The movie, for which the actor had received his first, albeit unsuccessful, Academy Award nomination for best actor for his portrayal of the tough, driven Sgt. Marine Corps recruiters in Cleveland, for example, reported that enlistments still jumped noticeably each time the Wayne film, “Sands of Iwo Jima,” appeared on television. His name and face, years ago, had become among the most recognizable in the world his public and private support on political issues often was sought by government leaders, and, unlike most other stars, his popularity as an actor seemed to grow, rather than diminish, with the passing years.Īs recently as the mid-1970s, U.S. Rushmore, a larger-than-life reminder of the nation’s heritage, as well as a living example of its once-celebrated, rough-and-tumble pioneer spirit. In a special category reserved only for a few Presidents and other very special citizens, John Wayne for 40 years (dating roughly from his appearance in “Stagecoach” in 1939) was elevated by his countrymen to the status of genuine folk hero. 3 runnersup in the all-time popularity poll, were among the Top 10 box office stars 19 and 16 years, respectively.
