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John Wayne’s final film co-star recalls ‘very real, honest and touching’ Hollywood legend – My Blog

John Wayne’s final movie The Shootist (which is on ITV4 today) hit cinemas in 1976, just three years before he died.For the past 15 years, Duke had been struggling with severe health problems after having had a cancerous lung and some ribs removed in 1964.The Western legend would tenaciously work through action sequences, often relying on an oxygen mask he kept secret so as not to taint his macho cinematic image.By the time he played a cancer-stricken cowboy in his last movie, he was briefly in remission yet he would be hospitalised during production.The 69-year-old struggled with The Shootist’s high altitude set in Carson City and ended up being hospitalised for two weeks with influenza.Duke’s co-stars included the likes of Lauren Bacall, James Stewart and a young Ron Howard. Meanwhile, Rick Lenz played Dan Dobkins, a reporter for the Carson Morning Appeal.

john and rick in the shootistJohn Wayne and Rick Lenz in The Shootist (Image: PP)
Speaking previously with Express.co.uk, the 84-year-old remembered: “I enjoyed working with him. My sequences were separated because he got pneumonia and was in the hospital for two weeks after we shot our first scene. But my memory is that during the two sequences I worked on the film, as far as playing John Bernard Books was concerned, he was fully present. Much of the time we weren’t shooting, he stood outside on the set for the Widow’s house. He dominated the yard like an oak tree in a cabbage patch.”The actor then went on to dispel an old rumour about Duke on set. Lenz shared: “I’ve heard that because of his illness he was short-tempered during the filming of The Shootist. I never saw that. He and the director, Don Siegel, were at odds about how to shoot this Western, but I never saw that either. Wayne seemed to like me. I think that was mostly because I was good casting for the role and I knew my lines. He was a professional and always valued such things.“I think the thing that surprised me most was what a good actor he was. My memories of him came largely from seeing him in Westerns when I was a kid. When I went to New York to become an actor, he was not exactly what the acting school maestros referred to as a fine actor. It took me a while to learn that that was a pretty limited definition.“There was something about Wayne’s personality that I think was basically uncomfortable in front of a camera. But I understand that he had always worked on himself to become a better actor. The kind of off-balance thing about him never went away, and the result was, I think, that he was very real and honest. Certainly, as John Bernard Books in The Shootist, he was real and very touching.”wayne pointing gunJohn Wayne in The Shootist (Image: GETTY)

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‘Australia’s most sexually active woman’ reveals outrageous bedroom goal for 2025

A woman who has been dubbed the “most sexually active woman” in Australia has set her sights on a big goal for 2025.

You’ve probably heard of Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips attempting to break outrageous records in the bedroom – and Annie Knight has now thrown her hat into the ring too.

“When I watched that clip of Lily crying and everyone was saying, ‘Oh my god, this poor girl,’ I just thought, well, she’s been getting railed all day by 100 different guys… imagine putting your body through that,” Knight told Metro.

“Yes, it’s emotionally taxing, but isn’t that like any job?” she added. “Everyone has moments where they’re like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this anymore.’ You do get really stressed. She’d be exhausted; her body would be exhausted. When you’re tired, your emotions are high.”

Knight also noted that some of the men involved in Phillips’ session were reportedly rude to her, emphasizing that dealing with negativity can be challenging in any profession.

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Sophia Loren timeless beauty

Enjoy in timeless beauty of Sophia Loren:

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3738621 Sophia Loren (b/w photo); (add.info.: Sophia Loren (b.1934) Italian actress); © SZ Photo; .

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Justin Baldoni Responds to Bombshell Blake Lively Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events in the entertainment industry, actor and director Justin Baldoni has addressed the recent lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively. The legal battle has become a hot topic among fans and media alike, stirring discussions about celebrity relationships, professional ethics, and the implications of such lawsuits in Hollywood.

### Background of the Lawsuit

Blake Lively, known for her roles in popular series such as “Gossip Girl” and movies like “A Simple Favor,” has made headlines not only for her acting career but also for her high-profile marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit reportedly stems from a conflict regarding alleged contractual obligations and personal disputes related to an upcoming project that both actors were involved in. Details of the suit indicate it revolves around claims of breach of contract and defamation, which have raised eyebrows in the industry.

### Justin Baldoni’s Response

Responding to the ongoing situation, Baldoni, who is recognized for his roles in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial work, expressed his thoughts on social media. “I believe in the power of dialogue and resolution,” Baldoni stated in his post. He emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts in a constructive manner, stating, “This industry is filled with passionate people, and sometimes passions lead to misunderstandings. I hope we can all find a way to resolve this amicably.”

In his response, Baldoni also highlighted the significance of mental health, reinforcing that navigating legal disputes can take a toll on the individuals involved. He encouraged fans to be supportive rather than speculative, urging them to focus on the positive aspects of the artistic community rather than sensationalism.

### Industry Reactions

The news of the lawsuit and Baldoni’s response have generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While many fans have rallied behind both actors, showing support and understanding, others have expressed concerns about the potential fallout from such legal disputes in an industry already facing scrutiny for various ethical concerns.

Industry insiders have noted that lawsuits in Hollywood are not uncommon but underscore deeper issues related to relationships between collaborators and the pressures of fame. Several celebrities have come forward expressing a desire for more transparency and communication within the industry to avoid such conflicts.

### Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have their supporters, and the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. For now, the entertainment industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only reflects mutual respect but also encourages healthier collaborations in the future. In an age where public perceptions can shift rapidly, the importance of handling disputes with grace and dignity is more crucial than ever.

The legal proceedings will likely continue to attract attention, and audiences are left to wonder what this means for future collaborations in Hollywood. As fans await further developments, the emphasis lies on understanding and the potential for growth from this challenging chapter in both actors’ careers.

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