47 Years Ago Today, John Wayne's Unexpected Death at 72 Left Fans Heartbroken
In his final role, acting legend John Wayne played a gunslinger who was dying of cancer. The film was called The Shootist, and, tragically, that final role mirrored the death of the western star they called The Duke.
Wayne died at the age of 72 on June 11, 1979, 47 years ago today. He left behind a legendary filmography that ranged from iconic westerns like The Searchers to the Oscar-winning True Grit.According to the California Museum, Wayne "became the personification of the Western hero and an American icon." Decades after his death, "he still consistently ranks among the most popular movie stars of all time."
The Associated Press reported at the time: "John Wayne, the veteran Hollywood actor, died today at 5:23 P.M., Pacific daylight time, at U.C.L.A. Medical Center."
What Was John Wayne's Cause of Death?
According to History.com, Wayne "lost a lung to lung cancer in 1964," but he was "considered cured after five years."
The AP gave additional details of Wayne's final hours, reporting, "Mr. Wayne, 72 years old, had been hospitalized for treatment of cancer of the lower abdomen since May 2, when he was admitted for his second cancer operation of the year. His lower intestine was partly removed in the operation."
The AP continued: "Mr. Wayne's second bout with cancer began earlier this year with what was officially described as a routine gall bladder operation. He had entered the Medical Center Jan. 10 and two days later his stomach was removed in a 91/2‐hour operation when a low‐grade cancerous tumor was discovered."
But Wayne had seemed to take a turn for the better.
In fact, Wayne "was in good health during the filming. Following The Shootist, he planned to star in a new film with Ron Howard called Beau John, but health problems intervened," History.com wrote.
John Wayne, Who Was Married 3 Times, Left Behind 7 Kids
John Wayne was survived by seven children, History.com noted. Throughout his lifetime, he was married three times.
According to People,Wayne married Josephine Saenz in 1933. They had four kids together: Michael Wayne, Mary Antonia "Toni" Wayne, Patrick Wayne and Melinda Wayne. "The couple divorced in 1945, and the actor married Esperanza Baur in 1946. They divorced in 1954, and Wayne remarried for a final time, to Pilar Palette, that same year," People noted.
"The couple had three children: Aissa Wayne, John Ethan Wayne and Marisa Wayne. Wayne and Palette separated in 1973 but remained married until the actor's death in 1979."
"In January of 1979, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which led to his death in June of the same year."
Added the California Museum, "Diagnosed with lung cancer in 1964, he used his illness to raise awareness of the disease. He beat the lung cancer, ultimately dying of stomach cancer June 11, 1979. After his death, his family established the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the John Wayne Cancer Institute at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California in his memory."
According to the California Museum, "Wayne was born Marion Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa. When he was six years old, his family moved to Glendale, California, where he acquired his nickname, Duke, based on the name of his Airedale terrier."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:14 AM.