To kick off this blog I thought I would point out some interesting news that has recently popped. On Jan. 29 the annual Harris Poll of America’s Favorite Movie Stars came out. Again, a familiar name from Newport Beach was on the list (and has regularly made the cut since the survey began in 1994). Tied this year with Will Smith for the number three spot is perennial favorite, and longtime Newport Beach visitor and resident, John Wayne.
Although he passed away 30 years ago this June, John Wayne still occupies a rock-solid place on the pop culture landscape with consistently selling films on DVD and an omnipresence like no other star of the golden age of Hollywood – there seemingly is always a John Wayne film playing on broadcast cable somewhere in the U.S.
Here in Newport Beach, it’s as if John Wayne never left us. Today, fans and admirers can still walk in his boot steps by visiting numerous locales throughout the city he once called home.
Wayne lived in Newport Beach from 1965 – 1979 and was a frequent visitor before taking up residence. Newport was also homeport to his incredible yacht Wild Goose (a converted U.S. Navy minesweeper). The impressive all-wooden vessel is currently owned by Hornblower Cruises and Events and is available for charters in Newport Harbor.
Other locales throughout town where you can catch a bit of Wayne’s mystique include The Balboa Bay Club & Resort (where Wayne was a longtime member), Balboa Pavilion, The Cannery, 21 Oceanfront, The Galley Café and A Restaurant (formerly The Arches and now co-owned by Hollywood director McG and singer/TV host Mark McGrath).
According to legend, it was at The Wedge, the world famous bodysurfing spot at the tip of Newport Harbor, that back in the mid-1920s a young John Wayne (then a Trojan at USC) suffered an injury to his shoulder while bodysurfing, ending his football dreams and hastening his impressive 50-year Hollywood career, which included over 175 films, two Oscar nominations and one Academy Award win for Best Actor (True Grit, 1969).
It seems that most movie fans have a favorite John Wayne film. Mine is The Quiet Man. I would be curious to know what yours might be? If we have any blog readers who are longtime Newport Beach residents it would be great if you could share your stories of any personal encounters with “Duke” (Wayne’s popular nickname).
Tags: John Wayne, Newport Beach History, Newport Beach Resident
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
Hello !!!! ^_^
My name is Piter Kokoniz. Just want to tell, that I like your blog very much!
And want to ask you: what was the reason for you to start this blog?
Sorry for my bad english:)
Thank you:)
Piter Kokoniz, from Latvia
There are so many….why choose just one favorite? Hmmm….Donovan’s Reef is a great movie that is often overlooked.
Anyway, great article. I think EVERYONE should visit Newport Beach at least once in their lifetime….more if you are a true John Wayne fan!
A few years back I was in OC and went to a seafood restaurant on the water, with a table labeled “John Wayne’s Table”. I loved the ambiance. I am trying to find this restaurant for an upcoming trip with my wife. Assistance would be greatly appriciated.
Hi Eric,
Not sure of that exact table you’re seekeing but maybe if you have time, treat your wife to the Balboa Bay Club for an afternoon lunch, or maybe even an evening dinner then a drink in “DUKES”, named for John Wayne himself.
He spent alot of time there being a member when the resort of totally private and a get-away for the Hollywood rich and famous.
It’s a fabulous place to explore and the hallways have some great vintage photos hung on the walls of some of the great Hollywood legends, like John Wayne and many others that have stayed there in the past.
You can find more here on the resort.
http://www.balboabayclub.com
Enjoy!
Hi Eric,
Not sure of that exact table you’re seekeing but maybe if you have time, treat your wife to the Balboa Bay Club for an afternoon lunch, or maybe even an evening dinner then a drink in “DUKES”, named for John Wayne himself.
He spent alot of time there being a member when the resort was totally private and a get-away for the Hollywood rich and famous.
It’s a fabulous place to explore and the hallways have some great vintage photos hung on the walls of some of the great Hollywood legends, like John Wayne and many others that have stayed there in the past.
You can find more here on the resort.
http://www.balboabayclub.com
Enjoy!
I had the pleasure of working with John Wayne on location. See pictures on Website: BartonMacLeod.com
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