John Wayne, a towering figure of Hollywood and the quintessential American icon, remains etched in the memories of millions. Known for his rugged persona and unwavering on-screen presence, Wayne’s health battles in his final years added another layer of poignancy to his legendary status. This article delves into the last public appearance of “Duke,” captured in what would become his last photos, revealing the strength and dignity he displayed even as he faced his mortality.
In the years leading up to his death, John Wayne confronted a series of health challenges. His history of heavy smoking led to a lung cancer diagnosis in the mid-1960s, resulting in the removal of a lung and several ribs. Despite this major surgery, and against medical advice, Wayne’s commitment to his macho image pushed him to continue performing stunts and indulging in cigars, even after quitting cigarettes. As he aged, Wayne continued to take on roles that stretched the boundaries of believability for his age, relying on a toupee and, discreetly, an oxygen tank to maintain his on-screen vitality. Reflecting on his mortality after the death of director John Ford in 1973, Wayne, after completing “Cahill U.S. Marshal,” somberly remarked, “I’m on borrowed time.”
His final film role came in 1976 with “The Shootist,” a Western that eerily mirrored his own life. Wayne portrayed J.B. Books, an aging gunfighter dying from cancer – the very disease that would claim Wayne’s life just three years later. Starring alongside Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, and James Stewart, “The Shootist” became a poignant farewell to the genre and to Wayne’s illustrious career.
John Wayne at his last public appearance in 1979
Facing a new diagnosis of stomach cancer, John Wayne bravely participated in a vaccine study, hoping to overcome the disease. However, by 1979, his physical condition had deteriorated to the point where he was too weak to undergo chemotherapy or experimental treatments. His last public appearance, and the moment captured in what many consider the Last Photo Of John Wayne, occurred at the 51st Academy Awards on April 9, 1979. He was invited to present the Best Picture award.
John Wayne in his later years battling health issues
Introduced by Johnny Carson, Wayne walked onto the stage to a thunderous standing ovation. The audience, aware of his health struggles, showed an outpouring of respect and affection for the aging legend. Visibly thinner, Wayne had secretly donned a wet suit beneath his tuxedo to appear more robust for the occasion. Despite his physical frailty, his trademark charisma and powerful voice resonated as he addressed the crowd before announcing “The Deer Hunter” as the Best Picture winner.
John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart in The Shootist, Wayne's final film
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,” Wayne began, his voice filled with emotion. “That’s just about the only medicine a fella would really ever need. Believe me when I tell ya, I’m mighty pleased that I can amble down here tonight. Well, Oscar and I have something in common: Oscar first came to the Hollywood scene in 1928, so did I. We’re both a little weather-beaten, but we’re still here and plan to be around for a whole lot longer.” His words, delivered with his characteristic blend of humility and bravado, became even more poignant in retrospect.
John Wayne and Johnny Carson at the 1979 Oscars, Wayne's last public appearance
Tragically, John Wayne’s time was indeed borrowed. Just two months after this powerful Oscar appearance, on June 11, 1979, he passed away, surrounded by his family. His daughter Aissa recounted his tender last words. As she held his hand and asked if he knew her, he replied, “Of course, I know who you are. You’re my girl. I love you.” Shortly before his death, Wayne converted to Roman Catholicism and requested his tombstone bear the epitaph “Feo, Fuerte y Formal” – “ugly, strong and dignified” in Spanish – a fitting summary of the enduring image he projected to the world until his very last photo and beyond.
