John Wayne

John Wayne’s Publicist Conned Him in the Most Hilarious Way

Actor John Wayne once had a publicist named Jim Heneghan who conned him in a hilarious way. This behavior initially slipped under his radar, but it would ultimately work its way into the Western star’s professional life. As a result, Wayne didn’t appreciate such behavior and had to handle that accordingly.

John Wayne had a close relationship with his publicist, Jim Henaghan

John Wayne, who was conned by his publicist. He's wearing his Western costume as John Elder in 'The Sons of Katie Elder' John Wayne as John Elder | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

Scott Eyman’s John Wayne: The Life and Legend explored a time when a publicist conned Wayne. The actor was incredibly close with Henaghan, whose company he greatly enjoyed. His publicist originally worked as a columnist for The Hollywood Reporter. He wrote some “admiring” articles about Wayne, which was a common way for a publicist to earn their keep. Additionally, Henaghan was the first husband of actor Gwen Verdon.

Wayne enjoyed his liquor and that was no secret. However, Henaghan was a great drinking buddy for the actor. The publicist could outdrink just about anybody under the table, including Wayne. This gained Henaghan a lot of respect in the eyes of Wayne.

Jim Henaghan conned John Wayne in a bet surrounding a dangerous stunt

38 years after his death, John Wayne ranked 4th in a Harris Poll ranking “America’s Favorite Movie Stars”. Now that’s lasting star power! Is the Duke your favorite Actor? pic.twitter.com/dyqfVfwtDx— John Wayne Official (@JohnDukeWayne) August 13, 2021

Eyman referred back to a story where Henaghan conned Wayne while they were in Acapulco. They watched the cliff divers jump off a ledge that dropped 200 feet down to the water. However, it was an incredibly dangerous jump that was very close to the jutting rocks below.

“I bet you a round of drinks I could do that,” Henaghan said to Wayne. However, the actor said that it was impossible and that the publicist would likely die in the process. Regardless, Wayne took the bet.

“Henaghan went down the steps, around a corner out of sight, found a diver and paid him to wear Henaghan’s swimming trunks,” Eyman wrote. “From a distance, all Wayne could see was a man with Henaghan’s build in Henaghan’s trunks climb out onto the ledge and make a perfect dive beyond the rocks.”

Eyman continued: “After the diver swam back to shore, Henaghan and he switched trunks again. Henaghan jumped in and out of the water, then climbed back up the steps to be greeted as a conquering hero.”

“You son of a b****, you really did it!” a conned Wayne said. In response, he bought drinks for everyone on the patio.

The actor and the publicist parted ways after he hired sex workers

Wayne worked incredibly hard directing The Alamo. It was a very personal project that he wanted to make just right. However, things didn’t quite go according to plan, according to Eyman. The publicist that conned Wayne joined The Alamo as a unit publicist. The actor agreed to pay Heneghan $100,000 or 2.5 percent of the profits of the movie.

Henaghan imported a lot of newspapermen, but Wayne’s confidante, Mary St. John, informed him that he was also importing sex workers to keep the writers entertained. However, these actions personally offended Wayne and they had an explosive argument. Henaghan ultimately left the production and the actor’s employment.

John Wayne

The Legend Lives On: John Wayne is Still Alive!

In a world where legends never fade, we can’t help but wonder: what if John Wayne, the iconic figure of American cinema, is still with us in spirit? The Duke, known for his larger-than-life roles and undeniable charisma, continues to inspire generations.

From his unforgettable performances in classics like “True Grit” and “The Searchers” to his indomitable spirit, Wayne’s essence is woven into the fabric of Hollywood and American culture. His rugged persona, moral fortitude, and unwavering courage resonate deeply, reminding us of the values he embodied.

While we may not see him on the silver screen today, Wayne’s legacy lives on through the countless actors he inspired and the stories he helped tell. His films are timeless, bringing joy and adventure to audiences around the world.

So, as we celebrate the enduring impact of John Wayne, let’s keep his spirit alive in our hearts. Whether you’re watching one of his classics or sharing a favorite quote, remember that the legend of John Wayne will never truly die. Here’s to the Duke—forever a part of our cinematic history!

John Wayne

Why John Wayne Turned Down the Chance to Work With Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood and John Wayne are the two biggest legends in the history of Western movies, however, they never worked together. The duo did have the opportunity to work together once in the 1970s. Here’s why the film never came to fruition.

How John Wayne responded when Clint Eastwood tried to work with him

Firstly, a little background. According to the book John Wayne: The Life and Legend, it all starts with Larry Cohen. Though Cohen is not a widely known director like Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino, he’s a huge name to fans of B movies. He directed famous B movies like The Stuff, Q: The Winged Serpent, It’s Alive, and God Told Me To. He also wrote a script called The Hostiles shortly after Eastwood released his classic High Plains Drifter.

The Hostiles was about a gambler who wins half of an estate of an older man. The gambler and the older man have to work together despite the fact that they don’t like each other. Eastwood optioned the screenplay with the intent of playing the gambler alongside Wayne as the older man.

Eastwood sent a copy of the script of The Hostiles to Wayne. Although Eastwood felt the script was imperfect, he saw its potential. However, Wayne was not interested. Eastwood pitched the film to Wayne a second time and Wayne responded with a letter. Wayne’s letter complained about High Plains Drifter. Wayne was offended by the film and its portrayal of the Old West as a cruel, violent place.

John Wayne

Ann-Margret Refused to Call John Wayne ‘Duke’ While Introducing 1 of His Movies

Ann-Margret once starred in one of John Wayne’s lesser-known movies. However, she refused to call him by his popular moniker Duke. Here’s a look at the film they made together — and why she declined to call him by a nickname.

The one time Ann-Margret and John Wayne made a movie together

Ann-Margret is probably most known for her work in musicals, specifically Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, and The Who’s Tommy. However, she also dabbled in the Western genre. She starred alongside Wayne in the mostly forgotten movie The Train Robbers.

Wayne was also known as The Duke or just Duke. According to USA Today, the nickname was derived from his childhood dog. It stuck with him for many years. It continues to be used today — even on the box covers of the DVDs for his movies.

John Wayne | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

During an interview with Interview Magazine, Ann-Margret explained why she didn’t refer to the Rio Bravo star by this famous name. “When I came to this country, first of all, mother and I didn’t know English,” she said. “I would curtsey, then say, ‘Thank you,’ and then when I was leaving, curtsey. For example, we went to Dallas to introduce a film I did with John Wayne. And I never called him Duke. I just couldn’t. That’s the way I was raised. When you meet someone, you say either Mr. or Mrs. or Miss. You stand up.”

Ann-Margret revealed she treated other famous people in much the same way. For example, she worked with director George Sidney on Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. She always called him Mr. Sidney.

What Ann-Margret thought about John Wayne

Ann-Margret refused to use Wayne’s most famous moniker. However, she had a positive view of the actor. During an interview with Fox News, she was asked what she expected when she met Wayne. “Oh, I didn’t know what to expect,” she revealed. “But when he hugged me, it’s like the world was hugging me. He was so big and wide with that booming voice.

“We were shooting in Durango, Mexico and my parents came down to visit me,” she added. “He was so great with my parents. So absolutely welcoming and gentle with them. And anybody who was great to my parents was on a throne in my eyes.”

How the world reacted to ‘The Train Robbers’

Wayne starred in many classic Westerns, including The Searchers, Stagecoach, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. However, The Train Robbers is mostly forgotten. It didn’t gain a cult following like Once Upon a Time in the West or Dead Man. It wasn’t a critical success either, garnering a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Ann-Margret had some fond memories of making the film — even if she refused to call Wayne by his famous nickname.