John Wayne Holds Steady On Harris Poll's 'America's Favorite Movie Stars'

The most popular film actor of THE 20 th century, John Wayne, is once again in the top five on The Harris Poll's annual list of "America's Favorite Movie Stars," this year landing the fourth spot. More than 38 years after his death, Wayne is the only late actor in the top 10 and has never fallen out in over two decades.

"John Wayne was more than just a movie star, he was an American icon," says Ethan Wayne, son of John Wayne and President of John Wayne Enterprises. "His personality on and off screen embodied honorable virtues that continue to resonate with the American people today. We are proud that he remains an emblem of all that it means to be not only a good citizen but a good person."

While he is most well known in the Western genre, Wayne starred in just about every type of film. Appearing in more than 175 films, John Wayne's acting career spanned over five decades. Wayne landed his first starring role in The Big Trail in 1930, which is when he was given the name, John Wayne. His breakout role came in the John Ford classic Stagecoach in 1939 and Wayne appeared in more than 20 of Ford's films throughout his career including The Quiet Man and The Searchers, which continues to be regarded as his finest performance. Over his career, Wayne starred alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Maureen O'Hara, James Stewart, Dean Martin, and Natalie Wood. He was nominated three times for the Academy Award, winning the Oscar for Best Actor in 1969 for True Grit.

"It means so much to us that the world continues to hold the John Wayne name in such high regard," adds Ethan. "Our hope is that his legacy will be used to help those in need. At the heart of everything my father did, he understood that the most important part of the fame he was given was to find ways to help others."

Wayne, whose name lives on through his life's work in Hollywood, continues to make an impact posthumously through The John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Created in honor of John Wayne after his family promised to use his name to continue his fight against cancer, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's mission is to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer.

For more information please visit www.johnwayne.org.

SOURCE John Wayne Enterprises