Elvis Presley Refused to Star with John Wayne in Western Film

In the mid-1950s, Elvis Presley, already a musical sensation, was encouraged by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, to transition into Hollywood stardom. Among his filmography, Presley starred in several musical romantic comedies and ventured into the Western genre with films like *Flaming Star*, *Frankie and Johnny*, and *Charro*. His growing reputation caught the attention of Western icon John Wayne, who expressed interest in casting Presley in the film *True Grit*. Despite Wayne's repeated invitations, Presley ultimately declined the role. The decision stemmed from Parker's insistence that Elvis should receive top billing over Wayne, a demand that proved too ambitious. At the time, Elvis was indeed a major star, but the prospect of overshadowing Wayne, a legendary figure in Western cinema, was contentious. As a result of this fallout, the role of the Texan Ranger in *True Grit* was awarded to musician Glen Campbell, who not only delivered a commendable performance but also earned a Golden Globe nomination. Meanwhile, John Wayne's portrayal of Rooster Cogburn in the film garnered him both a Golden Globe and his first and only Oscar for Best Actor, solidifying his legacy in Hollywood. The film's success was further complemented by its musical score, composed by Elmer Bernstein with lyrics by Don Black, which received nominations for both the Golden Globe and the Oscars for Best Song, highlighting the film's overall impact in the industry.