John Wayne was one of the biggest movie stars of the 20th century, known for starring in many classic Western films from the 1930s to the 1960s. He portrayed strong, masculine heroes and became a cultural icon representing traditional American values of individualism, courage, and rugged independence. Wayne remained one of the top box office draws from the 1950s until his death in 1979, cementing his status as a legendary actor and cultural symbol of America during the Western frontier era.