John Wayne has always been seen as a tough cowboy because of his films, values, and demeanor. However, at his final public appearance at the 1979 Academy Awards, he showed his softer side to everyone.
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The conservative, traditional values in Wayne’s movies were always a part of the actor himself. Bringing his real personality and preferences into his place in cinema is likely what made him the legend he is today.
Even his peers loved him, despite any political differences. After winning an Oscar for his lead performance in True Grit, Hollywood almost fully accepted the actor who had often been critiqued for playing himself in films. His work in other films, like Red River and The Shootist, were also acclaimed by many peers and critics.
Evidence of Wayne’s impact in the industry was his treatment during his final appearance at the 1979 Academy Awards. Wayne appeared on stage to announce the big winner for the night, the film that would win Best Picture. Candidates included The Deer Hunter, Coming Home, Midnight Express, An Unmarried Woman, and Heaven Can Wait.
The Deer Hunter was the winner for the evening–ironic, because Wayne himself was reported to dislike the film.
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were able to witness Wayne in one of his final public appearances for the industry. According to Michael Munn’s book, John Wayne: The Man Behind the Myth, the actor was looking far weaker due to his rapidly declining health at the time.
The infamous hug at the show was completed by Sammy Davis Jr. in the press room, following Wayne’s presentation on stage. Sammy wrapped Wayne in a bear hug, which was not a typical image seen in relation to the tough cowboy actor. Davis immediately thought he had made a mistake by hugging the superstar.
According to actress Ava Gardner, “Sammy felt really bad because he’d given Duke a really tight hug, not knowing that Duke was in such terrible pain.”
However, Wayne could not have been more pleased by the embrace from such an important old friend.
Sadly, Wayne passed away from stomach cancer only 2 months later, on June 11, 1979.
Previously, Wayne’s final film role was in The Shootist, where the star portrayed a dying man attempting to preserve his dignity. While echoing the sad events to come later, moviegoers and fellow actors alike knew that the story did not ring completely true to Wayne’s own.
Outside of Academy Awards, Wayne was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest honors a civilian could ever receive.
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Fans and friends all know just how special John Wayne and his contributions to Hollywood were. He was truly a man who defied stereotypes and proved his worth.
