Josephine Wayne rose to fame as the ex-wife of John Wayne. Josephine’s ex-husband, John, was an American actor and filmmaker. Nicknamed Duke Wayne, John became a famous icon by starring in films made during Hollywood’s Golden Age, especially in Western and war movies.
Actor John Wayne’s professional life was hugely successful, with the beloved figure becoming one of the most iconic names in film history. However, his personal life didn’t record as much success. Although John married multiple times, Josephine Wayne was the first woman John took to the altar.
Hence, his marriage to Josephine was his first and the start of various unsuccessful, controversial marriages. Here’s a look into the life of Josephine Wayne, her marriage to the actor, her children, divorce, and cause of death.
Who Was John Wayne’s First Wife?
Josephine Wayne was born Josephine Sáenz in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas, United States, on May 13, 1908, to Jose Santos Saenz Macho and Alicia Acosta. According to reports, her father, Jose Saenz, was the Consul General of Panama in the United States and a wealthy businessman who lived in Los Angeles, California.
Hence, John Wayne’s first wife grew up in a wealthy home. However, she came into the limelight after marrying the renowned actor. Consequently, details about her early life elude the media. In addition, information regarding her educational background and achievements also remains a mystery.
However, the renowned actor’s first wife grew up in a stable home with her parents and siblings. While she cloaked her early life in secrecy, reports suggest she grew up in a Catholic home.
How Did Josephine Wayne and John Wayne Meet?
Josephine Wayne and John met through John’s friend, William Bakewell. At the time, John was a scholarship student at the University of Southern California in 1925, where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Shortly after sustaining an injury that saw him lose his scholarship, one of his fraternity brothers set him up on a blind date with a beautiful girl called Carmen Saenz.
After they had gone to the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa and returned to the girl’s home, John met her sister, Josephine, and he was immediately attracted to her. Consequently, John and Josephine started going out together. According to the late actor, Josephine was “unlike any other woman he had met;” she was classy and embodied intelligence, breeding, and composure.
Although John fell in love with Josephine quickly, the latter, on the other hand, was skeptical about him. Also, her family was not in full support of their relationship. In addition, the late actor’s reputation as a football player from a broken marriage who had lost his scholarship and was living in Glendale did not help his cause.
Since John and Josephine were from different social classes, many felt the former was punching above his weight. While Josephine’s parents liked that Wayne was sincere, Josephine was impressed by the actor’s looks. Hence, the former couple found a way to keep their relationship alive for years.
When Did John Wayne and His First Wife Tie the Knot?
In December 1932, Josephine and John Wayne announced their engagement. However, the former couple exchanged marital vows on June 24, 1933, at Loretta Young’s Bel Air home. According to reports, a priest from the Church of Immaculate Conception conducted their wedding ceremony. The then-couple had a private ceremony with their loved ones.
Some of the couple’s friends present at the ceremony include Henry Fonda and Grant Withers. In addition, the best men and ushers were from John’s Sigma Chi Fraternity brothers. After tying the knot, the new couple moved to a three-bedroom apartment in Hancock Park, close to the bride’s parents’ house, to be within her social circle.
When Did Josephine Wayne and John Wayne Divorce?
After twelve years of marriage, Josephine Wayne and John Wayne finalized their divorce in 1945. According to reports, Josephine restricted John’s access to her body after four kids because she did not want more. Hence, the actor started having an affair with his co-star, actress Marlene Dietrich and neglected Josephine.
Although his affairs were public knowledge, John Wayne’s first wife tried to keep their marriage together. Hence, she asked a priest, Father McCoy, to come to their home and counsel her husband about his extramarital affairs. However, they could not save their marriage.
Who Are Josephine Wayne’s Children?
Josephine Wayne welcomed four children from her marriage to the renowned “Red River” actor. Soon after their marriage, the lovebirds became parents when they welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1934. Two years later, the couple birthed Mary Antonia “Toni” in 1936. Afterward, John Wayne and his first wife had their second son and third child, Patrick, in 1939.
Lastly, the former couple welcomed Melinda in 1940. Like Josephine, most details about her children elude the media. However, of her children, only Patrick Wayne is still alive. Nonetheless, he lives away from the limelight. Aside from his children with Josephine, John had three more children with his second wife, Pilar Palette, Ethan, Aissa, and Marisa Wayne.
What Is Josephine Wayne’s Cause of Death?
Josephine Wayne died on June 24, 2003, in California, USA. The former celebrity spouse passed away from cancer, which she had been battling for some time. Following her divorce from the movie star, Josephine opted to live away from the public eye. Hence, Josephine’s life remained shrouded in secrecy till she passed on.
Like John Wayne’s first wife, another celebrity spouse whose story has gained media attention is Mitch McConnell’s first wife, Sherrill Redmon.