John Wayne, the renowned American actor and filmmaker, solidified his status as a Hollywood legend during the illustrious ‘Hollywood Golden Age’.

Known for his iconic appearances in Western and war movies, Wayne, whose birth name was Marion Robert Morrison, graced the silver screen in a remarkable 179 film and television projects.

His career spanned from the silent film era of the 1920s to the emergence of the American New Wave in the mid-1960s.

Tragically, the esteemed actor passed away at the age of 72 in 1979, leaving behind a legacy that earned him a spot among the greatest male stars of classic American cinema, according to the American Film Institute.

Recently, BBC Two aired his acclaimed movie ‘The Searchers’, a gripping Western drama set against the stunning backdrop of Monument Valley, delving into themes of vengeance and redemption.

Posthumously, revelations about Wayne’s personal life have surfaced, shedding light on his tumultuous relationships with co-stars and financial struggles.

However, a lesser-known facet of Wayne’s persona came to light in a quirky exposé published by the Daily Telegraph.

Intriguingly, it was disclosed that Wayne harbored a multitude of superstitions.

Martin Chilton, a former culture editor at the publication, divulged, “A peculiar quirk that often triggered Wayne’s fiery temper was the sight of a hat resting atop a bed.”

Moreover, Wayne forbade his family members from directly passing salt to him; instead, it had to be placed on the table for him to retrieve.

Despite these idiosyncrasies, Wayne exhibited no superstitions regarding his heavy smoking habit, consuming five packs of cigarettes daily, which eventually resulted in severe health consequences.

During an amusing encounter, Wayne left Sir Michael flabbergasted by issuing a peculiar command: “Never sport suede shoes.”

When pressed for an explanation, Wayne recounted a comical incident where a fan recognized him in a restroom and inadvertently urinated on his suede footwear.

Amused by the memory, Wayne advised against wearing suede shoes when in the limelight, imparting a humorous anecdote to illustrate his point.

Upon clinching the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Rooster Cogburn in ‘True Grit’ in 1969, Wayne reportedly whispered to Barbra Streisand, “beginner’s luck,” in a moment of joviality.

Notably, after his Oscar win, Wayne engaged in a lighthearted exchange with Richard Burton, who portrayed King Henry VIII in ‘Anne of the Thousand Days’.

Visiting Burton’s residence, Wayne playfully thrust the coveted award into Burton’s hands, insisting that he deserved the accolade more.

Recognizing Wayne’s enduring impact on American culture, the US government bestowed upon him the highest civilian honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal on his 72nd birthday.

A testament to his lasting influence, figures from Hollywood and diverse political spheres rallied in support of honoring Wayne for his indelible contributions to the entertainment industry and American heritage.