John Wayne

John Wayne (1907-1979) was an Academy Award-winning American actor and one of the most popular film actors of the twentieth century. He rose beyond the typical recognition for a famous actor to that of an enduring icon who symbolized and communicated American values and ideals. He received his first leading film role in The Big Trail in 1930 and won his first Academy Award in 1969 for his role in True Grit. One of the most popular film actors of the twentieth century, he appeared in over 170 motion pictures and became one of America's biggest box-office stars. He is the only actor to appear in every annual Harris poll of most popular film actors, and the only actor to do so after his death.