John Wayne and Ward Bond with director John Ford (Image: GETTY) It's John Wayne 's birthday today. Few Hollywood stars had such a major and lasting impact, with his famous walk, drawl and silhouette still easily recognisable – even if he never actually said, "Get off your horse and drink your milk." Way back in 1929, he had a small uncredited role in the American Football film Salute.
It would be the start of his lifelong relationship with legendary director John Ford – but it also forged a friendship with fellow actor Ward Bond who, for one of the few times in their careers, received higher billing than The Duke. They starred together in 23 films, including 1936's boxing film Conflict, but both became best known as grizzled staples in numerous Westerns like Fort Apache, Rio Bravo and The Quiet Man, as well as The Searchers. Bond was at the height of his fame, starring in smash hit TV show Wagon Train, when he suddenly died in November 1960, but had a lucky escape years earlier when he was shot by Wayne.
John Wayne and Ward Bond in 1936 boxing film Conflict (Image: GETTY) Don't miss...
Injured John Wayne struggled to breathe with oxygen mask on Rooster Cogburn set [LATEST] Bond never achieved the legendary heights of his close friend, but he is still remembered for roles in some of Hollywood 's greatest films of all time like Gone With the Wind, The Grapes of Wrath, The Maltese Falcon and It's a Wonderful Life. He was part of John Wayne 's inner circle of conservative sta.
