John Wayne: American Legend

• Documentary

Episode overview

He transcended conventional stardom to earn a place as a true American icon. His 250 films shaped a vision of American manhood. Twenty years after his death, John Wayne remains one of the most influential actors in history. The rugged, straight-shooting characters he portrayed have become a symbol of the American spirit. Born Marion Michael Morrison in Iowa, he was introduced to Hollywood as an undergraduate at USC, where he worked as a set laborer on the Fox lot. Soon he was on camera, appearing in numerous films before landing his breakthrough role in the 1939 John Ford classic, Stagecoach. John Wayne chronicles the life and career of this Hollywood giant through generous clips and intimate interviews with friends, family and colleagues, including Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Charlton Heston. Discover how he was in more than 200 movies into his career before he finally won an Oscar and see excerpts from his poignant final role in The Shootist.

60 minutes