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 "Duke," was a highly popular American actor. He rose to fame during Hollywood's Golden Age, primarily starring in Westerns and war movies. Wayne's career spanned from the silent era through the New Wave, with a total of 179 film and television appearances. He remained a top box-office draw for three decades, acting alongside many prominent stars. The American Film Institute recognized his significant contributions by naming him among the greatest male stars of 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 a high-profile affair with Merle Oberon, which lasted until 1947.

1947: Esperanza's Attempted Shooting

In 1947, after the wrap party for 'Angel and the Badman', John Wayne's then-wife, Esperanza Baur, attempted to shoot him in a drunken rage due to suspicions of an affair with Gail Russell.

1947: Affair with Merle Oberon Ends

John Wayne's affair with Merle Oberon, which started in 1938, ended in 1947.

1950: Lost Role in The Gunfighter

In 1950, John Wayne lost the leading role of Jimmy Ringo in "The Gunfighter" due to his refusal to work for Columbia Pictures, because its chief had mistreated him.

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May 1971: Playboy Interview

In May 1971, Playboy magazine published an interview with John Wayne, in which he expressed his support for the Vietnam War.

1971: Opposing Nixon's Trip to China

In 1971, John Wayne wrote to President Nixon to oppose Nixon's planned trip to China.

1973: Harvard Lampoon Invitation

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: Marlon Brando's Oscar Refusal

In 1973, during Marlon Brando's Oscar refusal speech, John Wayne was allegedly angry about Sacheen Littlefeather's presence.

January 15, 1974: Receipt of The Brass Balls Award

On January 15, 1974, John Wayne received The Brass Balls Award from The Harvard Lampoon, despite protests, celebrating his "outstanding machismo".

2005: Duke University trademark dispute

Since 2005, Duke University has attempted to stop John Wayne Enterprises from trademarking the name "Duke" for its products.

September 30, 2014: Dismissal of John Wayne Enterprises' Suit

On September 30, 2014, a federal judge dismissed a suit by John Wayne Enterprises against Duke University over the use of the "Duke" brand, citing the wrong jurisdiction.

2016: John Wayne Day Resolution Struck Down

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

February 2019: Playboy Interview Resurfaces

In February 2019, John Wayne's Playboy interview resurfaced, leading to calls for renaming John Wayne Airport.

October 2019: Call for Removal of USC Exhibit

In October 2019, student activists at the University of Southern California called for the removal of an exhibit dedicated to John Wayne, citing the Playboy interview as cause.

June 2020: Renewed calls for airport renaming

During the George Floyd protests in June 2020, calls to rename John Wayne Airport back to Orange County Airport were renewed.

July 2020: USC Exhibit Moved for Research

In July 2020, it was announced that the materials of the 2012-created exhibit dedicated to John Wayne would be moved to the USC Cinematic Arts Library for research.

2022: Investigation on Oscar event

In 2022, an investigation found that it was unlikely that John Wayne was going to forcibly remove Sacheen Littlefeather from the stage during Marlon Brando's 1973 Oscar refusal.