Despite having 7 kids, John Wayne was buried in private & his grave went unmarked for 20 years
John Wayne: Life, Career & Legacy. John Wayne, born Marion Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, is one of the most iconic film stars in history. Nicknamed “Duke” after the family’s dog, he preferred that name throughout his life. His family moved to Glendale, California, where he excelled in school and sports, earning a football scholarship to USC.
However, a bodysurfing accident ended his football career, pushing him toward Hollywood. Starting as a prop man and extra, he worked his way up, learning filmmaking from legends like John Ford. His big break came in The Big Trail (1930), where he adopted the stage name “John Wayne.” His career soared with classics like Stagecoach, Rio Bravo, The Quiet Man, and True Grit.
Wayne saw “John Wayne” as a character, insisting he was still Duke Morrison off-screen. He married three times and had seven children. Despite his fame, he remained grounded and was a loving father. His children often speak fondly of him, especially his son Patrick and daughter Aissa.
In 1964, Wayne was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery. Though he initially recovered, the cancer returned. His last film, The Shootist (1976), mirrored his real-life battle. He passed away on June 11, 1979, from stomach cancer at age 72.
His last words to his daughter Aissa were, “Of course, I know who you are. You’re my girl. I love you.” Wayne was buried at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach, California, though his grave remained unmarked for years.
John Wayne remains a Hollywood legend whose legacy lives on through his films and family.
