John Wayne

            
            
             Most older people will know him as "The Duke", because he was every bit a giant on screen as he was off. The name Duke also came from his childhood dog. Though he was the big giant he probably had the biggest heart and was very generous and loyal to each and every one of his fans. Most of the younger generation will know this man as John Wayne. .
             He was born on May 26th 1907 as Marion Michael Morrison in Winterset, Iowa. His father was a pharmacist and also had lung problems so the family picked up and moved to California for a warmer climate. This happened when Marion was 6. His father started farming and ranching but neither put enough food on the table so they moved to Glendale. Every morning (while living in Glendale) he would wake up at 4 and start his paper route before school and then watch movies at the theatre 5 times a week for free. .
             As the years went on, Wayne finished High School at the top of his class. Wayne hoped to attend the US Naval Academy but instead he received a scholarship to USC for his athletic talent in football and his high grades. While playing football for USC he had many behind the screen jobs at Fox. .
             John Wayne didn't move in front of the camera until the early 20's. He kept working during the depression. He tried to enlist in the war but having 4 kids and a wife at the time he was rejected. Since Wayne was unable to get into the war, he poured himself into the war effort, by making inspirational war films. He awaited stardom during 30's he had made 56 movies. He then became the symbol of the determined American fighting man. Wayne had tossed aside the cowboy/good guy and made him into a tougher deeper western hero. He went onto the Vietnam War and when he returned he made a film about the heroism of Special Forces soldiers. In 1976 he received an Oscar for best actor when he was in the movie True Grit.