John Payne began his career playing a small role in the William Wyler movie "Dodsworth" (1936). In 1938 he got a role in the comedy "College Swing", directed by Raoul Walsh. He appeared on Broadway from 1935 to 1939. His first starring role was playing a boxer Steve Nelson in "Kid Nightingale" (1939), directed by George Amy. John Payne work with Randolph Scott and Maureen O'Hara in the war movie "To the Shores of Tripoli" (1942), directed by H. Bruce Humberstone. 