Was John Wayne one of the coolest actors ever ?

[Brad]

The Duke was a huge star in his time. He was larger then life yet appeared to be a humble man. I love his war movies and some of his westerns even though I am not big on westerns.

I would say yes, he was one of the coolest.

[apes3978]

He was good, but I think he was more of a "presence" than an actual good actor... Yeah he had some moments, but I think the people around him made him seem better than he actually was...

[alex]

The guy was completely of his head half the time, with a rug on his scalp, but yeah I was brought up on his films, as my dad is a huge western fan.

[wolfie]

He made some great films, The Shootist, True Grit etc

Lets not forget all the rubbish though, Green Berets, The Alamo etc

and i've never understood why The Searchers is rated highly, i think it's awful.

[fallensaviour]

He made alot of great westerns for sure!!!

I agree with Wolfie on the searchers though,man that movie bored the crap out of me.

[The Bat]

Damm Right he was! I love the line in "The Sons of Katie Elder", where the Duke says to his Brother..."I'm not gonna hit c'ha...the HELL I'm not"!

[Mikey]

I like the one with James Caan as "Mississippi" ... I forgot the title

[Cmonster]

He was good, but I think he was more of a "presence" than an actual good actor... Yeah he had some moments, but I think the people around him made him seem better than he actually was...

Watch "The Searchers" and then make that statement.

SC

[Cmonster]

I like the one with James Caan as "Mississippi" ... I forgot the title

That's "El Dorado", another favorite of mine as well, with a stellar performance by the Duke.

SC

[Captain]

Was the coolest, is the coolest,and always will be the coolest!!

[Nostalgiabuff]

definately a cool customer. I have never been a big fan, mostly because the movies are all so old and dated. now, had he been in his prime in the 70's making westerns like Eastwood that would have been something....and yes I know he was still making movies then but he was not in his prime and was in fact already sick. the Shootist was a really good movie though. His last if I am not mistaken.
Like Iwo Jima too

[AJ Collector]

One of the best of his time when it came to westerns, he had a phenomenal presence… Imo

And James Stewart was no slouch either; he was great with the duke in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance!

[Hector]

And James Stewart was no slouch either; he was great with the duke in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance!

One of my top three favorite westerns ever...

[apes3978]

I've watched "The Searchers" (and actually own the DVD of it), but I'll stick to my opinion that he had a few moments as an actor, but was mainly better as a film presence... He had the popularity to carry a film, the weight to do the type of films he wanted and with whom he wanted, but when I watch his films I can't help but sometimes think some people are right when they say he played himself in every movie... That's not saying I don't like some of his stuff (I own "The Searchers", "The Shootist" (his best IMO), "The Cowboys" and a couple others), but I can see where his genuine ability as an actor can be called into question... He's entertaining though...

And I agree with the people that say "The Searchers" is over-rated... It's alright, but not great... I think what really helped it achieve it's status as a "classic" is all the big names involved with it and the fact that it wasn't a run of the mill "B" Western... Best thing to come out of "The Searchers" though is the often repeated line of "That'll be the day" inspired Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison to write the hit song of the same name...

Watch "The Searchers" and then make that statement.

SC

[Hector]

I believe the thread is about if John Wayne was one of the coolest actors...not whether he was the best actor ever...talk about a 180...