Do you realize how many times John Wayne's name comes up in the news? Not because they are talking about him specifically, but because they are making a reference to what he represented (and still represents!) to many. How many mentions do you think there are of Cary Grant's name on a weekly basis, in the news or media? Don't get me wrong - I love Cary Grant, but I don't think he has the same impact on our culture as John Wayne, and the many mentions of his name in the media on almost a continuous basis bear that out.
Here is an example, from the University of Dayton's independent student newspaper, the Flyer News.
How about this one, from National Review Online?
John Wayne lives on, long after his death!
Mrs. C