Sadly, John Wayne did not do well in real life, not like his John Wayne movies that were winning. He got wed three times then divorced two of his wives.
Despite of his wives and family he has many famous affairs as well, although some of them were just rumors. During beginning of his career, his movies have not get too much fame. Nevertheless when we say John Wayne Westerns we picture the most dazzling star at the sky. Later, John Wayne movie list started to grow and become countless.
Eventually he drowned himself to alcohol and cigarettes. His life become miserable because of his own ways. In 1964 he was diagnosed of lung cancer hence he went under a very complicated surgery where his lung was pulled out.
Nevertheless when he was going under health treatment he quit smoking and chew tobacco instead but returned to his bad habit when he recovered. Apparently, his smoking habits caused him to be sick. At long last John Wayne is a versatile person because he is a player, actor and director.
Additional Source:
John Wayne - Legendary Western Movies Actor