Next Monday, May 26 marks John Wayne’s 118th birthday, and the party is just getting started. Kick up your boots and get ready to celebrate Hollywood’s favorite on-screen cowboy with a series of events in the Stockyards.
Bob Hope, John Wayne, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra with Ronald Reagan at a campaign dinner. | Photo via UCLA Library Digital Collections
An honorary Texan
If you’re wondering why Texas proclaimed its own John Wayne Day, you’ve come to the right place.
Marion Robert Morrison — known professionally as John Wayne — is an actor known for his starring roles during Hollywood’s Golden Age, specifically those that personified the Old West. His American cowboy image was a favorite among Texans as he starred in films like “Texas Cyclone,” “The Lucky Texan,” “Texas Terror,” and “Three Texas Steers.”
In 2015, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Texas Legislature declared May 26 John Wayne Day to honor the legend’s birthday, celebrate his lifelong career + make him an honorary Texan.
Gov. Greg Abbott once said, “The Duke’s independent spirit embodies what it means to be a Texan and personifies the storied history of the Lone Star State.”
His accomplishments include an Oscar for Best Actor in “True Grit” and nominations for three Academy Awards. Aside from his accolades in film, the icon was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1979, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
A Texas-sized celebration
John Wayne Movie Screening | The Modern Art Museum | Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
- Catch a screening of “The Big Trail” (1930) with a special guest appearance from the icon’s son, Patrick Wayne, in honor of the film’s 95th anniversary. Admission is $5 or free for museum members.
Daytime Museum Visit + Celebration Activations | John Wayne: An American Experience | Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Join the Wayne family at the one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring hat and leather customizations, Gold Handle Coffee, samplings, John Wayne Family Estate wine samplings, a book signing, and a meet-and-greet. Come back at 4 p.m. for a museum tour and VIP experience.
Wayne Family Estates Wine Dinner | Los Vaqueros | Sunday, May 25 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- A tour of the museum begins at 4 p.m., followed by dinner with the family and live entertainment by Moses Rangel. Los Vaqueros will provide a thoughtfully curated “Duke-inspired” menu to complement the Wayne Family Estates wine.
Memorial Day Coffee with the Waynes | John Wayne: An American Experience | Monday, May 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
- Enjoy freshly-brewed Gold Handle Coffee and fresh pastries, and listen to the Wayne family share personal stories and reflections on John Wayne’s legacy.
Meeting Anita La Cava
City Editor Elizabeth, here. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Anita La Cava Swift — John Wayne’s eldest granddaughter. We talked about what she’s most looking forward to at the event, her favorite parts of the museum, and her most cherished memories of her grandfather. One of the most touching moments — reading unopened fan mail addressed to “The Duke” from his time in the hospital. Anita was 21 years old when he died.
Q: What is the earliest memory you have with your grandfather?
A: I lived with him for two years after I was born, and I have memories of him during Christmas mostly. He loved Christmas and opening presents, but he really loved being with all of us grandkids. He loved card games and taking us out on his boat.
Q: What’s your favorite John Wayne movie?
A: I have three — “The Searchers,” “The Cowboys,” and “The Quiet Man.”
Q: Is it true that when the family visits the museum, you still read unopened fan mail that John received during the last couple of years of his life?
A: Yes, we do. The last time we did it, Patrick (Wayne) opened one letter that was written from one of his friends 30+ years ago.
(Aside — if you remember my piece on the museum’s expansion, then you might recall this was my favorite part of the museum.)
Q: What are you most excited about for John Wayne Day weekend?
A: I love hearing from people. They always have a good story to tell me. I love it, because they tell me, “Oh, he reminded me of my grandfather,” or “he reminded me of my dad.” It’s something special. I’ve never heard a negative thing about him.
Q: What is your favorite part about Fort Worth?
A: The people. They’re so nice. I’ve met lifelong friends here.
