John Wayne

Episode 105

Was John Wayne Catholic? Eventually, Yes.

John Wayne, the icon of American manliness and one of the most important film stars of all time, once called himself a “cardiac Catholic.” He meant that he intended to become Catholic on his deathbed. Born Marion Morrison he was raised a Presbyterian, but all three of his wives were Catholic. We’re not sure how that worked out, since none of them predeceased him, but we leave that to God’s grace and the wisdom of the Church. However, the example of many Catholics in his life, particularly his first wife, had a deep impression on him. Despite serious problems with infidelity, John Wayne did manage to become Catholic and make his amends with God before his death.

Books

• John Wayne: My Father
• John Wayne: The Life and Legend
• Duke in His Own Words: John Wayne’s Life in Letters, Handwritten Notes and Never-Before-Seen Photos Curated from His Private Archive
• Three Bad Men: John Ford, John Wayne, Ward Bond
• The American Catholic Almanac

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