History of John Wayne in Timeline

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

May 26, 1907: John Wayne's Birth

On May 26, 1907, Marion Robert Morrison, later known as John Wayne, was born. He became a popular American actor and icon, especially in Western and war movies.

May 30, 1907: Newspaper Reports Wayne's Birth Weight

On May 30, 1907, the Winterset Madisonian reported that Marion Robert Morrison, later known as John Wayne, weighed 13 lb at birth.

1915: Death of Wayne's Paternal Grandfather

In 1915, Marion Mitchell Morrison, John Wayne's paternal grandfather and a Civil War veteran, passed away.

1916: Family Moves to Glendale

In 1916, John Wayne's family moved to Glendale, California, where his father worked as a pharmacist.

1924: Played Football for Glendale High School

In 1924, John Wayne played football for the league champion Glendale High School team, highlighting his athletic involvement.

1926: Start of prolific film career

In 1926, John Wayne began his prolific film career, appearing in over 170 films by 1977.

1926: Minor Role in "Bardelys the Magnificent"

In 1926, John Wayne had a minor, uncredited role as a guard in the film "Bardelys the Magnificent", marking an early point in his film career.

1927: Football Player in "The Dropkick"

In 1927, John Wayne appeared with his USC teammates playing football in "The Dropkick", continuing his involvement in sports-related film roles.

1929: Football Player in "Salute"

In 1929, John Wayne appeared with his USC teammates playing football in "Salute", marking another early film appearance.

1929: On-Screen Credit as "Duke Morrison"

In 1929, John Wayne received on-screen credit as "Duke Morrison" for the only time in "Words and Music", marking a transition in his early career.

1930: Starred in Low Budget Westerns

From 1930, Wayne starred in many low-budget Westerns and serials for Monogram Pictures and Mascot Pictures Corporation.

1930: Football Player in "Maker of Men" (Filmed)

In 1930, John Wayne appeared with his USC teammates playing football in Columbia's "Maker of Men", marking an early film appearance.

1930: First Leading Role in "The Big Trail"

In 1930, John Wayne got his first leading role in Raoul Walsh's Western, "The Big Trail". It was an early widescreen film epic that became a box-office failure.

1930: Starred in "The Big Trail"

In 1930, John Wayne was cast in his first starring role in "The Big Trail", leading to the adoption of the screen name "John Wayne".

1931: "Maker of Men" is Released

In 1931, "Maker of Men" was released. John Wayne appeared in the film with his USC teammates playing football.

1931: Played a Corpse in "The Deceiver"

In 1931, John Wayne played a small role as a corpse in Columbia's "The Deceiver", marking a period of minor roles.

1933: Starred in "The Three Musketeers"

In 1933, John Wayne starred in the serial "The Three Musketeers", an updated version of the Alexandre Dumas novel set in North Africa.

1934: Birth of Michael Wayne

In 1934, John Wayne's first child, Michael Wayne, was born to John Wayne and Josephine Alicia Saenz.

1936: Listed in Motion Picture Herald Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars Poll

In 1936, John Wayne was listed in the Motion Picture Herald Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars poll.

1936: Birth of Mary Antonia "Toni" Wayne LaCava

In 1936, Mary Antonia "Toni" Wayne LaCava, the daughter of John Wayne and Josephine Alicia Saenz, was born.

1936: Voted for Franklin D. Roosevelt

John Wayne voted for Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1936 presidential election.

1937: Death of Wayne's Father

In 1937, John Wayne's father, Clyde Leonard Morrison, passed away.

1938: Affair with Merle Oberon Begins

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

1939: Breakthrough Role in "Stagecoach"

In 1939, John Ford's "Stagecoach" was released. The film was a success and made Wayne a mainstream star.

1939: Listed in Motion Picture Herald Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars Poll and Box Office Poll

In 1939, John Wayne was listed in both the Motion Picture Herald Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars poll and the Box Office poll.

1939: Birth of Patrick Wayne

In 1939, Patrick Wayne, the son of John Wayne and Josephine Alicia Saenz, was born.

1939: Starred in Low Budget Westerns

Until 1939, Wayne starred in many low-budget Westerns and serials for Monogram Pictures and Mascot Pictures Corporation.

1940: Appeared in Box Office Poll

In 1940, John Wayne appeared in the Box Office poll.

1940: Birth of Melinda Wayne Munoz

In 1940, Melinda Wayne Munoz, the daughter of John Wayne and Josephine Alicia Saenz, was born.

1941: Starred in "The Shepherd of the Hills"

In 1941, John Wayne starred in his first color film, "The Shepherd of the Hills", alongside Harry Carey.

1941: Birth of Pat Stacy

In 1941, Pat Stacy was born. She later became romantically involved with John Wayne in 1973 after his separation from Pilar, and lived with him until his death in 1979.

1942: Starred in "Reap the Wild Wind"

In 1942, John Wayne appeared in "Reap the Wild Wind", his only film directed by Cecil B. DeMille, where he played a character with questionable values.

1942: Starred in "Flying Tigers"

In 1942, John Wayne starred in "Flying Tigers", where he portrayed an aviator.

1942: Starred in "Three Sheets to the Wind" Radio Series

In 1942, John Wayne starred in his own radio adventure series, "Three Sheets to the Wind", playing a detective who uses alcoholism as a mask.

1943: First Saw John Wayne in a Movie

In 1943, Joan Didion saw John Wayne for the first time in the movie 'War of the Wildcats'.

1943: Toured U.S. Bases with the USO

In 1943, Wayne toured U.S. bases and hospitals in the South Pacific for three months with the USO during World War II.

February 1944: Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals

In February 1944, John Wayne took part in creating the conservative Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals.

1944: Toured U.S. Bases with the USO

In 1944, Wayne toured U.S. bases and hospitals in the South Pacific for three months with the USO during World War II.

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.

1948: Supported Thomas E. Dewey

In 1948, John Wayne supported Republican candidate Thomas E. Dewey.

1948: Starring in "Red River"

In 1948, Wayne starred in "Red River" as a cattleman driving his herd on the Chisholm Trail, adding to his prominent roles in Westerns.

1948: "Wake of the Red Witch" Release

In 1948, the film "Wake of the Red Witch" was released, from which Wayne later drew inspiration to name his production company.

1949: Appeared in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

From 1949 to 1957 and 1958 to 1974, John Wayne appeared in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll of all films.

1949: Sands of Iwo Jima Release

In 1949, "Sands of Iwo Jima" was released, marking a significant point in Wayne's career and contributing to his image as a quintessential movie war hero.

1949: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

In 1949, John Wayne appeared in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon", one of nearly two dozen films he did with John Ford over 20 years.

1949: Elected President of Motion Picture Alliance

In 1949, John Wayne was elected president of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals.

1949: Nominated for Oscar for "Sands of Iwo Jima"

In 1949, John Wayne was nominated for an Oscar for "Sands of Iwo Jima", but lost to Broderick Crawford, who won for "All the King's Men", a role Wayne had turned down.

1950: Lost Role in "The Gunfighter"

In 1950, John Wayne lost the leading role in "The Gunfighter" to Gregory Peck due to a grudge against Columbia Pictures' chief, Harry Cohn.

1950: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

In 1950, John Wayne took first place in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll.

1951: Starred in "Flying Leathernecks"

In 1951, John Wayne starred in "Flying Leathernecks", playing an aviator.

1951: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

In 1951, John Wayne took first place in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll.

1952: The Quiet Man reference

In "The Quiet Man", 1952, Wayne mentions being six feet "four and a half" (194 cm).

1952: Co-Founded Batjac Productions

In 1952, John Wayne co-founded Batjac Productions, named after a fictional shipping company, to produce films for himself and other stars.

1952: Big Jim McLain Release

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

1952: Starring in "The Quiet Man"

In 1952, John Wayne starred in "The Quiet Man" with Maureen O'Hara, one of his most memorable roles.

1953: Starred in "Island in the Sky"

In 1953, John Wayne starred in "Island in the Sky", playing an aviator.

1954: Starred in "The High and the Mighty"

In 1954, John Wayne starred in "The High and the Mighty", portraying a heroic copilot and earning widespread acclaim.

1954: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

In 1954, John Wayne took first place in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll.

1956: Birth of Aissa Wayne

In 1956, Aissa Wayne, the daughter of John Wayne and Pilar Pallete, was born.

1956: Batjac Productions Released "Seven Men From Now" and "Gun the Man Down"

In 1956, Batjac Productions released "Seven Men From Now" and "Gun the Man Down", expanding its production portfolio beyond John Wayne's starring roles.

1956: The Conqueror

In 1956, John Wayne portrayed Genghis Khan in "The Conqueror", which was panned by critics.

1956: Starring in "The Searchers"

In 1956, Wayne starred in "The Searchers", where he played a Civil War veteran whose niece is abducted by Comanches.

1957: Appeared in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

From 1949 to 1957 and 1958 to 1974, John Wayne appeared in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll of all films.

1957: The Wings of Eagles

In 1957, John Wayne appeared in "The Wings of Eagles", one of nearly two dozen films he did with John Ford over 20 years.

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.

1957: Starred in "Jet Pilot"

In 1957, John Wayne starred in "Jet Pilot", playing an aviator.

1957: Starred in "The Wings of Eagles"

In 1957, John Wayne starred in "The Wings of Eagles", portraying an aviator.

May 14, 1958: I Married a Woman Los Angeles Opening

On May 14, 1958, John Wayne made a cameo appearance as himself in Hal Kanter's "I Married a Woman" at its Los Angeles opening.

1958: Appeared in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

From 1949 to 1957 and 1958 to 1974, John Wayne appeared in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll of all films.

March 18, 1959: Rio Bravo Premier

On March 18, 1959, Howard Hawks's "Rio Bravo" premiered, starring John Wayne in the lead role.

1959: Khrushchev Requested to Meet Wayne

In 1959, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev requested to visit Disneyland and meet John Wayne during his visit to the United States, demonstrating Wayne's widespread fame and recognition.

1959: Starring in "Rio Bravo"

In 1959, Wayne starred in "Rio Bravo" with Dean Martin, adding to his list of significant Western roles.

1960: The Alamo

In 1960, John Wayne directed, produced, and starred in "The Alamo" as Davy Crockett. He was nominated for an Oscar as the producer in the Best Picture category that year.

1960: Supported Richard Nixon

In 1960, John Wayne supported Vice President Richard Nixon in the presidential election, but expressed patriotism for John F. Kennedy after he won.

1961: The Comancheros

In 1961, John Wayne shared the lead with Stuart Whitman in Michael Curtiz's "The Comancheros".

May 23, 1962: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

On May 23, 1962, John Wayne starred in John Ford's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" with James Stewart.

1962: Birth of John Ethan Wayne

In 1962, John Ethan Wayne, the son of John Wayne and Pilar Pallete, was born.

1962: Starring in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance"

In 1962, John Wayne starred in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", portraying a troubled rancher competing for a woman's hand.

February 20, 1963: How the West Was Won Segment

On February 20, 1963, John Wayne acted in a segment of "How the West Was Won" directed by John Ford.

1964: Circus World

In 1964, John Wayne played the leading role in Henry Hathaway's "Circus World" with Claudia Cardinale and Rita Hayworth.

1964: Supported Barry Goldwater

In 1964, John Wayne was a staunch supporter of Barry Goldwater, and actively campaigned for him.

1964: Lung Cancer Diagnosis

In 1964, John Wayne was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove his entire left lung and two ribs.

February 15, 1965: The Greatest Story Ever Told

On February 15, 1965, John Wayne played a cameo role as a centurion in George Stevens's "The Greatest Story Ever Told".

1966: Cast a Giant Shadow

In 1966, John Wayne appeared in a cameo role for Melville Shavelson's "Cast a Giant Shadow" starring Kirk Douglas.

1966: Supported Ronald Reagan's Gubernatorial Campaign

In 1966, John Wayne supported his friend Ronald Reagan's campaign for Governor of California, showcasing his involvement in Republican politics.

1966: Birth of Marisa Wayne

In 1966, Marisa Wayne, the daughter of John Wayne and Pilar Pallete, was born.

May 24, 1967: The War Wagon

On May 24, 1967, John Wayne played the lead in Burt Kennedy's "The War Wagon" with Kirk Douglas as the second lead.

1968: The Green Berets Co-direction

In 1968, John Wayne co-directed with Ray Kellogg "The Green Berets", the only major film made during the Vietnam War in support of the war.

1968: Declined Run for National Office and Supported Nixon

In 1968, John Wayne declined requests to run for national office and rejected an offer to be George Wallace's running mate. Instead, he supported Richard Nixon and addressed the Republican National Convention, solidifying his political stance.

June 13, 1969: True Grit Premier and Academy Award

On June 13, 1969, Henry Hathaway's "True Grit" premiered. For his role as Rooster Cogburn, John Wayne won the Best Actor Oscar at the Academy Awards.

1969: Academy Award for "True Grit"

In 1969, John Wayne received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as a cantankerous one-eyed marshal in "True Grit".

1969: Wayne Responds to Criticism of Playing the Same Character

In a 1969 interview with Roger Ebert, John Wayne addressed criticisms of being typecast, emphasizing the diversity of his roles and the necessity of incorporating personal traits to maintain stardom.

June 24, 1970: Chisum Release

On June 24, 1970, Andrew V. McLaglen's "Chisum" started playing in cinemas, with John Wayne as a cattle ranch owner.

1970: Supported Ronald Reagan's Gubernatorial Campaign

In 1970, John Wayne supported his friend Ronald Reagan's campaign for Governor of California, showcasing his involvement in Republican politics.

1970: Death of Wayne's Mother

In 1970, Mary "Molly" Alberta Brown, John Wayne's mother, passed away.

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.

June 1971: Big Jake Debut

In June 1971, George Sherman's "Big Jake" made its debut. John Wayne played the role of an estranged father who must track down a gang who kidnapped his grandson.

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.

1971: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

In 1971, John Wayne took first place in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll.

1972: The Cowboys release

In 1972, John Wayne starred in Mark Rydell's "The Cowboys".

February 7, 1973: The Train Robbers Release

On February 7, 1973, Burt Kennedy's "The Train Robbers" opened, featuring John Wayne alongside Ann-Margret, Rod Taylor and Ben Johnson.

1973: John Wayne Tennis Club Built

In 1973, John Wayne was encouraged by Pilar to build the John Wayne Tennis Club in Newport Beach, California.

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: Romantic Involvement with Pat Stacy Begins

In 1973, after his separation from Pilar, John Wayne became romantically involved and lived with his former secretary Pat Stacy until his death in 1979.

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.

1974: Appeared in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

From 1949 to 1957 and 1958 to 1974, John Wayne appeared in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll of all films.

1974: McQ

In 1974, John Wayne took on the role of the eponymous detective in John Sturges's crime drama "McQ".

1974: Film Critic Charles Champlin Comments on Wayne's Acting

In 1974, film critic Charles Champlin wrote about John Wayne, recognizing his significant impact on defining what it means to be a motion picture actor and highlighting his enduring presence on screen.

March 25, 1975: Brannigan Premiere

On March 25, 1975, Douglas Hickox's "Brannigan" premiered, with John Wayne playing a Chicago police lieutenant in London.

1975: Emperor Hirohito Requested to Meet Wayne

In 1975, during Emperor Hirohito's visit to the United States, he requested to meet John Wayne, recognizing him as a symbolic representation of America and its former enemy.

1976: The Shootist

In 1976, John Wayne starred in Don Siegel's "The Shootist", also starring Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard and James Stewart. It was Wayne's final cinematic role.

1976: Final Screen Performance in "The Shootist"

In 1976, John Wayne's final screen performance was in "The Shootist", where he played an aging gunfighter battling cancer.

1977: End of prolific film career

By 1977, John Wayne had appeared in over 170 films since 1926.

1977: Attended Carter's Inaugural Ball

In 1977, John Wayne attended President Jimmy Carter's inaugural ball "as a member of the loyal opposition," demonstrating his engagement with American politics despite differing views.

April 9, 1979: Last Public Appearance

On April 9, 1979, John Wayne made his last public appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony, shortly before his death.

May 26, 1979: Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

On May 26, 1979, John Wayne's 72nd birthday, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his iconic status and contributions to American culture, with support from figures across Hollywood and American leadership.

June 11, 1979: John Wayne's Death

John Wayne, the iconic actor, died on June 11, 1979, marking the end of his prolific career in Hollywood.

1979: Death of John Wayne

John Wayne died in 1979 and was living with his former secretary Pat Stacy at the time.

June 9, 1980: Posthumously Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

On June 9, 1980, John Wayne was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter, recognizing his contributions to American culture and values.

1980: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1980, John Wayne was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing his contributions.

1983: "Duke: A Love Story" Publication

In 1983, Pat Stacy published a book about her life with John Wayne, titled "Duke: A Love Story".

1985: John Wayne Cancer Foundation Founded

In 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was founded in honor of John Wayne to continue the fight against cancer, focusing on research, education, awareness, and support for patient care.

1994: Appeared in Harris Poll of Most Popular Film Actors

Starting in 1994, 15 years after his death, John Wayne was in the top 10 in the Harris Poll of Most Popular Film Actors for 19 consecutive years.

1995: Death of Pat Stacy

In 1995, Pat Stacy, John Wayne's former secretary and romantic partner, passed away.

1995: John Wayne Tennis Club Sold

In 1995, the John Wayne Tennis Club was sold to Ken Stuart, becoming the Palisades Tennis Club.

1998: Awarded Naval Heritage Award

In 1998, John Wayne was awarded the Naval Heritage Award by the US Navy Memorial Foundation for his support of the Navy and military throughout his film career.

1999: Grave Marked with Quotation

In 1999, John Wayne's grave, which had been unmarked for 20 years, was marked with the quotation "Feo, Fuerte y Formal", fulfilling his wish for his tombstone.

1999: Named Among Greatest Male Screen Legends by AFI

In 1999, the American Film Institute (AFI) named John Wayne 13th among the Greatest Male Screen Legends of classic Hollywood cinema, cementing his place in film history.

1999: AFI Names Wayne a Top Male Star

In 1999, the American Film Institute (AFI) recognized John Wayne as one of the greatest male stars of classic American cinema, solidifying his legacy.

2000: Death of Mary Antonia "Toni" Wayne LaCava

In 2000, Mary Antonia "Toni" Wayne LaCava, the daughter of John Wayne and Josephine Alicia Saenz, passed away.

2003: Death of Michael Wayne

In 2003, John Wayne's first child, Michael Wayne, passed away.

2005: Top money maker

According to Quigley Polling, John Wayne was named the top money maker as of 2005.

2005: Duke University Opposed Trademark

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

2006: "Louie and the Duke Classics" Inaugurated

In 2006, the "Louie and the Duke Classics" events were inaugurated by friends of John Wayne and his business partner, benefiting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

May 26, 2007: Centennial Celebrations of Wayne's Birth

On May 26, 2007, the centennial of John Wayne's birth was celebrated with various events, including chuck-wagon suppers, concerts, a Wild West Revue, and the groundbreaking for the John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center in Winterset, Iowa.

2011: Wild Goose Listed on U.S. National Register of Historic Places

In 2011, John Wayne's yacht, the Wild Goose, was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

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.

2015: Mylène Demongeot Declares Wayne as One of the "Great Americans"

In a 2015 filmed interview, Mylène Demongeot declared John Wayne, along with Gary Cooper and Cary Grant, as one of the "great Americans" she had met.

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.

2021: "The Big Trail" Budget Equivalent

In 2021, the equivalent budget of "The Big Trail" was over $32.8 million.

2022: Death of Melinda Wayne Munoz

In 2022, Melinda Wayne Munoz, the daughter of John Wayne and Josephine Alicia Saenz, passed away.

2022: Investigation Finds Alleged Confrontation Unlikely

In 2022, an investigation determined that the alleged confrontation involving John Wayne at the 1973 Oscars, during Sacheen Littlefeather's speech, was unlikely to have occurred.