Lasting Legacy of John Wayne: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by John Wayne—a timeline of influence.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.