In 1939, John Wayne deliberately “stayed as far away” from his co-star as possible. They then began a three-year secret affair

Marlene Dietrich reportedly chose John Wayne to star opposite her in the 1940 romantic film *Seven Sinners*, despite his being married. Their relationship began awkwardly: Dietrich joked that she wanted Wayne for Christmas, while he tried to keep his distance. The story says they later had a secret affair lasting three years, illustrating a lesser-known part of Wayne’s career and private life.

Actor Anna Lee recounted Dietrich’s remark in a book by James Bawden and Ron Miller. Director Henry Hathaway later described the affair as Hollywood’s worst-kept secret, saying the pair appeared together at nightspots, football games and prizefights. The article says the relationship came to light in 1943, when the FBI was monitoring Dietrich because of her German heritage; it also notes she had rejected Nazi approaches and supported refugees.