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By the early 1970s, Hollywood icon John Wayne<\/a> was grappling with severe health problems.<\/p>\n After undergoing surgery for cancer<\/a> that resulted in the removal of a lung and four ribs, Wayne<\/a> had to depend on an oxygen mask at high altitudes, a fact he kept hidden from his fans.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n The John Wayne estate recounts, “One gruelling day on set in Mexico<\/a>, the sun was relentless and dust from the horses coated everything. Even the younger actors were worn out.”<\/p>\n “But Duke took it in stride,” they continued.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “During a particularly brutal scene, the director suggested a stunt double. Duke waved it off,” they added.<\/p>\n John told the director, “Hell, if I can’t take a fall, I’ve got no business making westerns.”<\/p>\n The estate continued, “He took the hit, hit the dirt, stood up, dusted off, and kept going. The crew applauded.”<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n DON’T MISS:<\/strong><\/p>\n John Wayne gave co-star stern warning before filming climatic western scene<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n John Wayne compared himself to Cary Grant in brutal ‘more handsome’ remark<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n