John Wayne (May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979) was an Academy Award- and Golden Globe Award-winning American film actor, director and producer. He epitomized rugged masculinity and has become an enduring American icon. He is famous for his distinctive voice, walk and height. He was also known for his conservative political views and his support in the 1950s for anti-communist positions.

"There've been a lot of stories about how I got to be called Duke. One was that I played the part of a duke in a school play, which I never did. Sometimes, they even said I was descended from royalty! It was all a lot of rubbish. Hell, the truth is that I was named after a dog!"
Duke won a college Football Scholarship to the University of Southern California. Whilst at University, Duke began working at the Fox lot on Western Avenue.
Duke became a permanent fixture on the Fox lots. He continued to move the props. Did some stunt work. Fed and watered the animals used on the various sets. Appeared in crowd scenes. (In Hangman's House, Duke actually appeared as a silhouette.)
1930, Raoul Walsh, the director who made the first outdoor western, In Old Arizona, was contracted to the Fox Studios. He was about to make another western, The Big Trail. A young trail scout was needed. No one could be found to play the role. Discussing the matter with Ford, Ford suggested that he look at a tall young fellow by the name of Marion Morrison. Walsh liked what he saw
een test was arranged. Duke passed with flying colors. There was one problem: his name. It would be difficult to convince the American public that Marion Morrison was a tough trail scout. Duke Morrison was considered and dropped. The name of a General from the American War of Independence was suggested. "Mad" Anthony Wayne. Anthony was replace with John. Consequently, without any say in the matter, Duke acquired his screen name: John Wayne.

 

Wayne had been a chain-smoker of cigarettes since young adulthood. In 1964, Wayne was diagnosed with lung cancer, and underwent successful surgery to remove his entire left lung[17] and four ribs. Despite efforts by his business associates to prevent him from going public with his illness (for fear it would cost him work), Wayne announced he had cancer and called on the public to get preventive examinations. Five years later, Wayne was declared cancer-free. Despite the fact that Wayne's diminished lung capacity left him incapable of prolonged exertion and frequently in need of supplemental oxygen, within a few years of his operation he chewed tobacco and began smoking cigars.
John Wayne Died June 11, 1979.
Corona Del Mar California.
I was there at that Time too.