By the early 1970s, Hollywood icon John Wayne was grappling with severe health problems.
After undergoing surgery for cancer that resulted in the removal of a lung and four ribs, Wayne had to depend on an oxygen mask at high altitudes, a fact he kept hidden from his fans.
In 1971, at the age of 63, he delivered a standout performance as the “tough-as-nails aging cowboy” Jacob McCandles in Big Jake, despite his physical challenges.
The John Wayne estate recounts, “One gruelling day on set in Mexico, the sun was relentless and dust from the horses coated everything. Even the younger actors were worn out.”
“But Duke took it in stride,” they continued.
“During a particularly brutal scene, the director suggested a stunt double. Duke waved it off,” they added.
John told the director, “Hell, if I can’t take a fall, I’ve got no business making westerns.”
The estate continued, “He took the hit, hit the dirt, stood up, dusted off, and kept going. The crew applauded.”
“Duke’s toughness was matched by his humor,” they added and told a story of when John’s son, Patrick Wayne, had trouble with a scene.
Patrick starred in the film alongside his father with the duo playing father and son. When Patrick couldn’t get a scene right, his father walked over to him and put his hand on his shoulder.
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John’s estate said that John told Patrick, “Son, I’ve been carrying you since you were born, but I ain’t carrying you through this scene.”
The estate’s description continued, “Everyone laughed-and Patrick nailed the take. Big Jake remains one of Duke’s most beloved films – a late-career reminder that he didn’t just play tough guys. He was one.”, reports the Express UK.
Big Jake is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
