John Wayne, a prominent figure in the film industry, was known for his portrayal of reserved characters on screen and his seemingly non-playboy demeanor in real life. However, behind the scenes, his personal life took unexpected turns.

Despite his on-screen image, Wayne was married three times, yet none of his marriages brought him lasting satisfaction. His first wife, Josephine Saenz, hailed from Pasadena’s high society. Their marriage was fraught with Wayne’s infidelity, including a notable affair with Marlene Dietrich, his co-star, which eventually led to their divorce after twelve years and four children together.

Following his divorce from Saenz, Wayne wed Esperanza Baur Diaz Ceballos, despite the warnings of his friends. Their passionate relationship eventually deteriorated, with Ceballos descending into alcoholism and objecting to Wayne’s alleged affair with Gail Russell. The couple, who had no children together, ended their marriage amidst constant arguments and threats.

Shortly after his divorce from Ceballos, Wayne found love once more with Pilar Pallete, a woman of Peruvian descent. Despite their significant age difference and Pallete’s struggle to adapt to Hollywood life, they married in 1954. Although Wayne was deeply in love with her, their marriage faced challenges due to Pallete’s strong-willed nature, leading to their separation in 1973, though they never officially divorced.

Wayne’s relationships with his three wives may have been tumultuous, but his role as a father was commendable. He shared a close bond with his seven children, each of whom navigated their unique paths despite the complexities of their parents’ relationships.

Michael, Wayne’s eldest child, maintained a close relationship with his father, even working alongside him in the film industry and later becoming the president of the John Wayne Foundation. His sister, Mary Antonia, also appeared in some of her father’s films before embracing a more private life with her own family.

Patrick, Wayne’s third child with Saenz, followed in his father’s footsteps with a successful acting career. His daughter, Melinda, had a brief stint in acting before settling down and raising her own family.

With Pallete, Wayne had three more children. Aissa pursued a career in law after starting out as a child actress. Marisa, like her siblings, appeared in films as a child but chose to focus on family life later on. Ethan, Wayne’s youngest son, shared a special bond with his father, cherishing memories of their time together despite the age difference.

Wayne’s children have continued to honor his memory since his passing, despite controversies surrounding his views on race. While some have defended him against accusations of racism, others have focused on his contributions to the entertainment industry and his philanthropic efforts through the John Wayne Foundation.