John Wayne's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of John Wayne. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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.

1940: Appeared in Box Office Poll

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

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: 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: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

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

1951: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

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

1954: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

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

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.

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.

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.

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".

1971: Took First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll

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

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.

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.

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: 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.