Learn About The 50 States
John Wayne (1907)close
Born Marion Michael Morrison in Winterset, Iowa, John Wayne was the son of the town pharmacist. He earned his nickname "Duke" from his childhood dog, with whom he was inseparable. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Southern California and got a job working on movie sets. He eventually began to earn roles in movie serials and westerns. His big break came when he earned the starring role in the 1939 movie Stagecoach, and then went on to star in heroic roles in westerns and war movies. Although nominated once for an Academy Award, he never won an Oscar.
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: