Date of Birth: February 1, 1894
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: August 31, 1973
Biography
John Ford, born John Martin Feeney, was an American film director renowned for his work in Westerns and the development of the genre. He was born on February 1, 1894, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA. Ford’s career spanned over five decades, during which he directed more than 140 films, including classics like “Stagecoach” (1939), “The Grapes of Wrath” (1940), “How Green Was My Valley” (1941), “The Searchers” (1956), and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962). He is widely regarded as one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema and has won four Academy Awards for Best Director, a record that still stands. Ford’s films often explored themes of rugged individualism, the frontier spirit, and the complexities of American identity. He passed away on August 31, 1973, in Palm Desert, California, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about John Ford
1. John Ford was the first director to win four Academy Awards for Best Director.
2. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and directed several important wartime documentaries, including “The Battle of Midway” (1942).
3. Ford was known for his collaborations with actors John Wayne and Henry Fonda, making several iconic films with both.
4. He often shot on location and was particularly fond of Monument Valley, which became a signature setting in many of his Westerns.
5. Despite his gruff exterior and tough demeanor, Ford was known for his deep sense of loyalty to his cast and crew.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Ford
1. “My name is John Ford. I make Westerns.”
2. “You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.”
3. “When in doubt, make a Western.”
4. “It’s no use talking to me about art, I make pictures to pay the rent.”
5. “The main thing about directing is: photograph the people’s eyes.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, John Ford’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, a considerable sum for his time.
Children
John Ford had two children with his wife, Mary McBryde Smith: a son named Patrick Ford and a daughter named Barbara Ford.
Relevant Links
1. [John Ford – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ford
2. [IMDb – John Ford](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000406/
3. [The Criterion Collection – John Ford](https://www.criterion.com/shop/collection/236-john-ford
5. [John Ford on Turner Classic Movies](http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/61728%7C86628/John-Ford/
