Madison
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Famous Residents
Robert James Waller was born August 1, 1939 in Rockford, Iowa. Waller has never been a resident of Madison County, but Waller’s novel, The Bridges of Madison County, so changed the area, it justifies adding Mr. Waller to this section. Waller received his doctorate in business and taught at the University of Northern Iowa before launching his writing career. In 1992, The Bridges of Madison County sold more than 60 million copies making it the best-selling fiction book of all time. Waller continues to produce best-selling novels as well as write music and practice photography, his other talents.
John Wayne was born May 28, 1907 as Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset,
Iowa. Four years later the Morrison’s moved to California. After
high school, he attended the University of Southern California and worked
at local film studios as a prop man. His prop duties soon changed to
small acting roles and by 1930, Wayne had his first starring role in “The
Big Trail.” He continued to appear in films and in 1939 his role
in “Stagecoach” made him a star. Wayne appeared in 142 motion
pictures and became an American icon with his popular roles in western
and war movies. “The Duke” was diagnosed with lung cancer
in 1964 and lived until June 11, 1979.