Postage Stamps Of John Wayne

John Wayne the legendary actor was born Marion Morrison in Winterset, Iowa on May 26, 1907. John Wayne, Morrison’s screen name, appeared in many films, most of which were movies about the old west. The film "Stagecoach" filmed in 1939 was the film that made Wayne a star.

John Wayne, better known as the Duke, was much more that an actor. He directed and produced movies as well as stared in them. He loved his country and was a real patriot, a husband, father and a great humanitarian. John Wayne one of the 20th century’s most popular citizens was chosen by the U.S. Postal Service to appear on the 10th postage stamp in their "Legends of Hollywood” series.

It was the many memorable characters that Wayne played in films that showed how the old west was won and how soldiers survived the days, weeks, months and years on the battlefield that prompted the U.S. Postal Service to commemorate his life and career with a postage stamp.

Not only was Wayne one of the honorees, but many other celebrities were honored in the "Legends of Hollywood” series; others included Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart. Designed by artist Drew Struzan, the Wayne stamp is based on a black and white publicity still taken during the filming of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" in 1962.

The U.S. postage stamp commemorating John Wayne was unveiled at the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary Odyssey Ball in Santa Monica, CA on April 3, 2004.