Like most Hollywood stars John Wayne was far removed from his screen and public image.
No one was more a hero in World War II than John Wayne. At least that’s what the aliens will think when they view the historical footage documented in old Hollywood reels but the reality is he got a deferment from the draft and never volunteer but he certain made a ton of money playing the hero in countless WWII war movies. John Ford, a commander in the U.S. Navy, never shied away from letting the Duke know how he felt about his avoiding military service. He would frequently berate Wayne "to get into it," saying that he was growing rich as other men died. The fact is Wayne admitted years later, he skipped the war because he was afraid it would end his film career.
Many other areas of his personal life were far different than his public persona. Rock Hudson was a close personal friend of the Duke until his death despite his gay bashing. The Duke's public condemnation of socialism and communist is at odds with claim to being a socialist at USC.
Hollywood stars are actors first and foremost on screen and before the public. John Wayne was no exception.
