Q 01/05

What was John Wayne's name at birth?

A) Michael Duke Morrison

B) Marion Wayne Morris

C) Marion Robert Morrison

D) Martin Robert Morrison

Answer · why

C) Marion Robert Morrison

He kept the surname off screen for the rest of his life. The stage name was chosen for him by a studio.

Q 02/05

In which state was he born, in 1907?

A) Texas

B) Iowa

C) Montana

D) California

Answer · why

B) Iowa

The house on South Second Street in Winterset is now a museum. The family moved west while he was still a boy.

Q 03/05

Where did the nickname 'Duke' come from?

A) It was his dog's name

B) A boxing coach gave it to him

C) It was a family title

D) A studio invented it

Answer · why

A) It was his dog's name

A fireman on his route to school called him Little Duke because the Airedale terrier was always with him. The nickname outlasted the dog by seventy ye...

Q 04/05

Which sport did he play at university before an injury ended it?

A) Boxing

B) Baseball

C) Rowing

D) Football

Answer · why

D) Football

He was on a scholarship at the University of Southern California. A broken collarbone cost him the scholarship and pushed him into film work.

Q 05/05

Which injury ended his college sporting career?

A) A shattered knee

B) A back injury

C) A broken collarbone

D) A detached retina

Answer · why

C) A broken collarbone

He lost his scholarship as a result. Prop work at the studios followed.