John Wayne had an insatiable work ethic when he was in movies. He starred in more than 140 films during his many-year career. But that work ethic began long before anyone called action.
John Wayne’s official Instagram account recently released some of his high school extracurricular activities. And it’s a wonder he got any sleep.
“Do you recognize this young face? Duke was a very involved student at Glendale High, he was President of his senior class, Varsity Football Captain, Senior Dance Chairman, Student Chairman of the Reception Committee, Stage Crew, Student Assistant in Cafeteria Management, Sports Writer for the school newspaper, and earned an honor pin! You can see Duke’s yearbook and other memorabilia on display at John Wayne: An American Experience in the Fort Worth Stockyards,” the caption reads.
And keep in mind, he went to the University of Southern California on a football scholarship. So he was busy with all of his other duties but still kept up his practice schedule. And he did it all well enough that a Division I school scouted him. Unfortunately, a bodysurfing accident ended his football career.
His accomplishments at such a young age gobsmacked his fans.
“Brains and brawn. The whole package!” one woman wrote. “An achiever!!! And it shows,” wrote another.
John Wayne Experience Promises An Intimate Portrait Of The Star
John Wayne’s yearbook is part of the John Wayne Experience in Fort Worth, Texas. According to the website, the exhibit is filled with never-before-seen family photos and letters. There are peeks behind the scenes of some of his films. As well as props and many personal effects.
Sprawling over 10,000 square feet, the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit is structured to give you an intimate tour of the life of John Wayne. Starting with his early childhood and career, each room highlights an aspect of The Duke’s legacy. For the film aficionados, an extensive gallery called the “Life on Screen” highlights the most iconic film props and costumes. In the “America, Why I Love Her” gallery, guests can immerse themselves in patriotism through Grammy-nominated original poems, recited by John Wayne.
All patrons will have exclusive access to never-before-seen family photos and correspondences which have been thoughtfully curated by the Wayne family in order to give guests a holistic view of the icon, whose values translate both on the silver screen and off.
www.johnwayne.com/experience
