None of John Wayne's show-business friendships were as enduring, or as entertaining, as the kinship he forged with two men he met around the same time—character actor Ward Bond and director John Ford.

Who was John Wayne's closest friends?

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.

Were John Wayne and Robert Mitchum good friends?

Besides being good friends Wayne and Mitchum were both known for being able to drink just about anyone else in the film business under the table and still report to work in the morning, lines letter perfect.

Who was John Wayne's favorite co star?

In fact, Wayne's most beloved co-star wasn't even a human being but was, in fact, a horse by the name of Dollor. Dollor starred with Wayne in each of his final movies, beginning with 1971's Big Jake and ending with his final ever film appearance in The Shootist by Don Siegel, released in 1976.

Were John Wayne and Dean Martin friends?

They followed this up with the 1965 western The Sons of Katie Elder, playing two brothers in the flick. And after these two films, the pair became close, and it led to Wayne once roasting Martin in a speech.

John Wayne, Rio Bravo - Chance Has the Best Friends (Movie Clips)

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.

Was Henry Fonda friends with John Wayne?

Was good friends with John Wayne from the time they were part of the director John Ford's stock company. Henry's son, Peter Fonda, in his autobiography, said that Henry had some trouble with the Duke and fellow Ford film co-star Ward Bond over politics, as the two were definitely to his father's right.

Who was John Wayne's mentor?

Finally, his old mentor John Ford gave Wayne his big break, casting him in his brilliant 1939 western, Stagecoach.

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.

Did John Wayne know he was dying while shooting the Shootist?

It is unknown if John Wayne was aware that he was dying of cancer when he agreed to film The Shootist; whatever the case, the film is a powerful valedictory to a remarkable man and a fabulous career.

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.

Was Ward Bond John Wayne's best friend?

One of John Wayne's greatest friends, was character actor/supporting player Ward Bond (1903 - 1960).

Who was John Wayne's best friend Ernie Saftig?

Ernie Saftig was one of John Wayne's longest and closest friends. Ernie was there for many big life events including when Duke met his wife, Pilar, acquiring the Wild Goose, filming the Alamo, and raising their children together. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Ernie's son, Tom Saftig.

What was John Wayne's most famous line?

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.

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".

Did John Wayne leave his money to his children?

Wayne left $10,000 to Mary St. John, who was his secretary for many years, and $30,000 to Pat Stacy, his secretary at his death. The actor left to each of his seven children the sum of $5,000 multiplied by the difference between age 21 and the child's age at Mr. Wayne's death.

Did Lauren Bacall and John Wayne get along?

Bacall and Wayne were good friends who starred together in Blood Alley and Wayne's final film The Shootist. A touching letter from one of Hollywood's greatest stars to another, sent to Wayne just a month before his death in June 1979.

Did Audrey Hepburn play with John Wayne?

All that it cares about is providing Hepburn and Wayne with a half-dozen 'big scenes' together ... What few pleasures are contained in 'Rooster Cogburn' occur when Hepburn and Wayne simply and silently look at each other with affection.