In 1976, he starred in his final movie, a Western called The Shootist which also featured Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard and James Stewart.

His lead role as JB Books was a man dying from cancer, a disease which would kill Duke in real life just three years later. Having been diagnosed with stomach cancer, Wayne enrolled in a vaccine study in an attempt to beat it. However, the 72-year-old was too weak to begin chemotherapy and experimental treatment.

His last public appearance would be at the 51st…