John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, was an iconic American actor known for his roles in Westerns and war films. Nicknamed "The Duke," he became a symbol of rugged individualism and American values during Hollywood's Golden Age. Over his career, he appeared in 179 film and television productions, with standout performances in classics like Stagecoach (1939), The Searchers (1956), and True Grit (1969), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Wayne's commanding screen presence and distinctive voice made him a beloved figure in American cinema. He passed away on June 11, 1979, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest male stars of classic American cinema.