the Duke 【我心目中的好演員】

John Wayne (born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, USA; died June 11, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, USA) was an iconic American actor and filmmaker. He became a major figure in Hollywood, especially renowned for his roles in Westerns and war films, which cemented his image as a symbol of rugged American masculinity and patriotism.

Early Life

Wayne was raised in Southern California after his family moved there when he was a child. He attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a football scholarship, but his sports career ended due to a shoulder injury. This turn of events led him to start working in the film industry, initially doing odd jobs, which eventually led to minor acting roles.

Rise to Fame

John Wayne's big break came with the 1939 film "Stagecoach," directed by John Ford. His portrayal of the Ringo Kid made him an instant star and solidified his place in Hollywood. Over the next few decades, Wayne starred in numerous Westerns, becoming synonymous with the genre. Some of his most famous Western films include "Red River" (1948), "The Searchers" (1956), and "True Grit" (1969), the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Career and Legacy

Throughout his career, Wayne appeared in more than 170 films. He was known for his distinctive voice, walk, and physical presence, making him one of the most enduring figures in American cinema. Besides Westerns, Wayne also starred in several notable war films, such as "The Sands of Iwo Jima" (1949) and "The Longest Day" (1962).

Wayne's influence extended beyond the screen. He was a vocal supporter of conservative political causes and an advocate for American patriotism, which was reflected in many of his films and public statements.

Controversy and Health

Despite his popularity, Wayne's career was not without controversy. His involvement in politically charged films and his outspoken views on various social and political issues, such as his support for the Vietnam War, often divided public opinion.

In the late 1960s, Wayne was diagnosed with lung cancer, which he battled successfully for a time, leading to the removal of one lung. However, he was later diagnosed with stomach cancer, which eventually claimed his life in 1979.

Personal Life

Wayne was married three times and had seven children. His personal life was as colorful as his on-screen persona, marked by his love for the outdoors, including his passion for hunting and sailing.

Awards and Honors

In addition to his Academy Award, John Wayne received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1980, and his legacy is honored through various memorials, including the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.

Legacy

John Wayne remains an enduring symbol of American culture, particularly of the values associated with the American West and the military. His films continue to be celebrated, and he is remembered as one of the most iconic actors in the history of cinema.

Ironically, he refused to go for WW2, but portrait WW2 hero characters

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Yes, it is indeed an interesting and often discussed aspect of John Wayne's legacy. Despite his on-screen persona as a patriotic war hero, Wayne did not serve in World War II, which has led to some criticism and debate over the years.

Background on John Wayne's Military Service

When the United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, many Hollywood actors enlisted in the military, including notable figures like James Stewart and Clark Gable. However, John Wayne did not join the armed forces. There are a few reasons behind this:

Age and Family Obligations: Wayne was 34 years old at the time, which was older than many who enlisted. He also had a family to support, with four children at home.
Career Considerations: During the early 1940s, Wayne's career was on the rise, and his studio, Republic Pictures, was reluctant to lose one of its biggest stars to the war. The studio sought deferments for Wayne, and he continued to work in films throughout the war.
Draft Status: Initially, Wayne was classified as 3-A by the draft board, meaning he had dependents to support, which gave him a deferment. Later, when he was reclassified as 1-A (available for service), he sought reclassification to 2-A, which was granted, allowing him to continue his film career.

Public Perception and Later Years

Despite not serving, John Wayne became a symbol of American patriotism through his roles in war films. His portrayal of strong, courageous soldiers and leaders resonated with audiences, especially in movies like "Sands of Iwo Jima" (1949), where he played a Marine sergeant, and "The Green Berets" (1968), which he also directed and produced.

Wayne's decision not to serve was a source of regret for him later in life. He was reportedly self-conscious about it and tried to compensate by being an outspoken supporter of the military and U.S. involvement in conflicts like the Vietnam War. He even went on numerous USO tours to entertain troops overseas.

Legacy of Contradiction

Wayne's refusal to serve in World War II, juxtaposed with his numerous portrayals of war heroes, remains a complex and sometimes controversial aspect of his legacy. While some view it as a contradiction, others argue that his contributions to American culture and morale during the war through his films were significant in their own right.

This duality in his public and private personas adds to the mystique of John Wayne as a larger-than-life figure in American history.

隴山隴西郡

A Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, He stood by what he said. He would say it to your face, not behind your back. He was so relatable to folks. The famous sculture!

I have great respect for the Duke. R-I-P JW.

My favorite John Wayne movies, are 1) "The wake of the red Witch."

2) "Lone Ranger"

3) "The Alamo"

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.@lawrencem3012