My father’s favorite actor was born on this day in 1907. His given name was Marion Robert Morrison, but you may recognize him as John Wayne.
The oldest of two children born to Clyde and Mary “Molly” Morrison, he was born in Winterset, Iowa, but moved with his family to Lancaster, California, around the age of seven. After his father failed in his attempt to become a farmer, the family moved again, settling in Glendale, California.
It was there that Wayne received his nickname, “Duke.” He had a dog by this name, and the two spent so much time together that they became known as “Little Duke” and “Big Duke.”
In high school, Wayne excelled in his classes and in student government and football. He also participated in several student theatrical productions.
He attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship, but an injury two years later ended his athletic career and his scholarship.
While in college, he had worked as a film extra, appearing as a football player in two films. Now out of school, he began working as an extra and a prop man in the film industry. In 1930, he received his first leading role in The Big Trail, working with director Raoul Walsh. Walsh is often credited with helping create his screen name, John Wayne.
The actor toiled for nearly a decade in numerous westerns and even played a singing cowboy in one role. His work in Stagecoach (1939) set him on the road to Hollywood fame. He went on to star in numerous westerns and war movies, winning an Academy Award in 1969 for True Grit. He died on June 11, 1979, in Los Angeles.
John Wayne’s injury in college caused him to leave school and seek work in the film industry. If not for that setback, I doubt if we would be discussing him today.
History turns on tiny hinges
It’s been said that history turns on tiny hinges. Think of the seemingly inconsequential…
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