I've always held a special fondness for John Wayne, having grown up watching his films during weekend movie marathons with my mom. This nostalgic longing drew me to Maurice Zolotow’s biography, Shooting Star, in search of a deeper understanding of the man born Marion Morrison.

Shooting Star unfolds the life of John Wayne with a story as compelling as one of his classic films. From his upbringing in the California desert to his days at USC, and from his early work as a property master and stuntman to his rise as an A-list star, Zolotow captures the essence of John Wayne’s prolific career with gripping and detailed storytelling. Through ups and downs, rich and poor periods, and an impressive tally of more than 135 movie credits, the biography shines a light on lesser-known facets of his life, including his tumultuous marriages, his friendship with Howard Hughes, and the challenges faced during the production of movies like Jet Pilot, The Alamo, In Harm's Way, and The Green Berets.

One of the more striking aspects of Zolotow's work is how it portrays Wayne's embodiment of the American spirit—resilient, determined, and fiercely individualistic. This spirit is vividly illustrated through his choice of film roles and personal beliefs, making him (at least to me) a quintessential American icon.

As a leader, Wayne's style was less about overt command and more about leading by example. His integrity and grit on film sets commanded respect and fostered a collective effort, reflecting his deep commitment to his craft—a quality that transcends the boundaries of the film industry and offers unexpected insights in a movie star biography.

The story also delves into Wayne's ability to navigate his personal adversities and his continuous journey towards personal development, which are inspirational. His three marriages and many relationships reveal a man who managed his personal life with as much passion and complexity as his roles.

Shooting Star is not just a biography but a map of lessons gleaned from Wayne's life—lessons on resilience, leadership, and integrity. Although the narrative occasionally has its dry points, these are few and far between. The richness of Wayne's life story more than compensates for these moments, satisfying my curiosity and deepening my appreciation for John Wayne. Zolotow has ensured that the Duke will remain not just a towering figure in Hollywood, but in my eyes as well.

A read I highly recommend.

OK biography of John Wayne, the Western movie star. ( )