Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Michael Wayne: Meet John Wayne’s Eldest Son

Michael Wayne: Meet John Wayne's Eldest Son
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Being the eldest son among John Wayne’s children, Michael Wayne has experienced both the good and bad sides of having a famous father. He had enjoyed different opportunities for his career but saw the evil side of it because changing wives or partners is a common thing because of his father’s environment. Nevertheless, he has a significant contribution to the American big screen. Get to know more about him below.

He was a film producer and actor

His impressive filmography includes “The Quiet Man,” “The Conqueror,” “The Alamo,” and “Chisum,” among others. In his early years in the entertainment industry, he became an apprentice to Bob Morrison, the assistant director of John Wayne’s “Hondo” film. Meanwhile, his brothers became an assistant to the property master, Joe La Bella.

He was a Sagitarrius

Born on November 23, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, USA, he was a Sagittarius, and his zodiac sign element was Fire. He was the eldest son of John Wayne to the actor’s first wife, Josephine Alicia Saenz, the daughter of a socially prominent Latina family living in Los Angeles. 

Michael Wayne had three half-siblings

They were a total of seven children. He had three half-siblings who were Ethan Wayne, Aissa Wayne, and Marisa Wayne. Meanwhile, Patrick Wayne, Mary Antonia Wayne LaCava, and Melinda Wayne Munoz share the same mother as Michael. Although he accepted all of his siblings, Michael has never forgotten how John Wayne abandoned his mother and was harsh to his father.

Michael was married for 45 years

Michael only had one spouse in his life, unlike his father and some of his siblings. Gretchen Wayne has been married to Michael Wayne since August 30, 1958, until his death on April 2, 2003. They had five children together, namely Alicia, Josephine, Maria, Christopher, and Teresa.

Michael Wayne has a net worth ranging from $1 million to $10 million

His net worth came mostly from producing films. Michael earned a reputation of being a good businessman and served on the Motion Picture & Television Fund board. Moreover, he became the chairman of the board and president of The John Wayne Foundation. His other endeavors also added to his millions.

Have you seen any movies produced by Michael Wayne?

Latest Stories

“How Great Thou Art”: The Last Duet of the Bluegrass Duo Joey + Rory

“How Great Thou Art”: The Last Duet of the Bluegrass Duo Joey + Rory

In 2016, the bluegrass duo Joey + Rory released their version of the hit gospel song “How Great Thou Art” as part of their album, Hymns.  The song was originally ...

Rory Feek Said “I Do” Again Eight Years After the Death of His Wife, Joey

Rory Feek Said “I Do” Again Eight Years After the Death of His Wife, Joey

Country singer Rory Feek is starting a new chapter of his life with his 10-year-old daughter, Indiana, and his now wife, Rebecca. The two tied the knot last July 14, ...

3 Mind-blowing Facts about Country Legend Jack Greene

3 Mind-blowing Facts about Country Legend Jack Greene

In almost forty decades of his career, Jack Greene was widely known as a talented performer. He can play drums and guitar and sings incredibly well—undoubtedly one of the greatest ...

Don Gibson’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” Reveals Tragic, Unyielding Love

Don Gibson’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” Reveals Tragic, Unyielding Love

You have probably heard several versions of “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and couldn’t pinpoint who owns the original. Lucky for you, Don Gibson is generous enough to share the ...

Trisha Yearwood's Emotional "We Shall Be Free" Tribute

Trisha Yearwood’s Emotional “We Shall Be Free” Tribute

In her American flag printed white tee shirt, country singer Trisha Yearwood commemorates the September 11, 2001 attacks in an uplifting cover of “We Shall be Free” by her husband, ...

Meaning Behind George Jones’ “Lord, You’ve Been Mighty Good to Me”

A Peak Through George Jones Life With “Lord, You’ve Been Mighty Good To Me”

In 1965, country singer George Jones released one of his best gospel songs, “Lord, You’ve Been Mighty Good to Me,” as part of his album Old Brush Arbors.  Unlike other ...

Celebrate The Birth of Jesus with Gaither Vocal Band’s Song “The Glorious Impossible”

Celebrate The Birth of Jesus with Gaither Vocal Band’s Song “The Glorious Impossible”

In 2006, country music band Gaither Vocal Band released the gospel song “The Glorious Impossible” as part of their album Give It Away.  Known for producing and releasing authentic Southern ...

More Than a Cover: Unveiling Loretta Lynn's Unique "Ten Thousand Angels"

More Than a Cover: Unveiling Loretta Lynn’s Unique “Ten Thousand Angels”

In 1968, Loretta Lynn released one of the most soulful renditions of the hit gospel song “Ten Thousand Angels” as part of her album, Who Says God Is Dead!  The ...

Ingrid Andress Checks into Rehab After Viral National Anthem Performance at MLB Home Run Derby

Ingrid Andress Checks into Rehab After Viral National Anthem Performance at MLB Home Run Derby

Four-time Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress became a hot topic on social media after her performance of the national anthem during the opening of the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby ...

Top 30 Country Songs This Week

Top 30 Country Songs This Week (July 21, 2024)

Check out this week’s most popular hit country music with our top 30 country songs of 2024. Stay up-to-date with the latest hits that everyone is talking about. Here Are ...