This article was originally published on Lizanest.com
Tracing back to the silent film era and peaking during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the Western genre stood uniquely, filled with rugged landscapes and robust storylines. Actors became icons, embodying the spirit of the frontier through riveting performances in the roles of cowboys, bandits, and lawmen. Remember the exemplary talents like John Wayne to Charles Bronson, who lived the cowboy dream on screen, captivating audiences worldwide with their authentic portrayals.
#1: John Wayne
Before starring in 1939’s Stagecoach, John Wayne was a lesser-known, B-grade actor. Post-Stagecoach, he became the definitive Western cowboy, influencing the genre with over 140 films, including iconic titles like The Longest Day, Red River, and True Grit.
John Wayne’s influence on Hollywood is undeniable. Through 83 Westerns, he embodied America’s frontier spirit as cowboys and cavalries, symbolizing the nation’s mythology, as highlighted by biographer Ronald Davis, who emphasizes Wayne’s impact on America’s cultural landscape.