Because it was written by Stewart to another Hollywood great. One of cinema's most iconic figures. The legendary John Wayne. Together they starred in three of the finest Westerns ever made: 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance', 'How the West Was Won', and 'The Shootist'.

Who was James Stewart best friend?

Henry Fonda and James Stewart were two of the biggest stars in Hollywood for forty years. They became friends and then roommates as stage actors in New York, and when they began making films in Hollywood, they roomed together again.

Did John Wayne know he was dying when he made The Shootist?

Wayne's portrayal of the character Books in "The Shootist" was influenced by his own personal experience with cancer, but he was not dying of cancer at the time of filming.

Who was John Wayne's true love?

In the book “John Wayne: The Life and Legend,” published in 2014, author Scott Eyman says Wayne had a three-year affair with Marlene Dietrich, but his romance with longtime friend Maureen O'Hara lasted even longer. Wayne and O'Hara starred in three films together, including 'The Quiet Man,” and became good friends.

What movie did John Wayne like the most?

Why John Wayne had DIFFICULTIES WORKING WITH JIMMY STEWART on the last movie he made "THE SHOOTIST"!

Were John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart friends?

Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne starred in three classic film together, and formed a lifelong friendship. The letter is written on Stewart's personal headed stationery. Although undated, it's believed Stewart sent this letter to Wayne on his birthday in May 1979.

Did John Wayne have a best friend?

Ward Bond. From their days on the gridiron at USC to the sets of John Ford films, John Wayne and Ward Bond were destined to become the best of friends.

What does John Wayne's grave say?

This is the same gravesite as some other incredible artists from over the years - including basketball player Kobe Bryant and singer Bobby Hatfield. Before his death, Wayne requested his gravestone have the words "Feo, Fuerte y Formal" etched on it - a Spanish epitaph which means "ugly, strong, and dignified".

What was John Wayne's cause of death?

He made his last public appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony on April 9, 1979, and died of stomach cancer two months later. In 1980, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the United States.

What was John Wayne's famous line?

1. "Whoa, take 'er easy there, Pilgrim." 2. "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway."

What was John Wayne's last words before he died?

As he deteriorated, Wayne was asked by Aissa whether he knew who she was. In his final words, he replied: "Of course, I know who you are. "You're my girl.

What was John Wayne's very last movie?

John Wayne's final film, The Shootist, serves as a reflection on his career and a study of the cyclical nature of violence in Westerns. Directed by Don Siegel, the film pushes boundaries with graphic violence and explores a more realistic depiction of the Wild West. Wayne's portrayal of gunslinger J.B.

Was James Stewart faithful?

He remained faithful to his wife Gloria Stewart throughout their marriage.

What were the last words of James Stewart?

"I'm going to be with Gloria now."

Said by Jimmy Stewart to his family just before dying in 1997, referring to his wife, Gloria, who had passed away three years earlier.

How many biological children did James Stewart have?

Married to his beloved Gloria for 45 years, the Stewarts had two sons (one killed in Vietnam) and twin daughters.

What was the poem at John Wayne's funeral?

A poem titled 'Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep' was read at John Wayne's funeral. The author is Mary Elizabeth Frye (1904 - ).

What did John Wayne suffer from?

Following The Shootist, he planned to star in a new film with Ron Howard called Beau John, but health problems intervened. In January of 1979, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which led to his death in June of the same year.

Did John Wayne meet Wyatt Earp?

Bottom line: Earp and Wayne never met. Anything Wayne knew about the real Earp came to him secondhand from Ford during their 25-year working relationship. Their encounter is only a charming Hollywood fable. Nonetheless, Earp and Wayne did share several qualities.

Was Clint Eastwood friends with John Wayne?

John Wayne and Clint Eastwood never shared the screen in a Western film due to an off-screen feud initiated by Wayne, who did not hold favorable opinions of Eastwood.

Why didn't John Wayne serve in ww2?

Wayne never enlisted and even filed for a 3-A draft deferment, which meant that if the sole provider for a family of four were drafted, it would cause his family undue hardship. The closest he ever came to World War II service was portraying the actions of others on the silver screen.

Was John Wayne in the military?

Odds are that when someone mentions John Wayne, they're either thinking about western movies or some old war film. The actor John Wayne never served in the U.S. military, but the classic "John Wayne" served through World War II, the Korean War and in Vietnam, right up until the early 1980s.