John Wayne, one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, commanded significant box office success throughout his lengthy career. Despite his status as a leading man, Wayne was never regarded as a traditional heartthrob or sex symbol, a fact that he himself grappled with. The rugged, no-nonsense persona that won the admiration of many men did not translate into the same level of appeal among women, even if he had multiple marriages and notable affairs, including a scandalous liaison with Marlene Dietrich.
Wayne’s rugged charm and strong on-screen presence drew fans, but he was not a figure who inspired widespread romantic admiration like his contemporaries, such as Paul Newman. Instead, his reputation was built on embodying a specific brand of American masculinity, characterized by a heroic demeanor that resonated with audiences.
Notably, Wayne’s relationships with fellow actors often revealed his complex personality. He worked alongside Rock Hudson in the 1969 film The Undefeated, where initial tensions gave way to friendship. Despite Wayne’s well-documented conservative views—which were sometimes tinged with bigotry, particularly towards marginalized groups—he admired Hudson’s professionalism and talent. Wayne’s remarks about Hudson’s looks reflected his struggle to reconcile admiration with outdated views; he expressed disdain for Hudson’s sexual orientation, infamously saying, “What a waste of a face on a queer. Imagine what I could have done with that face.”
This candid comment sheds light on the vulnerabilities that even a titan like Wayne experienced in the male-dominated film industry. While he achieved monumental success, it’s evident that figures like Hudson brought out a mix of emotions in him—not just jealousy, but also a grudging respect, which highlighted a more complex side to Wayne’s character.
Ultimately, Wayne’s legacy is rooted in his indomitable spirit and the unique brand of masculinity he represented, which may not have conformed to conventional standards of appeal but resonated deeply with audiences. Such reflections illustrate the intricate dynamics within Hollywood, where personal admiration often collided with the harsh realities of societal expectations and prejudices.