John Wayne: The Forgotten History of âThe Dukeâ
John Wayne: The Forgotten History of âThe Dukeâ
His story is as American as his values. Born Marion Robert Morrison in Iowa at a whopping 13 pounds, his family relocated to Southern California. His family first arrived in America from Ireland in 1799 and his grandfather was a Civil War veteran. His nickname was bestowed upon him in childhood (âLittle Dukeâ at the time) by a milkman amused by the omnipresence of Wayneâs Airedale Terrier, Duke.
Wayne attended the University of Southern California where he studied pre-law and played football for the Trojans before a broken collarbone from a bodysurfing accident ended his college athletic career. Losing his athletic scholarship forced Wayne to drop out of school.