In a western hat, bib shirt, famous “D” brand buckle and right hip holster, Wayne’s signature walk and determined expression allow visitors to fondly remember one of the great motion picture stars of the 20th century.
1979
