logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Closer Weekly: Here's What John Wayne's Kids Had to Say to Protect His Legacy Amid Racist Allegations

Odette Odendaal
Aug 07, 2020
08:00 A.M.

Academy Award-winning actor, John Wayne's legacy, took a recent hit when "white supremacy" comments he made during an interview in 1971 resurfaced. Now, his children spoke up in his defense.

Advertisement

Marisa Wayne, now 54 years old, is one of John Wayne's seven children, and she not in agreement with the recent picture painted of her father.

Speaking with Closer Weekly, Marisa said that her father had a strong opinion about most things, but he did respect others even if they didn't agree with his perspective.

Advertisement

Rejecting the "right-wing" tough guy image of John Wayne that took shape, Marisa added that he could stand back and look at both sides of a situation without judgment. The negative view of the legendary actor came about when his 1971 interview with Playboy resurfaced.

The reaction to the interview caused protests at California's School of Cinematic Arts until the organization agreed to remove a John Wayne tribute.

Advertisement

Additionally, a movement took shape to rename John Wayne Airport. The part of the interview that got people upset is when he said:

“I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. Our so-called stealing of this country was a matter of survival."

Advertisement

John Wayne frequented the silver screen for decades from the 1930s, and another one of his daughters, Aissa, told the publication that her father actually "loved people" and that he "cared about his fellow human beings."

The kids lost their father on June 11, 1979, aged 72, and his son Ethan was adamant in a statement that his father "was not a racist."

Advertisement

The year before he died, John Wayne got diagnosed with stomach cancer, and Ethan went on to say that his father believed that everyone deserved an opportunity to prove themselves, and added:

"He called out bigotry when he saw it. He hired and worked with people of all races, creeds and sexual orientations."

John Wayne at home with his children Ethan, Aissa, and Marisa circa 1969. | Source: Getty Images.

John Wayne at home with his children Ethan, Aissa, and Marisa circa 1969. | Source: Getty Images.

Ethan, Aissa, and Marisa are all John Wayne's children with his third wife Pilar Pallete, and the legendary has another four children with his first ex-wife.

John married Pilar in 1954 shortly after his relationship with his second wife, Esperanza Baur Diaz Ceballos, came to an end. His first marriage was to Josephine Saenz.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Marisa Tomei Has Never Had a Husband or Been Engaged as Rumored

December 07, 2023

Diana Lasso Is Wayne Brady’s First Wife Whom He Described as ‘A Great Person’

December 22, 2023

John Candy’s Lookalike Daughter Celebrates 44th Birthday & ‘Father Shines Through’ in Her Smile in a Pic

February 08, 2024

John Candy’s Lookalike Daughter Celebrates 44th Birthday & ‘Father Shines Through’ in Her Smile in a Pic

February 05, 2024

Joanne Woodward Turns 94: Inside Her Private Life after Retreating from Public Eye Due to Alzheimer's

February 29, 2024

Marlynn Myers Was John Wayne Gacy's Wife: Inside Their Marriage

December 06, 2023

Clementine Jane Hawke: More about Ethan Hawke's Daughter

November 28, 2023

This Girl Became a Famous Actress & Experienced Harsh Criticism for Her Look - Later She Surprised Everyone with Her Changes

February 23, 2024

John Travolta's Daughter Lost Weight & Looks Like Her Mom – She Makes Dad Proud Following in His Footsteps

February 21, 2024

John Travolta's Daughter Lost Weight & Looks Like Her Mom – She Makes Dad Proud Following in His Footsteps

February 20, 2024

Michael Jackson’s Nephew Looks Like His 'Perfect Recreation' in a New Photo

February 14, 2024

5 Celebrities Who Cut Their Kids Out of their Wills

January 30, 2024

I Installed Hidden Cameras in My House - I Was So Disgusted by What I Saw That I Contemplated Revenge

January 26, 2024

I Overheard My Husband and MIL Whispering at Night, and It Completely Changed My Life

March 04, 2024