John Wayne Opens Up About Struggles on Final Film Set

In a poignant revelation during his last day on the set of "The Shootist," John Wayne opened up about the "torturous" experience of filming. The iconic actor, who passed away from stomach cancer three years later, starred in the 1976 film alongside notable co-stars Lauren Bacall, James Stewart, and Ron Howard. The film's narrative, centered around an aging gunslinger facing terminal illness, resonated with Wayne, even though he was not suffering from cancer at the time of production. Wayne's health issues during filming were significant, as he was hospitalized for influenza and dealt with complications from an enlarged prostate. These challenges led to temporary shutdowns of the production, highlighting the physical toll the process took on the legendary actor. Despite these hardships, Wayne remained committed to his craft, expressing a desire for the film to be a success. In a recently released behind-the-scenes clip, Wayne discussed his feelings about working on Westerns compared to other genres. He emphasized the importance of a compelling personal story in achieving a relaxed and enjoyable filming experience. "When you have a good personal story and you feel everything fits together, then that’s when you’re relaxed," he stated, contrasting this with the discomfort of feeling like a mere "pawn" in a project he doubted. Wayne's reflections provide a glimpse into the complexities of his final film experience, revealing both the struggles he faced and his enduring passion for storytelling in cinema.