Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to John Wayne

Public opinion and media debates around John Wayne—discover key moments of controversy.

John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison and nicknamed "the Duke", was a prominent American actor renowned for his roles in Western and war films during Hollywood's Golden Age. Starring in 179 film and television productions from the silent era to the New Wave, he remained a top box-office draw for three decades, acting alongside many other major Hollywood stars. The American Film Institute recognized him as one of the greatest male stars in classic American cinema.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1938: Affair with Merle Oberon Begins

In 1938, John Wayne began an affair with Merle Oberon, which lasted until 1947.

1947: Affair with Merle Oberon Ends

In 1947, John Wayne's affair with Merle Oberon ended.

1947: Esperanza Baur's Attempt on Wayne's Life

In 1947, after the wrap party for the film Angel and the Badman, John Wayne's then-wife, Esperanza Baur, attempted to shoot him in a drunken rage.

1952: Big Jim McLain Release

In 1952, John Wayne made "Big Jim McLain" to demonstrate his support for the cause of anti-communism.

1957: Confrontation with Kirk Douglas

In 1957, John Wayne confronted Kirk Douglas at a party about playing Vincent van Gogh, expressing his view that actors should portray strong, tough characters.

May 1971: Playboy Interview Published

In May 1971, Playboy magazine published an interview with John Wayne in which he voiced his support for the Vietnam War and shared controversial opinions on social issues and race relations in the United States.

1971: Opposed Nixon's Trip to China

In 1971, John Wayne opposed President Richard Nixon's planned trip to China, reflecting his political views and concerns about the meeting.

1973: Invitation to receive The Brass Balls Award

In 1973, The Harvard Lampoon invited John Wayne to receive The Brass Balls Award, created in his "honor" after calling him "the biggest fraud in history".

1973: Alleged Confrontation at the Oscars

In 1973, during Marlon Brando's Oscar refusal speech delivered by Sacheen Littlefeather, John Wayne was allegedly restrained from forcibly removing her from the stage due to his anger over the speech's criticism of the film industry's treatment of American Indians.

January 15, 1974: Receipt of The Brass Balls Award

On January 15, 1974, John Wayne received The Brass Balls Award from The Harvard Lampoon, facing protests but also receiving a standing ovation. The event led to an internal investigation into the Army's involvement.

2005: Duke University Opposed Trademark

Starting in 2005, Duke University tried three times to stop John Wayne Enterprises from trademarking the name.

September 30, 2014: Lawsuit Dismissed in Trademark Dispute

On September 30, 2014, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by John Wayne Enterprises against Duke University over trademarking Wayne's image on bourbon bottles, citing the wrong jurisdiction.

2016: Proposal for "John Wayne Day" Struck Down

In 2016, a proposal to mark May 26 as "John Wayne Day" in California was struck down due to his views on race and support of controversial organizations.

February 2019: Playboy Interview Resurfaces, Calls for Airport Renaming

In February 2019, the resurfacing of John Wayne's 1971 Playboy interview led to calls for renaming the John Wayne Airport, igniting controversy surrounding his past statements.

October 2019: USC Activists Call for Removal of Wayne Exhibit

In October 2019, USC student activists called for the removal of an exhibit dedicated to John Wayne, citing the controversial 1971 Playboy interview and his views on race.

June 2020: Renewed Calls for Airport Renaming During George Floyd Protests

In June 2020, amid the George Floyd protests, calls to rename John Wayne Airport gained renewed momentum, highlighting ongoing debates about his legacy and views on race.

July 2020: Announcement of Exhibit Removal

In July 2020, it was announced that the John Wayne exhibit at USC would be removed, reflecting the ongoing reevaluation of his legacy in light of past controversies.