John Wayne, one of the cinema's greatest stars. His image as an icon of American individualism and the frontier spirit has overshadowed his career to such an extent that it is almost impossible for viewers and writers to separate Wayne the legend from Wayne the actor and Wayne the man.
1927 First film appearance (uncredited as member of USC football team) in The Drop Kick
1928 First credited bit appearance (as Duke Morrison) in Words and Music
1930 Played lead in numerous minor films (mostly westerns)
1930 First lead role in The Big Trail
1939 Became major star after playing the Ringo Kid in John Ford s Stagecoach
1947 First film as producer (also actor), Angel and the Badman
1952 Formed Batjac Film Production Co
1960 Directing debut (also actor), The Alamo
1963 Operation to remove cancerous lung
1969 True Grit, Best Actor Oscar
1978 Open heart surgery
1979 Stomach removed
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For a full recollection of John and his family, see John's full biography