John Wayne (1907 - 1979) was an iconic American actor and filmmaker from Winterset, Iowa. He emerged as a symbol of rugged masculinity and the quintessential cowboy persona in Hollywood's Golden Age. His career spanned over five decades, during which he starred in over 170 films, including classics such as "Stagecoach", "The Searchers", and "True Grit", for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Off-screen, Wayne was known for his patriotism and conservative political views, earning him the nickname "Duke." He was a staunch supporter of American values and often portrayed characters reflecting those ideals on screen. Despite controversies surrounding his views and roles, his impact on American cinema and popular culture remains indelible as one of the most enduring symbols of the American West and cinematic heroism.
Wayne visited the Steer while filming in Vegas in the 1960s, enjoying a good steak and a glass of bourbon in Booth 25 - which we've named in his honor.
Image Credits:
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
