John Wayne was one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history, known for his roles in Westerns and war movies. He was also a father of seven children from three marriages. But did he have a secret daughter named Marilyn Wayne, who witnessed the mysterious death of actress Natalie Wood in 1981? This article will explore the rumor and reveal the truth behind the alleged relationship between John and Marilyn Wayne.
Who is Marilyn Wayne?
Marilyn Wayne was an actress who appeared in a few TV shows in the 1960s, such as The Virginian and Wagon Train. She was also a witness to the drowning of Natalie Wood, who died on November 29, 1981, while on a yacht trip with her husband Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken. Marilyn claimed that she heard a woman screaming for help from the water that night, but her calls were ignored by the yacht’s crew. She also said that she received threatening notes after the incident, warning her to keep quiet about what she saw.
Is She John Wayne’s Daughter?
The rumor that Marilyn Wayne was John Wayne’s daughter started in 2012, when a tabloid magazine published a story claiming that John had an affair with Marilyn’s mother, actress Jeanne Bates, in the late 1940s. The magazine alleged that John paid child support to Jeanne until Marilyn turned 18, and that he kept in touch with his daughter throughout his life. The magazine also claimed that Marilyn inherited $50 million from John’s estate after his death in 1979.
However, there is no evidence to support these claims. Neither John nor Marilyn ever confirmed or denied the rumor, and no official documents or DNA tests have been produced to prove their biological connection. Moreover, John’s family and friends have denied the rumor, saying that it was a fabrication by the tabloid to sell more copies. According to John’s son Patrick Wayne, who is also an actor, he never heard of Marilyn Wayne or Jeanne Bates before the story came out. He also said that his father was faithful to his wives and never had any illegitimate children.
Conclusion
The rumor that Marilyn Wayne was John Wayne’s daughter is most likely false, based on the lack of evidence and the denial by John’s family. Marilyn Wayne was an actress who witnessed Natalie Wood’s death, but she had no relation to John Wayne, who was one of the biggest movie stars of his time. The rumor was probably created by a tabloid magazine to exploit the public’s interest in John Wayne and Natalie Wood.
