This Date in History: Country's Most Iconic Cowboy Rides off Into the Sunset

On this date in 1979, the country’s most iconic cowboy, John Wayne, died of stomach cancer at his home in California, surrounded by his family.

Born Marion Robert Morrison in Iowa in 1907, his acting career was launched as "John Wayne" when he appeared in a film called “The Big Trail.” The 1939 movie “Stagecoach,” directed by John Ford, made Wayne an overnight movie star. Critics and the public at large loved the film.

His role in the Ford movie "The Searchers" is considered by many actors and filmmakers the best performance by any actor on film.

John Wayne went on to star in 142 films, married three times and divorced twice and fathered seven children.