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 "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

1943: First Time Seeing John Wayne

In 1943, Joan Didion recalls the first time she saw John Wayne in a movie, remembering the walk, the voice, and a line from the picture War of the Wildcats.

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1959: Khrushchev requests to meet John Wayne

In 1959, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, during a visit to the United States, requested to meet John Wayne, alongside a visit to Disneyland.

1974: Charles Champlin's Observations

In 1974, film critic Charles Champlin wrote about John Wayne, describing him as a motion picture actor who defined what that means.

1975: Hirohito requests to meet John Wayne

In 1975, Japanese Emperor Hirohito, during a visit to the United States, requested to meet John Wayne, seeing him as a symbolic representation of his country's former enemy.

May 26, 1979: Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

On May 26, 1979, on his 72nd birthday, John Wayne was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, with testimonies from various Hollywood figures and American leaders.

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.

1980: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

1982: I Love Liberty TV Special

In 1982, a video clip aired posthumously on People for the American Way's I Love Liberty TV special, where Wayne stated he disagreed with Jane Fonda but supported her right to free speech.

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1985: John Wayne Cancer Foundation Founded

In 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was founded in honor of John Wayne, with the mission to "bring courage, strength, and grit to the fight against cancer".

1994: Harris Poll of Most Popular Film Actors

Starting in 1994, 15 years after his death, John Wayne was in the top 10 of 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 during his film career.

1999: Grave Marked with Quote

In 1999, John Wayne's grave, unmarked for 20 years, was marked with the quotation "Tomorrow is the most important thing in life..." which was something he was known for saying.

1999: AFI Names Wayne a Top Male Star

In 1999, The American Film Institute recognized John Wayne as one of the greatest male stars of classic American cinema.

1999: Named Greatest Male Screen Legend

In 1999, the American Film Institute named John Wayne 13th among the Greatest Male Screen Legends of classic Hollywood cinema.

2006: Inauguration of "Louie and the Duke Classics"

In 2006, the "Louie and the Duke Classics" events were inaugurated to benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

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

On May 26, 2007, several celebrations took place for the centennial of John Wayne's birth, including events at his birthplace and the breaking of ground for a new museum and learning center.

2011: Wild Goose Listed on National Register

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

2012: Exhibit Creation

In 2012 an exhibit was created at the University of Southern California dedicated to John Wayne's role in the history of cinema.

2015: Mylène Demongeot's Interview

In a 2015 filmed interview, Mylène Demongeot spoke of Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, and John Wayne as unbelievable stars, declaring "there aren't any like them anymore."

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.