Sex appeal, magnetism and a huge on-screen persona; John Wayne had it all. And, despite the fact that his beginnings on the silver screen, when "talkies" began to oust the silent movie era, were somewhat humble, he went on to hold the record for the most leading-man roles – 142 – by an actor.
He first appeared in film in 1926 in
The Great K & A Train Robbery
as an un-credited extra and prop boy in this stunt-driven movie and went on to work on a long list of B-rated movies before his first big break in John Ford's
Stagecoach
came in 1939.
It was the first Western to influence the genre for which Wayne would become synonymous, with his well-practised swagger, calming drawl and strong on-screen persona as an all-American superhero.
Famous also for his war movies, political beliefs, perceived racism and three marriages to Latin American women, this Hollywood A-lister remains at the top of the list for fans the world over more than 40 years after his death.