A Sidebar that accompanied my 2005 or 2006 article on John “Duke” Wayne.
When the Harvard Lampoon challenged John Wayne to debut his latest film MCQ (1974) in Harvard Square, Wayne accepted an
d proved his ability to win over a crowd of hostile youngsters, who saw him as an old dinosaur with old-fashion values. With tongue-in-cheek, Wayne attended a press conference where his self-deprecating humour won the day. When asked, “Is that your real hair?” Wayne, who wore a toupee at this time answered that, yes, it was real hair. Not his, but real hair nonetheless. The following is a short excerpt of the press conference and his comic, tongue-in-cheek answers:
d proved his ability to win over a crowd of hostile youngsters, who saw him as an old dinosaur with old-fashion values. With tongue-in-cheek, Wayne attended a press conference where his self-deprecating humour won the day. When asked, “Is that your real hair?” Wayne, who wore a toupee at this time answered that, yes, it was real hair. Not his, but real hair nonetheless. The following is a short excerpt of the press conference and his comic, tongue-in-cheek answers:
Harvard: Is it true that since you’ve lost weight your horse’s hernia has cleared up?
John Wayne: No, the weight was too much, so we canned him. I think you’ve been eating it over at the Harvard Club.
John Wayne: No, the weight was too much, so we canned him. I think you’ve been eating it over at the Harvard Club.
Harvard: Mr. Wayne, do you look at yourself as the fulfillment of the American Dream?
Wayne: I don’t look at myself any more than I have to.
Wayne: I don’t look at myself any more than I have to.
Harvard: What are your views on Woman’s Lib?
Wayne: I think they have a right to work anyplace they want to—as long as they have dinner ready when you get home.
Wayne: I think they have a right to work anyplace they want to—as long as they have dinner ready when you get home.
Harvard: Is it true your horse has filed separation papers?
Wayne: He was a little upset because I didn’t use him in my last picture. But we’re still friends.
Wayne: He was a little upset because I didn’t use him in my last picture. But we’re still friends.
Harvard: What was the last thing Richard Nixon said to you?
Wayne: Thank you.
Wayne: Thank you.
Harvard: Is it true that Nixon is going to portray your life story on the screen?
Wayne: He’s a good enough actor.
Wayne: He’s a good enough actor.
Harvard: Has President Nixon ever sent you any suggestions for your movies?
Wayne: No, they’ve all been successful.
Wayne: No, they’ve all been successful.
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