Tag Archives: John Wayne

What Really Killed John Wayne?

As I was writing my last blog, in which I mentioned a new statue honoring John Wayne, I started thinking about a rumor I had heard years ago about what really killed him. Oh, there is no doubt it was cancer, but there is more information of which you may not be aware. In 1954, the 220 members of the cast and crew of The Conqueror rolled into St. George, Utah to begin filming. Mogul Howard Hughes thought Utah would pass for Mongolia. After all, the movie was a love story about Genghis Khan. Although director Dick Powell wanted Marlon … Continue reading →

Juicy Hollywood Tidbits – July 31, 2007

Al Gore III Pleads Guilty It has to be hard enough to have a child with an addiction problem, but to be a former Vice President and in the public eye must make it ten times worse. Al Gore III pleaded guilty to drug possession after his arrest earlier this year. He was pulled over while speeding down a California highway on the 4th of July. In his Toyota Prius, officers found prescription drugs such as Vicodin (for which Gore had no prescription) and marijuana. Gore, 24, has agreed to enter a residential rehab clinic to avoid serving any jail … Continue reading →

20 John Wayne Movies for $5.75 shipped

To many, he was the ultimate man. Strength, integrity, honor, and courage wrapped up in a gruff and manly exterior. Yes, John Wayne. Michele recently wrote about a town that honored him. In our family, too, the name itself stands for honor. Many, many years ago, my grandfather built his house in Newport Beach, and said that he was exactly the same kind of man in person. I grew up seeing photos of them together, candid snapshots and posed photos. Grandpa Fred was the same kind of man, one who believed that “life is hard, but it’s good.” He talked … Continue reading →

Wayne’s IN Holly’s OUT

If you live in or around Winterset, Iowa you are likely hunkering down for an onslaught of visitors this weekend. Most are making the trip to honor a man residents in Winterset knew as Marion Morrison—the rest of the world knew him simply as the Duke. That’s right; American icon John Wayne called Winterset home and this year the community is going all out to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. According to event organizers, thousands (some from as far away as Norway and Denmark) are expected to pour into town for the festivities (many make the trip … Continue reading →