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Quizzes > Movies

John Wayne Trivia: How Well Do You Know the Duke?

Quick, free John Wayne quiz to test your movie knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Panagiotis BelitsisUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
John Wayne paper art illustration for a trivia game on a teal background

This John Wayne trivia quiz helps you check what you remember about the Duke's films, quotes, and co-stars. Answer quick questions, see your score, and pick up a few fun facts along the way. If you love Westerns, try our western quiz next, or ride into classic showdowns with the Tombstone quiz.

What was John Wayne's birth name?
John Wayne
Wayne Morris
Michael Wayne
Marion Morrison
John Wayne was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907 in Winterset, Iowa. He adopted the stage name John Wayne early in his career to build a rugged screen persona. He legally changed his name later in life.
What nickname was John Wayne widely known by?
The Sheriff
The King
The Duke
Big John
John Wayne was famously nicknamed "The Duke," a moniker he acquired from a childhood pet dog also named Duke. The name stuck with him throughout his Hollywood career. Fans and colleagues alike referred to him by that nickname.
In which film genre did John Wayne appear most frequently?
Romantic Comedy
Western
Science Fiction
Horror
John Wayne became an icon of the Western genre, starring in dozens of cowboy and frontier films. His rugged persona and drawl made him a natural fit for Westerns. Though he also appeared in war dramas, Westerns defined his career.
Which 1939 film marked John Wayne's breakout role?
Red River
The Alamo
True Grit
Stagecoach
Stagecoach (1939), directed by John Ford, elevated Wayne from bit parts to leading man status. His performance as the Ringo Kid launched him into Hollywood stardom. The film is now regarded as a classic Western.
Who directed many of Wayne's classic Westerns, including Stagecoach?
Anthony Mann
Sam Peckinpah
Howard Hawks
John Ford
John Ford was the director responsible for many of Wayne's most celebrated Westerns, including Stagecoach, The Searchers, and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Their partnership is considered one of the greatest actor-director collaborations in film history.
For which film did John Wayne win his only Academy Award for Best Actor?
True Grit
Red River
The Searchers
El Dorado
John Wayne won the Best Actor Oscar in 1971 for his role as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit (1969). It was the only acting Oscar of his long career. The performance is remembered for his gravelly voice and iconic eye patch.
What was John Wayne's character name in The Searchers?
Ringo Kid
Tom Dunson
Ethan Edwards
Rooster Cogburn
In John Ford's 1956 classic The Searchers, Wayne starred as Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran tracking Comanches to rescue his abducted niece. The role showcases his brooding intensity and is one of his most famous Western performances.
In what year was John Wayne born?
1907
1899
1918
1912
John Wayne was born on May 26, 1907. This date is widely cited in biographies and on his gravestone. His early years in Iowa and later move to California shaped his path to stardom.
In which U.S. state was John Wayne born?
Texas
California
Arizona
Iowa
John Wayne was born in Winterset, Iowa, though he grew up in Southern California. His Midwestern roots are often mentioned in biographies. Iowa commemorates him with a childhood home museum.
What was the title of John Wayne's autobiography published in 1974?
My Western Life
The Duke: My Story
Riding with the Duke
John Wayne: An Autobiography
John Wayne's autobiography, titled John Wayne: An Autobiography, was published in 1974. It covers his early life, Hollywood career, and personal philosophies. The book remains a primary source for fans and historians.
Which accessory is most associated with John Wayne's on-screen persona?
Cowboy hat
Sheriff's badge
Lasso
Cape
John Wayne's trademark Stetson cowboy hat became synonymous with his tough Western characters. The hat helped define his silhouette and iconic screen image. Many of his promotional photos feature that cowboy hat.
Who was John Wayne's leading lady in The Quiet Man?
Grace Kelly
Cloris Leachman
Maureen O'Hara
Katharine Hepburn
In The Quiet Man (1952), John Wayne starred opposite Maureen O'Hara. Their on-screen chemistry and the film's Irish setting make it a classic. The movie was directed by John Ford and remains beloved.
What year did John Wayne pass away?
1979
1980
1982
1975
John Wayne died on June 11, 1979, in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer. His passing generated tributes across Hollywood and the nation. He was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.
Which political party did John Wayne publicly support?
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Independent
Libertarian Party
John Wayne was a staunch supporter of the Republican Party and conservative causes. He campaigned for Republican candidates and publicly endorsed Richard Nixon in 1972. His political views often aligned with his on-screen persona.
In what film did Wayne play a World War II Seabee commander?
Operation Pacific
The Fighting Seabees
Sands of Iwo Jima
In Harm's Way
In The Fighting Seabees (1944), John Wayne portrayed Wedge Donovan, a civilian contractor leading the U.S. Navy Construction Battalions (Seabees). The film honors the vital role of Seabees in WWII. It was one of Wayne's popular war dramas.
Who was John Wayne's co-star in the sequel Rooster Cogburn (1975)?
Katharine Hepburn
Maureen O'Hara
Audrey Hepburn
Julie Andrews
In Rooster Cogburn (1975), Wayne reprised his Oscar-winning role alongside Katharine Hepburn. Their unlikely pairing provided memorable banter and chemistry. The film is a sequel to True Grit.
Where is John Wayne buried?
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Pacific View Memorial Park
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
John Wayne is buried at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, California. Fans often visit his gravesite, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. A museum honoring his legacy is nearby.
Which university awarded Wayne an honorary degree in 1973?
Stanford University
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Southern California
University of Texas
In 1973, the University of Southern California awarded John Wayne an honorary doctorate in humane letters. The actor had long ties to Los Angeles and often supported USC athletic programs. This honor recognized his contributions to film.
What was the title of Wayne's final film role?
Big Jake
True Grit
The Shootist
The Cowboys
The Shootist (1976) was John Wayne's last film. He portrayed J.B. Books, an aging gunfighter dying of cancer, mirroring Wayne's own health struggles. The role is often cited as one of his finest late-career performances.
What was the highest-grossing John Wayne film of his career?
Rio Bravo
True Grit
Stagecoach
The Alamo
The Alamo (1960), which Wayne produced, directed, and starred in, became his highest-grossing film at the time. Although it received mixed reviews, its box office success was significant. The film has since become a Western staple.
What rank did Wayne achieve in real-life military service?
Major, U.S. Air Force
He did not serve
Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Captain, U.S. Navy
John Wayne never served in the military. He was declared 4-F due to poor eyesight during World War II. Instead, he contributed by making training films for the U.S. government. His patriotic on-screen roles contrasted with his civilian status.
Which of these was John Wayne's first film appearance?
Stagecoach
Randy Rides Alone
Stage to Tucson
Brown of Harvard
John Wayne's first on-screen appearance was as an uncredited extra in Brown of Harvard (1926). He worked as a prop boy and appeared in a rowing scene. This modest start preceded his breakout over a decade later in Stagecoach.
Who directed The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance?
John Ford
Anthony Mann
George Stevens
Howard Hawks
John Ford directed the classic 1962 Western The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, starring John Wayne and James Stewart. The film examines the myths of the Old West and the power of legend. It remains one of Ford's most studied works.
In The Alamo (1960), whom did Wayne portray?
Davy Crockett
James Bowie
Sam Houston
William Travis
John Wayne portrayed James Bowie in his self-directed epic The Alamo (1960). Bowie was a frontiersman and one of the key defenders at the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Wayne's portrayal was central to the film's narrative.
What is the name of Wayne's character in Red River?
Cheyenne
Patrick Flood
Jeff Webster
Thomas Dunson
In Howard Hawks' Red River (1948), Wayne played Thomas Dunson, a driven cattle rancher leading a dangerous river drive. His strict leadership and conflict with his adopted son drive the film's drama.
Which production company did John Wayne found?
Granada Productions
Batjac Productions
Paramount Pictures
Duke Studios
John Wayne founded Batjac Productions in 1952 to gain creative control over his films. The company produced many Wayne vehicles, including The Alamo and The Shootist. It remains associated with his legacy.
For which film did John Wayne receive his first Oscar nomination?
True Grit
Stagecoach
The Searchers
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Although True Grit was Wayne's only Oscar win, it was also his first nomination for Best Actor. The Academy Award ceremony took place in 1971. His performance as Rooster Cogburn finally earned him peer recognition.
What was the name of Wayne's character in Hondo?
Rooster Cogburn
Jim Bowie
Stanton Barret
Hondo Lane
In Hondo (1953), Wayne starred as Hondo Lane, an Army scout guiding a woman and her son through Apache country. The film is based on a short story by Louis L'Amour. It showcases Wayne's talent in frontier adventure roles.
Which 1962 epic includes John Wayne as General William T. Sherman?
The Green Berets
The Longest Day
They Died with Their Boots On
How the West Was Won
In the 1962 ensemble epic How the West Was Won, Wayne appeared as General William T. Sherman. The film chronicles the expansion of the American West over multiple generations. Wayne's cameo is one of many star-studded roles.
Which film starred John Wayne alongside Rock Hudson?
Big Jake
McLintock!
The Undefeated
El Dorado
The Undefeated (1969) teamed John Wayne with Rock Hudson in a Western about former Confederate and Union soldiers. Their performances and the clash of characters make it a notable late-career Wayne film.
What was John Wayne's birth date?
July 4, 1907
May 26, 1910
May 26, 1907
June 11, 1907
John Wayne was born on May 26, 1907. This date is confirmed by birth records and his official biographies. It is commemorated annually by fans worldwide.
In which film did Wayne serve as a U.S. Marshal guarding a frontier town with Dean Martin?
Rio Bravo
Support Your Local Sheriff!
Rio Lobo
El Dorado
In Rio Bravo (1959), Wayne plays Sheriff John T. Chance with Dean Martin as his deputy. Directed by Howard Hawks, it's considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made. Their chemistry drives much of the film's appeal.
Who was John Wayne's primary stunt double known for pioneering modern stunt techniques?
Jack Williams
Yakima Canutt
Hal Needham
Vic Armstrong
Yakima Canutt served as John Wayne's principal stunt double and revolutionized stunt work with techniques still used today. He developed safety equipment like the 'running W' stirrup release. Canutt also choreographed many of Wayne's action scenes.
What was the first film produced by Wayne's Batjac Productions?
The Shootist
Big Jim McClain
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The Alamo
Big Jim McClain (1952) was the first film produced by John Wayne's Batjac Productions. The company was established to give Wayne greater creative control over his projects. Batjac went on to produce many of his major Westerns.
Who composed the film score for True Grit, for which Wayne won the Academy Award?
Dimitri Tiomkin
Elmer Bernstein
Max Steiner
Ennio Morricone
Elmer Bernstein composed the memorable score for True Grit (1969). His music earned an Academy Award nomination and helped define the film's rugged Western atmosphere. Bernstein's work remains celebrated among film composers.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Iconic John Wayne Moments -

    Recall and recognize key scenes, quotes, and characters from classic John Wayne films featured in the trivia game.

  2. Recall Movie Trivia Facts -

    Retrieve interesting behind-the-scenes details and lesser-known facts about Duke's career and Western lore.

  3. Analyze Western Genre Themes -

    Understand common themes and narrative tropes in John Wayne's Westerns by examining the quiz questions and answers.

  4. Compare John Wayne's Filmography -

    Differentiate between John Wayne's major roles and appreciate the evolution of his on-screen persona over time.

  5. Demonstrate Trivia Mastery -

    Test and prove your expertise by accurately answering increasingly challenging questions about John Wayne's iconic career.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Early Life and Career Breakthrough -

    John Wayne, born Marion Morrison in 1907, began as a props assistant at Fox Studios before landing his first credited role in Brown of Harvard (1926). His starring turn in Stagecoach (1939), directed by John Ford, solidified his John Wayne trivia game staple status - remember "BHS" for Brown, Harvard, Stagecoach as a quick mnemonic. According to American Film Institute records, that film launched over 200 subsequent Western roles.

  2. Iconic Western Roles -

    Wayne's top three classics - The Searchers (1956), True Grit (1969) and Rio Bravo (1959) - are the backbone of any John Wayne quiz, often referenced by the mnemonic "STaR." Each film showcases a different facet of his on-screen persona: the vigilante, the rugged hero, and the stoic lawman, respectively. University of California, Los Angeles film archives affirm these titles consistently rank in the top 100 Westerns.

  3. Signature Quotes and Catchphrases -

    Memorable lines like "Talk low, talk slow and don't say too much" from True Grit are quiz gold - use the initials "TLS" to jog your memory. Such quotes illustrate Duke's laconic style and are often highlighted in scholarly analyses by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Incorporating these phrases into your john wayne trivia responses instantly boosts accuracy.

  4. Awards and Honors Timeline -

    Wayne earned the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1970 for True Grit and later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980; think "70Oscar" and "80PMF" as date - award codes. He also collected Golden Boot Awards for his Western contributions, as documented by the Western Heritage Museum. These milestones are frequent fodder in John Wayne trivia challenges.

  5. Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy -

    Beyond film, Wayne's influence spans the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Iowa to his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, often referenced in classic western trivia discussions. Scholars at the University of Southern California highlight his role in defining American masculinity on-screen. Use the mnemonic "MHW" for Museum, Hollywood, Western to recall his enduring legacy.

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