John Wayne's Birthday: Three Wives And Seven Kids In The Duke's Life

May 26, 2020 by apost team

On May 26 1907, a legend of the U.S. film business and international star was born in Winterset, Iowa: Marion Robert Morrison.

Most people will only remember him by the name he later took on, though: John Wayne. The star of many western movies would have been 113 years old today. We look back the star's tumultous life.

When it comes to Hollywood royalty, it does not get much better than John Wayne. For over three decades, Wayne starred in countless blockbuster films. Best known for his Westerns, Wayne had starring roles in True Grit, Stagecoach, The High and the Mighty, and countless other gems of the silver screen.

During his life, Wayne had seven children. Wayne’s marriage with his first wife, Josephine, produced four kids: Michael, Mary, Patrick, and Melinda. Wayne had another 3 kids with his third wife, Pilar. Their names are Alissa, John Ethan, and Marisa. In addition to sharing remarkably similar physical attributes, all three of Wayne’s sons shared their father’s love of film.

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Wayne was initially born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa. He was was one of the most popular film actors of the 20th century, known for roles in films such as True Grit and The Alamo. He had landed his first leading film role in The Big Trail (1930).

Working with John Ford, he scored another lead role, this time in Stagecoach (1939). His career advanced once more when he worked with director Howard Hawks in Red River (1948). In 1969, Wayne won his first Academy Award for his role in True Grit. From then on, his professional life was on a continuous upswing.

Unfortunately, the star's private life was not as successful as his career. According to the Daily Mail, Wayne had a roving eye and, sadly, fell into temptation quite easily. A string of affairs and flings with Hollywood actresses and women of high society followed the movie star through all his marriages.

Additionally, his marriages themselves often baffled his closest friends, as he continued to marry women they felt did not fit his character or who didn't know how to deal with an actor's busy life. Some of his high profile affairs included Marlene Dietrich and Merle Oberon.

But by the 1970s, the Hollywood veteran was battling more than just outlaws, Indians and his own bad habits — in real life, he was battling cancer.

He had contracted cancer twice: In 1964, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had his left lung removed, then in 1979 he contracted stomach cancer, which eventually took his life. He felt his lung cancer was the result of his 5-pack-a-day, unfiltered cigarette habit. He appeared at the 1979 Academy Awards for a last public appearance and was rushed to the hospital shortly after because of his deteriorating condition, but not before deservedly receiving a standing ovation from an emotional crowd.

Did you already know about John Wayne's tumultuous private life or were you surprised? What are your favorite John Wayne movies? Be sure to pass this on to others, especially John Wayne fans!