A Fort Worth Exhibit Returns Actor John Wayne To The Limelight

DALLAS, TX — If you liked John Wayne as an actor, or admired him as the embodiment of Americana, you're going to love him as a museum merchandising magnet.

Born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907, Wayne appeared onscreen as often in buckskin as fatigues, but as much a beacon of the nation's values as Superman or Davy Crockett — one of the many roles he played.

Wayne makes his return to Texas in a virtual setting as "John Wayne: An American Experience," a 10,000-square-foot exhibit, opens in the Fort Worth Stockyards a 2501 Rodeo Plaza at the corner of Exchange St. and Rodeo Plaza.

Sign up to support local journalism and you may receive coupons valued at up to $100 or more every month for use at local Dallas, TX businesses.

But wait, as the saying goes, there's more: augmenting the Stockyards exhibit is a 2,000 square foot retail space, which features limited-edition items including books, apparel, leather goods, drinkware, hats, fine art western photography, and assorted western accessories. You can even toast "the Duke" in the Lounge with his namesake bourbon and other adult beverages.

The venture is the brainchild of Wayne's son, Ethan. The collection features film props, Wayne's taxidermied horse Trigger, letters from celebrities and presidents and rare photos. You'll even be treated to a look at Wayne's 1976 Grand Safari, which he had modified by raising the roof so that he wouldn't have to doff his cowboy hat.

Although he appeared in a staggering number of movies fighting America's adversaries, Wayne did not serve in World War II, despite repeated efforts to do so. He was classified as exempt from service because of his age (when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, he was 34) and had a deferment as well. In addition, the president of Republic Pictures, where Wayne was under contract, threatened him with a lawsuit and worked with the draft board to prevent his enlistment.

Wayne won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1969 playing the gruff but tenderhearted Rooster Cogburn in the original film version of True Grit. (The film was later remade in 2010 by the Coen brothers with Jeff Bridges in the role.)

Looking for more Dallas news? Subscribe.