How tall was John Wayne - Page 8

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Average Guess (198 Votes)
6ft 3.37in (191.4cm)
Jay S. said on 4/Jul/08
Anonymous, the kid in the photo is 'kid-size' not 6'2;" lots of Laughs. Everything else is hearsay. The photographer was taller than the kid so the shot is taken at a slight angle downwards as one might expect and seems confirmed by the shadow again John Wayne's suit.
Anonymous said on 4/Jul/08
Jay s. Wrong again. How tall was the kid? I have a friend of mine who was 6'2 in the 4th grade. Again you NEVER met him. I KNOW people who met him. I talked to some one a couple of years ago who works in Tombstone. I asked her if John Wayne ever came to town. She said he came to town a few times over the years.
I asked her how Tall she thought he was. She said he was no less than 6'3 and a VERY BIG man. Also camera angles come into play as well. It is possible he was 6'3 Prime and 6'2 at the end but again never below 6'2. If what you say is true, he had to have worne EIGHT INCH Lifts. I also asked some workers about Waynes height who worked in OLD Tucson Studios in AZ. Most of them were not working there years ago but a talked to a couple who did. They Both said at least 6'3. the one guy said Waynes Boots were normal NO Lifts. And Jay never explains Why do people like Tom Selleck and Robert Mitchum say Wayne was 6'4?
Rob. What do you and Glenn think?
Jay S. said on 4/Jul/08
Here's the 'smoking gun' picture of John Wayne the night he placed his feet in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Take note of the hat he wore to make him appear taller and the little child waiting for an autograph who comes to his shoulder. Click Here
Anonymous said on 4/Jul/08
Jay S you are WRONG. I have a friend who is 6'3 with size 11 feet and shorter legs. You never met him nor do you know anyone who has.
Jay S. said on 4/Jul/08
As difficult as it is to believe, Wayne's fistprint in the cement is small and proportional to a man of 5'8".
patrick said on 4/Jul/08
Frankly, some comments have lately become much too phony. This is a serious and clever site which deserves serious reflection. As for small John Wayne's feet", it is quite known; he reportedly was "11". On the other hand, his hands were huge. The Graumann's theatre's prints are often deceptive, depending how hard the personalities push feet or hands into the fresh cement.
As I already wrote it here, I was also surprised when seeing it the first time. Once, there was a man knowing all of that stuff (Chinese theatre cement prints) who told me that
Gonzalo said on 4/Jul/08
THe new pic posted by Tony G. helps to erase a lot of the thing being said on this page. Wayne was never below 1`90, never. It is so clear
Jay S. said on 4/Jul/08
The bootprints indicate a man of approx. 5'8". Perspective can make my thumb the height of the Statue of Liberty, however the bootprints are proof-positive.
Scott B said on 3/Jul/08
Mike C. You make the most sense. I can see Adam seeing Wayne at 6'2 but Wayne being 5'8 is Laughable and FALSE. I saw a picture of Dean Martins Lifts and they looked like Moon Boots. Martin was 5'11 and the Lifts were at least 3 inches which would explain the below Picture of Wayne and Martin. Burt Lancaster said Kurt Douglas wore HUGE Lifts and stood on things to apear taller. He said they hid his Lifts once and Kirt cried. Again the lady I worked with said he was BIG when she met him.. My Mon is real good at judging Heights. When I told her someone said Wayne was 5'8 she blew her stack. She says 6'4 prime and 6'3 in latter years and NEVER below 6'2. Mike C keep up the good work. You and I are on the same page. John Wayne was TALL!
mike c said on 3/Jul/08
Gonzalo, Patrick, Scott B....they're not making sense. The sad part is that they're grasping at straws..Gonzalo, your picture of Wayne and Martin is a classic....Dean was about 5'11" (Jerry Lewis states that Dean was 6') and he definitely wore lifts..let's just say 2" for argument sake...Wayne is at least 5-6" taller in that picture....and Gonzalo, do you have the picture of Primo Carnera next to Wayne and 6'2" Red Skelton? but, they must have used camera tricks..Carnera (6'6") and Wayne slightly less in height..wearing a suit no less...have a happy 4th of July..and thank you, Patrick..Mike C
Brunobrowne said on 3/Jul/08
Good picture Gonzalo, hey Jay S does Wayne's hand look small now. You are right about one thing his hand is proportional to his frame. He is simply huge beside Dino who had big hands and a big frame for his height because he was a boxer. John Wayne must be standing on a milk crate, yet the length of his torso would suggest otherwise. The only other answer is that he had really really short legs to be 5' 8''.
Anonymous said on 3/Jul/08
Dean Martin wore HUGE Lifts and so did Kurt Douglas
patrick said on 3/Jul/08
Exact Kurt M!
Gonzalo said on 3/Jul/08
Wayne next to Martin. I don
Tony G. said on 3/Jul/08
Here is another shot of John Wayne with Ron Howard...
Click Here
Mark said on 2/Jul/08
I remember seeing an old clip where John Wayne sang a duet with Dean Martin (in the Dean Martin Variety Show?). Wayne appeared to be only about 3 inches taller then 5'10.5 Dean Martin. Don't know if Dean was wearing lifts, but there certainly didn't appear to be a towering difference in height.
Jay S. said on 2/Jul/08
Wow, never underestimate the power of denial. I'm not able to get my feet into John Wayne's bootprints; they're too short and too narrow. Wayne's height, as depicted in the movies, is dubious and can not support the argument that he was 6'4". Point in case; the trailer to "War Wagon" on YouTube where Kurt Douglas 5'9" and John Wayne are standing nose to eye.
adam said on 2/Jul/08
Gonzalo, yep. 5`8" is crazy and absurd! But Jay S doesn
Gonzalo said on 2/Jul/08
Jay S., your estimation about Wayne
Scott B said on 2/Jul/08
John Wayne Being anything less than 6'3 is FALSE. I asked a lady I work with AGAIN how Tall Wayne was when she met him. She said he was NOT wearing Boots or LIFTS. She said he was wearing Tennis shoes. She is 5'8 and her Husband was 6'2. Wayne was taller than her Husband. Tom Selleck said John Wayne was an inch Taller than he was. Hey Rob or Glenn. The next time you run into Selleck, Howard or Caan, ask them how tall Wayne was. Wayne was never below 6'3.
Jay S. said on 1/Jul/08
Here is the "concrete evidence;" my 9 1/2 size running shoe next to Wayne's footprint at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Click Here Again, I'm 5'10." Despite the assertion that Wayne only placed his feet lightly into the cement, the print is deep, clear, and unmistakable. Wayne's hand on Barbara's back is small and not disproportional to his body. I imagine "The Duke" John (Marion Morrison) Wayne managed his public image very carefully and these appearances are rare indeed. I would invite anyone to check it out for themselves. The honor of an Oscar and his feet next to the greatest actors must have outweighed the guarding of his public image.
adam said on 1/Jul/08
Jay S, you`re full of it!

Gonzalo, because of those big lifts he wore his feet didn`t look that small. =)

But, Gonzalo my friend that pic with Ron Howard is a good proof. Maybe John Wayne was 6-4! I dont know!
Brunobrowne said on 1/Jul/08
Look Jay S., please get a grip of yourself. I saw him on a chat show with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, they all walked in together. He towered over both of them. at least 5 inches on 5'10.5'' Hope. Now you are not going to tell me that he wore 8 inch heels. As he walks up onto the stage his shoes are clearly visible and are normal. Unless of course you think the other 2 are no more than 5'.
Jay S. said on 1/Jul/08
Adam, on an NBC studios tour, the guide said John Wayne was a small man. I thought he was confusing Allan Ladd with John Wayne, but after seeing Wayne's foot print in the concrete, my guestimation is 5'8". My running shoe is a size 9 1/2 (not 10 as previously mentioned). This is Wayne's foot print next to mine. Click Here
Gonzalo said on 1/Jul/08
Not a good pic, Jay S. We don
adam said on 1/Jul/08
Jay S, you`ve got a good point there pal. Because of lifts his feet didn`t look that small. I have pretty much same kind of build. Im 6-2 (188cm) and I have small feet, I wear size 11
Jay S. said on 30/Jun/08
Here is the image I was refering to: Click Here
Jay S. said on 30/Jun/08
There's also a fist print of John Wayne at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. John Wayne had very small hands and feet. I'm guessing size seven shoe, eight at the very most. There's a picture of Barbara Streisand (5'4") beside Wayne at the Academy Awards; he's not a foot taller than she.
Kurt M said on 28/Jun/08
When you see Robert Mitchum next to John Wayne in 'El Dorado', you can see Wayne is clearly at least 3 or more inches taller than Mitchum, who was around 6'1".
Scott B said on 28/Jun/08
I think we can all agree Wayne was 6'4 Peak and NEVER below 6'2 at the end. But John Wayne being 5'8 is LAUGHABLE. Hey Glenn. If you ever run into James Caan, ask him how tall Wayne was.
Tony G. said on 27/Jun/08
Johny Wayne 5'8"? LOL! That would make him shorter than Michael Landon! I doooooooon't think so! Why does the "5'8" John Wayne when barefoot tower over 5'9" Ron Howard (see my last comment before this one)?
patrick said on 27/Jun/08
Hi fellows, I don't know why but several of my last comments (after june 20th) have been deleted.
All of what you say happens to be very interesting Gonzalo, as usual!
The Duke was very tall even and above all, when young in his "B" thirties westerns or other "adventures movies"; I do have plenty of them and he always towers over everybody including his permanent
adam said on 27/Jun/08
Yes, Jay S, thank you for your comment. Rock Hudson said the same thing: Duke Wayne had small feet. And if you watch some of his movies you`ll notice that the man had very long spine and gained much height when he sat down.

I have pretty much the same kind of built. Im 6-2 myself and I have actually pretty short legs, yet I have a very long torso.

That 5`8" or anything like that is BS. He was a pretty tall man but I dont believe he was ever the 6-4 he was described as. I really think that he was about my height, 188cm (or 6-2) in his best days. Maybe slightly over.
Jay S. said on 26/Jun/08
I was at Grauman's Chinese Theater on the weekend and placed my feet beside the impressions left by John Wayne made on January 25, 1950 when he was about 43 years of age. I was astonished to see his feet where so small. I'm 5'9" with a size 10 running shoe. There's no way he could be over 6 feet.
Jay S. said on 26/Jun/08
I'm 5'9" and I went to Grauman's Chinese Theatre this past weekend and placed my size 10 running shoe next to John Wayne's impression. I was astonished to see his feet were much smaller than mine. Six feet tall? Impossible that is if the impression in the cement is truly his. Proportionally speaking, my guess is that he was most likely under 5'8".
Scott B said on 24/Jun/08
Hey Guys. After doing a lot more Research, I am convinced Wayne was 6'4 Peak
and 6'3 at the end. Robert Mitchum said Wayne was 6'4 Barefoot. I dont know why some people think he was below 6'3. mike c glad your back.
brunobrowne said on 23/Jun/08
ED 1 I have watched the classic The Quiet Man many times and if as you state that Victor Malagen is 6'3'' then the legend Wayne must have been very tall as he is clearly 2 inches taller than Victor in every scene. I think however Wayne was 6'4'' and this puts Maclagen at 6'2''. However this film was shot in 1952, Wayne was only 45 and Mclagen 66 so he may have been slightly taller when younger circa 6'3''. How you can say he matches Wayne is beyond my comprehension.
Mclagen is very broad I will agree but this has something to do with age, as with Wayne when He put on some weight in later films he too was very broad.
Anonymous said on 23/Jun/08
So guys, it
Anonymous said on 23/Jun/08
adam, I sincerely appreciate your position for it is very honest; John Wayne, despite the fact he was
Gonzalo said on 23/Jun/08
Hi, Maike C. Great to have you back. Here is the link with the album we share. You can see the pic of Wayne next to Mazurski who is standing quite loose at the bar.
Click Here
The pic of Wayne with Howard is quite revealing. I have to admit that I have seen some strange things with Wayne. But the times he has appeared barefoot on the screen he still looks very tall.
The debate continues
Gonzalo said on 23/Jun/08
Great pic, Tony G. Thanks for sharing. Howrd in shoes must be around 1`78 and Wayne looks clearly taller, about 12 cms and he is not standing straight. At 68 and looking old Wayne was very close to 1`90 so it is easy to think he was taller than that in his prime
adam said on 22/Jun/08
Why was my comment deleted, Rob?

Editor Rob
I mentioned this - I lost some comments recently.
Tony G. said on 22/Jun/08
I've watched the scene from "The Shootist" (1976) in which a barefoot John Wayne was standing next to 5'9" Ron Howard. Wayne is far taller than Ron!
I'll add this link and see if it works:
Click Here
Gonzalo said on 20/Jun/08
Adam, you are a nice man. I like you although we disagree. I don
adam said on 19/Jun/08
And Im not that Adam who claimed to be 6-5 etc...
Scott B. said on 19/Jun/08
Adam. I can buy Wayne Being 6'3 BAREFOOT in his Prime and 6'2 BAREFOOT in later years. But for you to say he was below 6'2 is FALSE. My Aunt meet Robert Mitchum on an Airplane back in the 70's. They talked a lot about Wayne. Mitchum told her Wayne was a tall man OVER 6'3 BAREFOOT. Look how LARGE he was on a Hoarse. In the Movie Liberty Valance there was a scene of someone carring Wayne out of a Burning Cabin. Wayne Looked Huge and the guy carrying him was having a hard Time of it.
Scott B. said on 19/Jun/08
Adam. I can buy Wayne Being 6'3 BAREFOOT in his Prime and 6'2 BAREFOOT in later years. But for you to say he was below 6'2 is FALSE. My Aunt meet Robert Mitchum on an Airplane back in the 70's. They talked a lot about Wayne. Mitchum told her Wayne was a tall man OVER 6'3 BAREFOOT. Look how LARGE he was on a Hoarse. In the Movie Liberty Valance there was a scene of someone carring Wayne out of a Burning Cabin. Wayne Looked Huge and the guy carring him was having a hard Time of it.
adam said on 19/Jun/08
It`s all about his early movies, my dead old friend Gonzalo.

I`ve seen people who say that he sure didn`t look so tall in his early days. Films before Stagecoach was made. So, Gonzalo... I`ve given some homework for you as well.

Like I said people:

Get some very old Wayne movies. I mean before Stagecoach. The time when he wasn`t the star yet. When he made only co-star -parts. Watch those movies and put some material here. Pictures, youtube-stuff, etc...

Here`s some summer holiday homework for all of you John Wayne height mystery solvers! Soon we`ll find out what kind of man he was. Now my little children... Get to work and start to watch some films! Or else I
Gonzalo said on 19/Jun/08
Well, Adam, all I know is Wayne looks very tall to me, at least 1`90. I have seen him barefoot in several movies and he still looked very tall. Maybe he wore lifts at the end of his career when he started losing height. But we haven
Adam said on 19/Jun/08
I am 6 foot 5 inches flat foot and know for sure that from watching waynes movies that there is no way he was taller than 6'2" in his prime. I garauntee he wore lifts in those boots most likely making him 6' 0" flat foot.
Anonymous said on 18/Jun/08
I can buy Wayne being 6'3 in his Prime and 6'2 towards the end. But Wayne was NEVER Below 6'2.
adam said on 18/Jun/08
Yep, I didnt read too good, did I. My bad. But...

Yes, actually Peter Fonda was 6-2
Gonzalo said on 18/Jun/08
Adam, Wayne never appeared in Gung Din. McLaglen did. You should read Ed (1)`s post more carefully.
John Wayne taller than Peter Fonda, listed here 1`88. It was a year before Wayne`s death. Wayne was 71 so probably had shrunk. Wayne is taller and Fonda is closer to the camera. Wayne was wearing boots with his tuxedo. Or wearing lifts, of course
Click Here
adam said on 17/Jun/08
Ed, great points, great notes. I haven`t seen Gunga Din but I believe you. That was in those days when Wayne wasn`t a big star yet so he didn`t wear lifts... at least in that film with Cary Grant who was 6-1. Nothing more.

It`s obvious that later Wayne wore lifts and got lots of help from camera angles and had the ground advantage so he looked very tall, like 6-4 to 6-5.

But yes, Ed. I agree with you 100%: Wayne was about 6-2 to max. 6-3 peak.
Ed(1) said on 16/Jun/08
I just recently watched Gunga Din with Cary Grant(6ft1) and Victor Mclaglen(6ft3), and this got me thinking about Wayne's height regarding The Quiet Man. In Gunga Din Mclaglen looked to have maybe an inch on Grant tops, and this was in 1939 at the age of 53. In 1952 when The Quiet Man was made, Mclaglen was 64 and in failing health yet still matched up to Wayne in height and was bigger in build. Unless Mclaglen was wearing lifts(which seems dubious), could Wayne have been more like 6ft2.5-6ft3 tops at his peak with his cowboy boots giving him that extra boost to maintain the 6ft4-6ft5 look he had in most of his early film? Mclaglen would have most likely lost a bit in height by the age of 64, and it just doesn't make sense how both him and Wayne were evenly matched unless Wayne was a bit shorter then listed. The only other scenario I can think of is Grant was taller then 6ft1, and Mclaglen lost zero height by his 60's.
adam said on 11/Jun/08
"Well... I have to admit one thing: The Duke wore lifts. He was tall as a young man but definitely not the 6ft4 he`s always been described as." - Gregory Peck, 1999
brunobrowne said on 6/Jun/08
Sorry Adam, there is too much evidence to show that Wayne was at least 6'4'' in his prime. Look at him in the diner confrontation in Liberty Valance, he looks clearly taller than both Stewart and marvin on level ground. They are slender men while Wayne is much broader yet he still is taller.
Scott B. said on 5/Jun/08
Adam. Why on earth would anyone listen to you over people who MET him and KNEW him. Look at Wayne's Footwear in Donovan's Reef. He was NOT wearing lifts. They were low heeled shoes Period. And why would Robert Mitchum lie about Wayne's
Height? If you want to see Boots with Lifts in them, watch Bonanza. Landon and Green both wore 3 inch lifts. Look at Wayne's Boots. I do not see any lifts Period.
adam said on 5/Jun/08
Gonzalo, I believe you. I believe that story. Wayne really looked much taller than a legit 6-3 man. What was the year? In the sixties? And much taller? Like 6-5? Well... do you believe that Wayne was 6-5???

He wore lifts. Period. Dont give me that Marvin crap. He wore lifts in every shoes he had. And camera angles favoured him.
Gonzalo said on 5/Jun/08
I told the story a long time ago. A woman I knew saw Wayne in Madrid. I guess it was when he was shooting that circus movie with Rita Hayworth and Claudia Cardinale. She saw Wayne in Villamagna hotel, one of the best in Madrid. She said Wayne was very, very tall. That woman was in her fifties around 1`74 and I distinctly remember that she said Wayne was much taller than his youngest son. I knew her son well and he looked around 1`91-92 to me. That`s exactly what she told me. I guess she found Wayne taller not only because he could have been a bit taller but because Wayne was big while her son was very thin. Wayne must have been an imposing man
patrick said on 4/Jun/08
Bravo Scott B! That is so obvious!
Scott B. said on 3/Jun/08
John Wayne was 6'4 in his prime and 6'3 towards the end. Adam how do you explain Wayne being 3 inches taller than Lee Marvin in Donovan's Reef. They both had on normal footware. Also, I talked to someone who met him in the 60's. She said he was OVER 6'3. She herself is 5'8 and he Towered over her.And I also read an interview with Robert Mitchum who was Wayne's good friend. Mitchum said Wayne was 6'4 in his PRIME. Wayne was NEVER Below 6'3.
Scott B. said on 3/Jun/08
John Wayne was 6'4 in his prime and 6'3 towards the end. Adam how do you explain Wayne being 3 inches taller than Lee Marvin in Donovan's Reef. They both had on normal footware. Also, I talked to someone who met him in the 60's. She said he was OVER 6'3. She herself is 5'8 and he Towered over here.And I also read an interview with Robert Mitchum who was Wayne's good friend. Mitchum said Wayne was 6'4 in his PRIME. Wayne was NEVER Below 6'3.
Gonzalo said on 3/Jun/08
I thought De Gaulle was 1`98, he was called "double metre".
Wayne was good friends with many left wing actors such as Lauren Bacall or Katherine Hepburn. I still don
patrick said on 3/Jun/08
adam, I sincerely appreciate your position for it is very honest; John Wayne, despite the fact he was
adam said on 3/Jun/08
True. Yet in the Shootist Wayne looks to be at least 2 inches taller. Making Wayne a legit 6-5. Well is here anyone who thinks Wayne was EVER or (even better) at the age of 70 6-5? No? Well why did he look so much taller than Jimmy Stewart who was ALWAYS at least 6-3? Lifts. You dont have to like it but you know it`s true.

And
painterface said on 3/Jun/08
I'm watching the man who shot liberty valance, right now...and wayne is standing right next to stewart and doesn't even look taller than him. and I'm sure wayne is wearing boots in most of his films, including this one.
adam said on 2/Jun/08
And don`t get me wrong.. I really do like his films and I think he was a charismatic actor. I just dont accept his stupid political thoughts or the fact that he was 6 feet 4 inches tall.
patrick said on 2/Jun/08
As all of the others actors Ricardo since the Duke would wear those boots in westerns! No more no less!
Ricardo said on 31/May/08
I agree with Adam`s comments. Wayne was a strong guy and although he normally appeared taller than the other people in the films, he was never that much taller than the other co-stars as Rock in his movies. Rock was always looking much taller than the other co-stars. I think Wayne was around 1.90-1.91 and Rock was probably around 1.96. Moreover Wayne was always wearing boots.
patrick said on 30/May/08
the Duke died almost 30 years ago. People having known him must be either very old or too young for having met him before he was 45!
Anyway, they probably knew a late 60ies John Wayne while he was himself around 60. Mots people were not that accurate about height at the time. They used to saying "this man is very tall" just because being 6'3. I trust Glenn more than anyone else but this is not him in question, nor the ones he will ask how tall he was. We have so many pics and movies! Have you ever noticed how huge, I mean wide as a truck, he "always" appeared when shot during a public event (generally in tuxedo): always much taller than everybody around him but also twice broader! I noticed that since I was myself very young! The Harvard students speaking about him and telling how, actually, nice he was when coming to the University, specified he was monumental man. Who says that about a 6'2 man? A journalist said when he died, that the word "build" had been invented just for him!
Scott B. said on 28/May/08
Lets see what people say when Glenn ask's around how tall Wayne was. I say 6'3 in his socks.
M2 said on 27/May/08
I recall a newspaper article in the late 1960s or early 1970s listing Wayne officially as "6-foot-three-and-three-quarters."
brunobrowne said on 26/May/08
Look at Donovans reef 2-3 inches taller than Lee Marvin(6-2) and similar footwear. This film was made in 1963, 1 year before his serious operation for lung cancer. At 56 he wouldn't have lost any height so Marvin plus 2-3 inches puts Wayne at least 6'4'' and probably slightly taller.
adam said on 26/May/08
patrick says on 22/May/08:
"The Duke was barely shorter than the giant James Arness who was then undoubtedly 6
glenn said on 22/May/08
im sure i must know people who met him.so ill ask around.
patrick said on 22/May/08
Frankly I don't understand you JT. I agree with this dear Gonzalo and brunobrowne 100%.
Hey guys, have you ever noticed how tall John Wayne was on a horse?
Even as a child I saw that! He looked always huge and very tall though his horse is always a high one himself.
He probably had
adam said on 22/May/08
Yes he could have been wearing those lifts inside his boots too... I still think he was about 6-2 - 6-3 at his peak.
JT said on 22/May/08
brunobrowne says on 21/May/08
....If you look closely at the pic wayne's shoulder and Hudson's are at the same height. Wayne head is slightly bowed which makes him appear .5 to 1 inch lower no more. If Wayne has 1 inch advantage with footwear then this puts him at 6-4,(Hudson 6-5) and he had lost height by the 1960s. In essence Wayne at his peak height would easily have matched Rock.

First, the shoulder height is irrelevant (some guys have short necks, heads, etc.). Second, Wayne is clearly shorter than Hudson in that pic, and the posture is comparable. Third, if you look at angle of the steps, the camera is favoring those to the right of the pic (towards Clint). I don't think anyone here believes that Wayne was 6'5" at peak height. He would probably be 2 inches shorter than Hudson there in comparable footwear, but this does not rule out a 6'4" peak height.
Anonymous said on 21/May/08
Wayne was 6'3 in His Prime and no less than 6'2 when he died.
Anonymous said on 21/May/08
Adam have you ever met Wayne? I talked to a Lady that met him back in the 60's. She said he was TALL. She said he was at least 6'3. John Wayne Was NEVER Below 6'3. Hey Glen. The next time you run into someone in Hollywood who knew him, ask them how tall he was.
brunobrowne said on 21/May/08
Sorry Adam, firstly the paramount pic is taken in the 60s when JW was in his 60s and RH was in his 40s. Wayne had a serious operation (ribs removed etc)in the early 1960s which affected his height. If you look closely at the pic wayne's shoulder and Hudson's are at the same height. Wayne head is slightly bowed which makes him appear .5 to 1 inch lower no more. If Wayne has 1 inch advantage with footwear then this puts him at 6-4,(Hudson 6-5) and he had lost height by the 1960s. In essence Wayne at his peak height would easily have matched Rock.
adam said on 21/May/08
Yes JT... No way was Wayne taller or ever never even CLOSE to Rock Hudson`s height. Hudson sure as hell could have been even 198cm! That`s 6-6. Well he has commented that Wayne wasn`t as tall as many believed. He has said that. And I believe that John Wayne was at most 191cm at his peak.
Gonzalo said on 21/May/08
How many inches do boots add? More than two? Considering Hudson had ordinary shoes that added 3 cms, boots add (I don
Gonzalo said on 21/May/08
Wayne looking clearly taller than James Stewart. Wayne is closer to the camera, that
JT said on 20/May/08
Click Here Probably a 2 inch gap at this point if Wayne is in cowboy boots.
Anonymous said on 19/May/08
The picture Gonzalo has of Wayne and Marvin in Donovan
Anonymous said on 17/May/08
John Wayne had Lee Marvin in Donovan's Reef by at least 2 inches. Wayne was 6'3 Barefoot.
patrick said on 15/May/08
Right, dear Gonzalo, about everything! Yves Montand was really tall and I would have said 6'2 if he had not personally claimed 1m87 (a tad under 6'2)and it is obvious that the Duke was a good deal of inches above him!
As for Lee Marvin, whom was in any case under 6'2 in the early 60ies as well as older, he is always, I mean always, clearly shorter than Wayne. That is more evident in Donovan's reef because both are precisely wearing "normal" shoes instead of cow boy boots as in Liberty Valence. Nevertheless, in that one, I always saw him shorter by at least two inches, even when much younger than I am! Open your eyes and stop splitting hairs !
Gonzalo is absolutely right in assuming that kind of loss of height above all after 64 and his severe surgery added later to his age.
Gonzalo said on 13/May/08
Adam, watch movies not pics.
Does Marvin look taller than Wayne in this pic?
Click Here
Have you seen Donovan
adam said on 11/May/08
Click Here Wayne is slouching but even though he would straighten up, he would still be the same height as Marvin

Click Here Wayne was shorter than Stewart.

John Wayne didnt wore lifts?

"Increasingly by the early 1960s Wayne used to wear three or four-inch lifts in his shoes, a practice that mystified friends and co-stars like Bobby Darin, Capucine and Robert Mitchum"

Also, Rock Hudson: "I did a movie with Duke Wayne and was very surprised to find out he had small feet, wore lifts, and a corset. Hollywood is seldom what it seems."

So both Mitchum and Hudson were kidding? Come on...

And those barefoot scenes... well I haven`t seen one good barefoot scene with Wayne in it but I guess that camera angles were made to fool you.
Scott B. said on 8/May/08
I agree with Gonzalo. Wayne NEVER Wore 4 inch lifts. Wayne was 6'4 at peak and 6'3 in later years. In Donovan`s reef he had Marvin by at least 2 inches.
Gonzalo said on 8/May/08
Adam, that pic is decieving. Wayne looks 1`83-84 which was not the case. That idea of Wayne wearing 4 inch lifts is absurd. Wayne was barefoot in several movies and didn
Anonymous said on 7/May/08
Guys. I think its safe to say Wayne was 6'3 in his Prime and 6'2 in later years.
There is no way Wayne was ever below 6'2. But I would not rule out 6'4 in his Prime either.
adam said on 7/May/08
Yes, that`s exactly what I meant. Well I dont know if the ground is even but Cooper sure looks taller and Wayne seriously doesn`t look tall or big.

And also the pic next to 6`3
Gonzalo said on 7/May/08
Where is the pic, Adam? Are you going to post for the 700th time the pic of the submarine? What a great pic that is, so reliable....
Coop and Wayne were about the same height: 1`90-92 cm
adam said on 5/May/08
Why wasn`t my comment posted? Rob?
adam said on 4/May/08
Look at this! The 6ft3 Cooper looks at least an inch taller than Wayne. Both men are slouching and Cooper even more than Wayne! If they both straightened up Cooper would be like 2 inches taller.
Gene said on 2/May/08
Hes a giant in his time.How can a man be so tall and macho like him.6ft4 is right and was proved by too many westerns...
adam said on 29/Apr/08
James, thank you. Certain people obviously dont want to believe that. But as a young man..? I`m not sure about his height. He could have been six-four, no doubts. But I remember seeing a pic of him with George Sanders and didn`t look taller than the six-three or slightly more Sanders.
Gonzalo said on 21/Apr/08
In The shootist Wayne is clearly taller than Stewart. In Liberty Valance they look around the asme height
mike c said on 19/Apr/08
Mark, good observation. Now, if you can, watch the scene as JW and JS are exiting the office..JW is taller...glad someone is doing his homework instead of just repeating what others say. Mark and Scott B, glad you're aboard. mike c
Scott b. said on 18/Apr/08
Thanks Glenn. I agree with Mark and mike c. Wayne is taller than Stewart. Wayne
was 6'4 in his prime easy. No less than 6'3 Barefoot in later years.
Mark said on 18/Apr/08
I just now watched big John enter the "Doc's" clinic (Jimmy Stewart) and stand face to face with Mr. Stewart. Jimmy was no less than 6" 3". John looks down at Jimmy - and both were wearing boots. I guess that makes him 6" 3"+ at the very least.
glenn said on 17/Apr/08
that would be a job for rob,scott b.hope he reads this.
mike c said on 16/Apr/08
Scott B...you're absolutely right. JW was not shorter than JS..He was 6'4"+ barefoot...just buy or rent The Quiet Man and look at the scene when he's standing in the doorway of his cottage...tell me he's not minimum 6'4"+ barefoot. Glad to read your comments.
Scott B said on 15/Apr/08
Glenn: Can you get a hold of the picture with Wayne and Christopher Reeve? I am Convinced Wayne was 6'3 Barefoot. And Wayne was not shorter than stewart.
patrick said on 14/Apr/08
John Wayne looks shorter than several actors in only one movie: the longest day.
When meeting Steve Forrest with Tom Tryon, he looks shorter during the first scene, whatever angle it is.
After, he looks taller then shorter and at last more or less matching Forrest but it
adam said on 13/Apr/08
well he was shorter than jimmy stewart, right? he looked shorter than jimmy in tmwslw
Anonymous said on 12/Apr/08
Didn't John Wayne meet Christopher Reeve after the 1st Superman movie. That photo would be nice to see.
patrick said on 11/Apr/08
Gonzalo: I just cannot join you any longer! Try to mail me something please!
John Wayne looks shorter than several actors in only on movie: the longest day.
When meeting Steve Forrest with Tom Tryon, he looks shorter during the first scene, whatever angle it is.
After, he looks taller then shorter and at last more or less matching Forrest but it
adam said on 6/Apr/08
Duke Wayne! my favourite actor, yes! he stood at least 6`2"
Scott B. said on 27/Mar/08
BKZ. There is No way Wayne was below 6'2. I think he was 6'3 Barefoot. I have talked to someone who met him and she said Wayne was well over 6'0. She said 6'3.
patrick said on 25/Mar/08
Bruno : you
Bruno said on 24/Mar/08
John Wayne was 6'4 in later years, he would have been slightly taller in the 30s and 40s, closer to 6'5. I saw him in one of his last interviews with Barbara Walters and although he was sitting down you could see that he was very tall by the length of his legs.
Gonzalo said on 24/Mar/08
Wayne looking shorter than Lee Marvin, who was at least 1`85. I think Wayne didn
Gonzalo said on 24/Mar/08
Frank2 said Wayne looked around 6`3 when he saw him. That was in the late sixties or early seventies, son Wayne could have shrunk by then. Frank2 also said that he believed Wayne was 6`4 barefoot in his heyday.
Mike said on 23/Mar/08
"Frank2" is the guy I'm thinking of. What does he have to say about Wayne?
mike c said on 23/Mar/08
BKZ, the Easter bunny just left my daughters a hundred dollar bill with chocolate roses...mike c ps. thank you, I needed a good laugh!
Mike said on 22/Mar/08
...after watching Wayne with Robert Mitchum, Claude Akins, Rock Hudson, Jimmy Stweart, Lee Marvin and more, I'm convinced he was a solid 6'4. Whoever put him at 6 feet even is crazy (no offense). I saw no comments on here from the guy who's opinion I trust (who worked with alot of these guys, but his name escapes me. Glenn2?)
patrick said on 21/Mar/08
Moe ,Lawson and, of course, MikeC, you definitely are right!
Nothing to add. I am flabbergasted when I read such a comment as the JWHEIGHT
BKZ said on 21/Mar/08
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you can find the truth out at Universal Pictures (owner of Universal studios) Its a documented fact and part of the Tour at either park that Marion Robert Morrison aka John Wayne was not over 6 feet tall.
mike c said on 19/Mar/08
Good observation, Moe. There's a picture of Wayne and Hutton in John Wayne, A Life in Pictures....they're eye to eye...they're putting out oil well fires!!
mike c said on 19/Mar/08
Hi Talker. Watch Hondo when you get a chance...either rent it or buy it (less than $20.)...sorry, I respect your opinion, but I've seen Valance too many times to agree that JS was taller...read below. Take care. Mike C ps. see especially the Shootist in JS's office and tell me Wayne was shorter. Use the slow motion button of your channel changer when they meet eye to eye...
talker said on 17/Mar/08
i just saw an obscure little movie called "the little hut",Niven and Granger walk around barefoot on sand,Granger looks hardly taller than Niven.I'll have to reevaluate Granger,i had him at 6'2" but now i believe he wasnt over 6'1".
The best case for 6'4" for Wayne is still "Donovan's reef",the bad case is Valance,i 'll have to check him out next to R.Ryan.
JWHEIGHT said on 16/Mar/08
in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance....it looks like Jimmy Stewart 6'3, John Wayne 6'2.75, and Lee Marvin 6'1.25
lsu alum said on 15/Mar/08
john wayne waa measured at usc at 6'4.5".he may have lost some height in his later years,but only an inch or so
Moe said on 14/Mar/08
The mvie, 'The Green Berets' Jim Hutton played opposite of Wayne. Jim Hutton was a verified 6'5"....they look each other almost in the eye. Wayne was a 6'4" guy
Anonymous said on 11/Mar/08
John Wayne was 6'3 Barefoot NO SHORTER.
mike c said on 8/Mar/08
Just recieved Dark Command starring the Duke and Roy Rogers...1940. Roy is listed as between 5'10.5" and 5'11" in all the sites...in ALL scenes the Duke towers over him. In one scene the boots are clearly visible. Both have on at least 1.5" heels..the Duke is at minimum 6" taller..no doubt whatsoever. Mike C
Kerry said on 7/Mar/08
John Wayne was 6'3", Ward Bond was 6'1".
just a fan said on 2/Mar/08
In "the quiet man" he is asked his height by his friend Mr Flynn and says
6'4 1/2" I beliive it
patrick said on 29/Feb/08
More than that Dear Gonzalo! Stewart Granger was long listed 6'3 and looked so in many movies but he definitely was not shorter than 6'2, even "old"!
I saw in the bonus of Hondo, a story of Ward Bond, how
Gonzalo said on 28/Feb/08
I agree with Talker and anonymous, Wayne was at least 1`91 barefoot. Gammy61, your comments are hard to understand. Wayne walking on elevating ground? In what movie was that? I can buy the lifts rumour, although I have seen no evidence so far, but walking on elevating ground....That sounds crazy.
Yes, Wayne was 5 or 6 cms than Stewart Granger in North to Alaska. Granger was a tall man, 1
Anonymous said on 27/Feb/08
GUYS! John Wayne was at least 6'3 Barefoot. Ive watched to maney Wayne Movies and know without a doubt he was a tall man. Ive seen him in movies with normal footware. He was in a movie with Anthony Quinn. Quinn is listed at 6'2 and looked it to me. He and Wayne were standing next to each other and Wayne had him by at least 2 inches. He was 6'4 max or at least 6'3 no shorter.
talker said on 27/Feb/08
i saw "north to Alaska" recently,where Wayne looks a good 2" taller than St.Granger.I always thought Granger was 6'2" so that would make Wayne around the 6'4" mark like many people say and he was old there.Also,I saw "Pirrsburgh" where Wayne is young and is an inch taller than Randolph Scott.Scott always looked 6'3" to me.Since i'm one of the people who put Wayne around 6'3" i must say i'm having second thoughts now.BAsicaly what still bothers me is that Stewart looked taller in my mind in
Valance.
patrick said on 26/Feb/08
Frankly, will due respect, I always wonder how some people can live in our world without hitting their head everywhere, wounding themselves in putting their shoes on or even simpler daily life things !
I have been so many times paying tribute to my favourite stars in front of the Mann
grammy61 said on 25/Feb/08
I have heard he was shorter than reported and always walked on elevated ground and after viewing his foot prints in Hollywood really started to wonder. If he had worn an 11" shoe why are his foot prints so small? Looks like they belong to a small child.
patrick said on 25/Feb/08
I agree with you paul but...I don't know what the heck you are taking about!
As far as I know, even the most stubborn people here never have imply such a stupidity!
paul douglas said on 22/Feb/08
What kind of idiot would say John Wayne was 5'6"? I'm 5'8" and Wayne was a hell
of a lot taller than me.
mike c said on 18/Feb/08
Gonzalo, Patrick. just viewed Hondo. Especially waited for the confrontation between Wayne and Arness. Well,boys, only a 2-3 inch diff. between the two as they stood face to face...Duke with boots and Arness with at least 1-2 inch heels.....love it! Do the math: The Duke with 2 inch boots, 6'6"; Arness with at least 1.5" heels....6'8+...it's there guys!...OH, I forgot, the Duke was wearing 6" lifts. Take care. Mike
patrick said on 18/Feb/08
Dear Mike, I already have it! That's why I can talk about it. I invite you to get to the special features and hope you will have the one about James Edward Grant: captivating! a lot of teaching stuff for sure.
Eager to read your comments Mike! Good to read you again "here", anyway!
mike c said on 16/Feb/08
Just bought Hondo at Barnes and Noble, Patrick. I'm sure you, Gonzalo, can purchase it on line from them....I've never seen the movie, but am looking forward to seeing it tonight. Take care, amigos. Mike
mike c said on 15/Feb/08
Hi Gonzalo& Patrick!! Saw a movie a few yrs.back with the Duke and Arness standing face to face in suits and dress shoes....can't remember the title..in fact, I wrote a post about it quite a while ago...you're both right, face to face, only 2-3 inch difference...Arness was 6'7"/Duke 6'4.5"..will write to both of you soon. Take care. Mike C ps someone out there must have a picture of Arness and Wayne..
patrick said on 14/Feb/08
Dear friend, Gonzalo: very hard to me to pick up a picture from a DVD! I just do not know how to do it if any possible!
Hondo was "off" for decades as were some 50ies' Hitchcok's movies.
quite easy to find it out by now and really worthwhile!
Good film and great actors!
Gonzalo said on 14/Feb/08
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION, PATRICK. I HAVEN
patrick said on 12/Feb/08
I watched "Hondo" yesterday and it was obvious that he was very tall at the time.
There is a scene where he and James Arness confronted each other: there are exactly, I mean really precisely, two inches between maximum between them for James.
I actually, would be inclined to just see one inch if I did not know how tall was James, namely 6
patrick said on 17/Jan/08
"people curse when they run out of intelligent things to say": what could I add?
As for Cooper06, no way he can be related to the great Gary!
See you fella!
mike c said on 16/Jan/08
Hey guys, I didn't realize BillyBob had 2 brothers..triplets!!...it's amazing how all three cannot post without degrading, cursing, and just plain showing their ignorance. Stewart was 6'3" when he died....Wayne might have lost some height after the horrendous surgeries he had to endure, but he's just as tall as Jimmy or taller in the Shootist ( and they're both wearing boots). Patrick, you're right on! will write shortly. Gonzalo, just bought Dakota..Wayne with Mike Mazurki (6'5-6")..there's a scene with both of them face to face with dress shoes on..of course the triplets think lifts....I guess if their remote control had a pause button/slow button and they used a DVD, they might just see where our logic is. But, that would be too easy and just might burst their bubble...Gonzalo is also right, I bougth Donavan's Reef in Dec. and there is not doubt whatsoever Wayne was at least 2" taller than Marvin (6'2")...No offense meant Cooper06 (are you related to Gary Cooper?), but you just might have to learn how to read and use more intelligent language than just plain invectives!! You see, people curse when they run out of intelligent things to say!!!
patrick said on 16/Jan/08
You definitely give too many proves cooper06! Stop! Please!
What an argument! Wow,
When I think all that time lost just because not being put in front of your comment!
Mike c, Gonzalo and I are completely overwhelmed!
Do you really think it is enough to state
Gonzalo said on 16/Jan/08
I saw recently Donovan`s reef, made in 1963. Wayne looks 5-6 cms taller than Lee Marvin, who is listed here 1`88. Wayne is wearing sneakers. Where are the four-inch lifts in this pic? He also appears barefoot and doesn`t look 10 cms shorter.
Cooper06, if that is a fact, why are there no evidences?
glenn said on 10/Jan/08
i have a lost pic with howard and in dress shoes he was an inch taller than me.unless i was 5-7 then.which is possible.but howard has been listed at 5-9.
patrick said on 10/Jan/08
Catsman, I live in France where TV is saved only with US and British shows.
Some documentaries are, now and then , interesting because they always are foreign (mostly from the Anglo-Saxon countries!).
Cable delivers US movies which help but as far as I am concerned, TV is
clark said on 10/Jan/08
Ron Howard is closer to 5'8--maybe a hair under. Anson "Potsie" Weber was the tallest of the famous four-at almost 5'11. While Henry Winkler did the best to stretch out of his 5'6 and "1/2" inch frame, probably more like 5'5. Not to mention the motorcylce boots. Tom Bosley listed at 5'7 or so was just a tad bit shorter than his tv son, while Ralph Malph also calimed he was 5'11, but appeared shorter than Potsie. Scott Baio lean out at about 5'10 or so, and left all of them behind, except for Potsie. Not to mention that "Chachie" was always wearing white converse all-stars.
Bruno said on 9/Jan/08
John Wayne was a legend, At least 6 4 in his hey day.
Catsman said on 9/Jan/08
MIke C - regarding your December 29th post, I haven't seen The Quiet Man yet but I will when it comes on next. Was it on over Christmas? I live in England and content myself with the 5 regular analogue channels (the limted bandwidth given to the digital channels really ruins a lot of programs - I guess they want us all to pay for HD) so I'll sit tight until it comes on again. Happy New Year!
patrick said on 9/Jan/08
CLARK: why are you telling me I have to read mike c "more carefully"? I am proud to claim I consider him as a friend and I say he is right. What you say is respectable but thinking that John Wayne
clark said on 8/Jan/08
Patrick: you need to read a bit more careful. Mike C was saying that Wayne appeared taller. And in some instances he does, but remember the Duke was the star, and your jaw would drop if you could see what there demands are before filming a movie. I have the utmost respect for John Wayne, but Hollywood is about allusion, and keeping heroes-- always looking like heroes. In the early days of Tom Selleck-- he was kept out of certain pictures because he towered over the "stars."
The photo at the academy awards show Jimmy A lil bit taller than the "Duke,"
and I have always thought Jimmy Stewart's build very similar to Pierce Brosnan, and John Wayne had the massive shoulders that can take the appearance of height away. Either way, may they both rest in peace.
glenn said on 7/Jan/08
ron howard is 5-9.
glenn said on 7/Jan/08
makes sense mike b.i just cant understand how a 6-3 or 6-4.5(which i have read back in the day) guy would wear lifts in the first place.some say he was 6ft.5.i think its clear he was at least 6-3,and very possibly 6-4.im no wayne expert however.he kinda reminds me of steven seagal on how seagal can look 6-5 to me,and me trying to figure out how much its in the boots.
patrick said on 7/Jan/08
Once more, mike c is right: Jimmy Stewart made only two movies with the Duke.
In the first one,
clark said on 7/Jan/08
Funny I saw early pics of the Duke, and I saw a wee bit of Conan O Brien. Then again, they are both of Irish decent, and tall.
mike c said on 6/Jan/08
Clark,Scott B, in the Shootist, when Wayne and Stewart are walking out of his office you get a clear look at both of them and their boots....hit the pause button a few times so they go in slow motion.....Wayne is taller. Appreciate your opinion.
mike c said on 6/Jan/08
Buttkis...hmm. very original. Krhm? Don't know what that means, but I'm sure if must be a compliment....Happy New Year BillyBob.
Scott B. said on 6/Jan/08
Even if John Wayne wore lifts, I beleive he was 6'3 barefoot. He had a habit of slouching when in scenes with Jimmy Stewart. I have seen Wayne in a movie with Anthony Quinn who is listed at 6'1 in his prime. Wayne and Quinn were wearing normal footware and Wayne was taller than Quinn by 2 inches. John Wayne was 6'3 Barefoot. Like I said before watch the Movie the Shootist. There is a scene where he is Barefoot with Ron Howard. Howard being 5'8, 5'10 in Boots was 5 or 6 inches shorter than Wayne. Glenn...What do you think?
clark said on 6/Jan/08
Jimmy Stewart always appeared taller than Wayne,and Jimmy was listed at 6'3 1/2...
mike c said on 4/Jan/08
BillyBob...I know your're trying, but you're not getting better. I see neither your eyesight nor your intellgence has improved..so write away as I'm just going to delete what you scribble... as I do with all the other junkmail I read.
mike c said on 2/Jan/08
Hey Gonzalo, no offense taken...you're a good man and I respect you as I do Patrick....I guess I missed a post or two as I thought Patrick lived in the Good Ol' USA..no matter, I still respect him and I think he's very intelligent, but above all, very insightful..he and you exhibit a lot of common sense when it comes to posting comments about the Duke....you're both well read and have definitely done your homework. Anyway, Happy New Year to you, and all of the Duke's fans....ps, Patrick, if you want, contact Gonzalo and he'll give you my address..thanks also, Ed. Rob....this is the best site of all....mike c
Gonzalo said on 2/Jan/08
Hi, Patrick. I hope not to offense Mike C and other americans saying that I would rather live in Paris than in the US. I love the US but I feel strongly European and I specially love France and Paris.
I hope you`re doing Ok Patrick cause you sounded a bit blue in your last post. I
patrick said on 2/Jan/08
My friends, I am SOOO touched with your words, words I insist to share, as Gonzalo does, with our mutual host: Ed.Rob without whom we never could have been able to communicate!
I want to believe that our mutual love for the Duke actually is the proof of something else, of something higher than just
Gonzalo said on 2/Jan/08
Happy new year to everyone, especially Mike C, Patrick and editor Rob! Patrick, it would be a pleasure to meet you, as well as Mike C. Mike and I know each other a little more, since we write each other by e-mail. You live in France, don
mike c said on 31/Dec/07
Great to read you again, Patrick. I was getting worried about you and almost wrote Gonzalo to see if he knew why you weren't contributing.....Gonzalo and I know each other's identity.....he's in Spain and I'm in New Jersey..eastern USA..the best country in the world albeit with many flaws, but it still allows me to post what I want....and millions of people flock here, illegally and legally, year after year...I wonder why? Gonzalo is a gentleman, a young one at that. He's a proud father and, I can sense, a man that loves his family. You appear to exhibit similar qualities though a "tad" older. The Duke was indeed a flawed man, yet his heart and love for life, his country, his children are enviable...he's one of my heroes and the more I research him, the more I can identify with him...though I'm only 5'6" and have only 2 beautiful daughters....his love for his children, his dedication to his art, and yes, he was indeed a great actor....he was a natural...just watch him in action...really watch him as he speaks and totally convinces you he is the man he's portraying on the screen. I kown Gonzalo,a true Duke fan, will wholeheartedly agree. Scroll down, Patrick, and view his album..it's getting to be quite an eye-opener for all the "fans" that still insist Wayne was at best 6'tall....It would indeed be great if we could have a glass of wine/beer together in memory of the Duke....who knows, maybe I live in the same town you do...maybe we can exchange e-mail addresses soon....if only to share pics and chat about our mutual friend....Happy New Year to you, your family, and of course, Gonzalo.and all the other Duke fans..mike c
patrick said on 31/Dec/07
Guys: "I'm back!" I was far from any civilization so couldn
mike c said on 29/Dec/07
Scott, from my Oct 8 post: Catsman, if you indeed saw The Quiet Man, maybe you missed three important scenes. The one with Victor McLaglen in the widow's home where the Duke haggles for his father's property. They're face to face, you get a great shot of the shoes....if you see 4" heels/lifts you are definitely in denial. Earlier in the movie when he's being driven to his hometown in a horse and buggie, you get a good look at the shoes he wears throughout the movie....again, the 4" lifts are no where to be scene.....and the best shot of all, when he's standing in the doorway of his cottage and his wife has gone AWOL, he's barefoot...he's taller than the doorway....I know, they purposely built the cottage to make his look tall....hope you can buy or rent The Quiet Man...mike c
Scott said on 29/Dec/07
I don't know why certain people insist that John Wayne was under 6'2. I have watched several of his movies and it is CLEAR he was at least 6'3 barefoot. In his last movie the Shootist, there was a scene where Wayne was Barefoot and Ron Howard had Boots on and Wayne still was at least 6 inches taller. He was NEVER below 6'2.
chris said on 25/Dec/07
John Wayne was definately a solid 6'4 1/2, maybe even 6'5" in his earlier years leading up to the 50s. I think he was 6'4 after the mid 50s though.
Gonzalo said on 20/Dec/07
Chuck`s opinions could be respectful but he mixed them with insults and that absurd statement that he saw John Wayne barefoot. He lost all credibility saying that. And once again he showed no evidence.
Filiz Navidad Mike c
mike c said on 19/Dec/07
Hey Gonzalo! Like your Hudson quote! Of course, you know, we're both wrong. Hudson hated the Duke....that's what I've heard.....I saw the Undefeated again and there just wasn't any chemistry between the giant Hudson and the tiny Duke....go figure!!!
Gonzalo said on 19/Dec/07
Glenn said once a sentence that I liked and I want to borrow it now and dedicate it to Chuck: `go get some friends`.
mike c said on 18/Dec/07
Chuck sounds like Billy Bob's twin!...from John Wayne, The Man Behind the Myth, pages 290-291:the Duke states...." We had Rock Hudson, one of the most professional guys I ever worked with" When asked about Rock, the Duke replies, "He's a homosexual? Yes, I know. Who the hell cares if he's queer? The man plays great chess. We had many a game up there in Durango. And what a good-looking man. I admit, I couldn't understand how a guy with those looks and that build and the ..manly way he had about him could have been a homosexual, but it never bothered me. Life's too short. It wasn't like some of his type who go around saying, 'Poor me, I'm discriminated against.' He just got on with his life in private, and I never cared to know about it. All I cared about was he was on the set on time every day, and at the end of the day he'd say, 'Care for a little chess, Duke?' and I'd say, 'You wanna get beat again?'"
The author then quotes Hudson who states, "I was grateful to Duke Wayne because my career was going down the toilet at that time"......."John Wayne was then the Hollywood legend, and I was on screen with him, The guy is an angel. He saved my life back then when no other filmaker wanted to know me." The author of the book is Michael Munn.2003 New American Library. I provide This info just in case Chuck and his macho twin, Billy, can read. It's obvious their vision and their ability to understand height is on the wane...5'11.5" my ass!
Gonzalo said on 17/Dec/07
Happy Christmas for everyone and happy 2007. Thanks for your comments, MikeC. It is great to have you on board. I hope to find some time this holidays (if I finally get any ) to watch a John Wayne movie. I want John Wayne `s lift shoes for Christmas!
mike c said on 16/Dec/07
obviously, I meant to write "their homework" instead of "they're homework"...
mike c said on 15/Dec/07
Gonzalo, Patrick, Ed. Rob. Glenn, and all of John Wayne's fans...Happy Holidays and a healthy New Year.....This IS the best site of all and I enjoy reading all the comments, even when they're written after a night of drinking..only kidding..Patrick, you and Gonzalo are the best...except for maybe the contributors who still write without doing they're homework....It makes my day!!
patrick said on 12/Dec/07
Mike c, I do love too to read what you, Gonzalo and all the
Gonzalo said on 12/Dec/07
Hi, guys. In The Billy Wilder film Spirit of Saint Louis James Stewart (who plays Lindbergh) says something about his height and from what I remembered it was around 6`3. Mike C, I can add the pic with Carnera. It is a good one. I remember reading years ago that Carnera was the tallest boxer at around 2 meters. I see now that it was a bit less thatn that, around 1`97.
I don
mike c said on 11/Dec/07
AS, your site for Carnera is great! I love the Wayne pic...he's certainly not dwarfed by Primo...both in suits, except maybe, just maybe, the Duke is wearing boots with 4" lifts....LOL...You've got to love Google....I'm adding this photo to my album...how about it, Gonzalo? Patick, go the Lindberg site and scroll down to the photo of Lindberg in a pilot's hat....compare to the AS photo...maybe days without shaving, no sleep, no sex, can have that affect on a man....I'm reading that Lindberg was max 6'2", not 6'4" and maybe that's why we're confused..we're expecting a much taller man....take care guys. love reading what you write.
patrick said on 11/Dec/07
Be that as it may, That is Primo and he definitely was huge with a giantlike physique.
I am 100% sure it is not Lindbergh on the pic, absolutely sure! He was taller and above all, even later, very handsome. He looked like Patrick Mc Goohan but in more "German" (Hardy Kruger way). I am a painting fan (mainly classic one) and a good artist myself. No way it is Charles Lindbergh!
Anyway, that is interesting since we so have the opportunity to talk about our dear Duke!
I just read, while writing, your mike c last comment and saw your photos: Lindbergh looks, for me, the same any which pic it is, and he looks even old, very handsome!
Frankly, unless this pic with Primo is particularly disadvantageous for "the other", I can buy such a funny face being that great pilot's one!
I doubt Colin Farrell or Pitt or Clooney will ever generate such a discussion in 30 years!
mike c said on 10/Dec/07
Patrick, go to the site below...very different looking Lindberg...now, I'm getting curious. Mike C
Click Here
mike c said on 10/Dec/07
Patrick, I'm having a problem with the Lindbergh photo...no doubt whatsoever it's Primo (all 6'5"-6" of him), but I always saw Lindbergh as being more handsome/stately...the guy in the pic looks like a poor excuse for a look
a-like...maybe we're wrong....Primo had a habit of dwarfing everyone..except Wayne. Let me do some research. Maybe Gonzalo has some pics...take care. Great to hear from you. What do you think, Gonzalo? Mike C
AS said on 10/Dec/07
Thank you for the comments.
Patrick, from time to time interesting photos will pop up on personal webpages. Apart from that theres always google/yahoo images! lol

As to the "lindbergh" photo- I too was having a difficult time figuring out the veracity of it. The post could have been better phrased "with *supposedly* Charles Lindbergh, usually cited as 6'4"".

The man definitely looks "off" for lindbergh. The face is more rounded and the chin more prominent than typical of Lindbergh. However, most photos of him on the net are circa 1927, whereas this one could be 5-10 yrs later. The jacket and helmet certainly don't help!

The photos were pulled from this site:
Click Here
check the ones with Chaplin and the three Stooges! I almost have to wonder if Primo, as he had acromeglia, may have shrunk a bit too. I definitely agree JT that he looked less heavy in later years.

I'd really like to see Rob add Primo Carnera as there are many photos floating around of him with older celebrities.
patrick said on 10/Dec/07
Oh sorry mike C! I understand now: that is Red Skelton for sure (I thought you talked about the other pic with the "strange" Lindbergh!
By the way, what do you think?
patrick said on 10/Dec/07
AS, I love your pics (where did you dig them up?)but...are you sure that is Lindbergh on the first one? I really do not recognize him at all! This guy is ugly while Lindbergh had an "actorlike physique"!
Yet, I do not recognize Red Skelton either!!!
Jason said on 10/Dec/07
Was Primo 100% ethnic Italian? Wondering because I think Sequals is along the Italian/Slovenian border or nearly.
mike c said on 8/Dec/07
AS, ps....I think that's Red Skelton in the first pic...he was 6'2" according to what I've read over the years. mike c
JT said on 8/Dec/07
Nice pic AS. Carnera was supposedly measured at 6'5 3/4". IIRC, he weighed around 260-270 lbs. when he boxed (1930s) but was thinner when he wrestled later on in his life. That pic looks like from the 1950s.
mike c said on 8/Dec/07
Nice pics. AS...glad you're on board...I'd put Wayne at minimum 6'4"+ in the first pic. with Carnera....see below:

Primo Carnera
(the "Ambling Alp")
BORN October 26 1906; Sequals, Italy
DIED June 29 1967; Sequals, Italy
HEIGHT 6-5 3/4
WEIGHT 238-284 lbs
MANAGERS Leon See, Frank Churchill, Billy Duffy, Walter Friedman
RECORD 89-15-0 (71 KO, 1 ND) Mike C
AS said on 7/Dec/07
John Wayne had a surprisingly large presence. Check out this pic of him with Primo Carnera in the background:
Click Here
Now, see this one of the supposedly 6'4 Charles Lindbergh with Primo
Click Here
We can't see the shoes and the perspectives are different, but Wayne certainly doesn't look dwarved. He looks significantly larger than Lindbergh, of similar height.
mike c said on 6/Dec/07
Kid, when you read this, do yourself a favor and scroll down......
Kid-Icarus said on 6/Dec/07
Many sites i've read said that he was 6'4 1/2" It this possible?
patrick said on 28/Nov/07
I know you did not AAAA, don't worry; I just added my own feeling about that great man who turned out to be a great actor, "furthermore"!
You're right about "pride"; I don't confess it but I am, deep down, quite proud to look pretty young at 55 without doing anything for that but working out; gently, everysay (but week ends!) and feeding simply and safely.
I am not tall at all (play on words)but I would lie in claiming I am not aware that I very rarely meet peopleas I stayed up to now. Why saying that? Just to explain how I can understand you and people proud, while being modest and really humble that apart, of what they are! I pity people who "have the stuff" of being proud! Everybody,even hugly, short, fat or whatever, should have something to be proud of. That is the lesson (one of them) I always withdrew from the Tod Borwning's masterpiece "Freaks".
What do you think?
Scott B. said on 28/Nov/07
Robert Mitchum said he was kidding about Wayne wearing lifts. Wayne was at least 6'3.
AAAA said on 27/Nov/07
I disn't mean he was ugly in anyway, just that the inscription he requested makes me think he valued his physical presence more than his appearence, which is pretty unique. People are so vain about preserving or improving their looks they will spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on surgery. If you prided yourself on your physical presence and had a hard time leeting thats go, then is it really strange he would wear lifts at an old age to hold on to the power of his youth... I think not. Hell, I'd hate to pull an eastwood and be 5'11 when I am old. Not that height is the end all be all but I really enjoy being 6'2. I'm sure Wayne was proud of his 6'4 size as well.
patrick said on 27/Nov/07
Thanks Jason.
I agree with you AAAA, as usual but I would say I NEVER found him ugly in any way! On the contrary, he was handsome and if you watch his early movies up to mid 40ies, he was very "so". All the women I heard talking about him, all of them said the same: "he was a beautiful man". His look, his eyes were incredible. My wife who is much younger than I am, is always, I mean always, amazed when seeing him, whatever age he is. The way his head was slightly swaying, at the end of a long and huge trunklike neck, was unique.
But I repeat, check out the old movies he was on and you will see how handsome he was!
In "in harm's way", he as tall as the huge George Kennedy and taller than the tall and bulky Tom Tryon.
Jason said on 27/Nov/07
patrick says on 22/Nov/07
''Jason, depending the age: 220 very young, around 30, certainly but minimum 265 at 60!
This man had huge limbs and hands! His neck as his shoulders were "tree like"!
A natural overproportioned lumberjacked American!''



Yeah, he was bigger when he was oldish.
AAAA said on 26/Nov/07
I think the big lifts came in in the end. While a powerful man, he wasn't particulary dashingly handsome. I remeber reading that He requested his tombstone read "Feo, Fuerte y Formal", a Spanish epitaph meaning "ugly, strong and serious. I think he took great pride in his hulking physical stature, and when it began to diminish, he tried to compinsate. I don't want to shrink, so I don't blame him. Plus...he is JOHN FREAKING WAYNE, the epitome of american masculinity and the icon of a generation.
patrick said on 26/Nov/07
First "Happy Thanksgiving!" to you, all of you mike c, Gonzalo, Da Man and Viper and the others. That is important.
Then, I am watching "in harm's way" and the Duke looks not only very tall but as a tank. It really seems that the ship is too small for him and bumps into every corner of "her" (the ship).
You know, I work in a hospital and see often people having ribs removed because of cancer as would undergo John Wayne in 1964. All of those who went thru that seem have been shrinking by ten inches! That is remarkable!
I always have been amazed how the Duke recovered quickly after he got such an important surgery. Even very young, (I was 11 or so), I remember how he looked to me as
Gonzalo said on 26/Nov/07
THe John Wayne album has new entries, courtesy of Mike C. You can see Wayne as tall as tiny Rock Hudson. Let
Anonymous said on 25/Nov/07
no way...Duke was maybe 6'2....maybe...look at I Love Lucy with him in it...he would tower over Desi and Lucy..and he certainly didn't not...probably wore boots most of the time
mike c. said on 22/Nov/07
Patrick, Gonzalo, Happy Thanksgiving! The Duke was indeed 300 pounds..that's why he was able to hop unto a horse from a running start while his co-actors needed a springboard...in particular, Douglas...and by the way, Wayne was 10 yrs. his senior..but, other than that silly feat, the Duke could hardly walk in his almost 5-6 inch lifts..boy, are Billy Bob et. al. ever so correct!
How ever could we have made so big a mistake to think that the Duke was at most 250lbs. and 6'4"!! I guess there' no accounting for common sense...Gonzalo, the scan will follow in a day or 2....cuidate/take care Patrick.
patrick said on 22/Nov/07
Jason, depending the age: 220 very young, around 30, certainly but minimum 265 at 60!
This man had huge limbs and hands! His neck as his shoulders were "tree like"!
A natural overproportioned lumberjacked American!
Jason said on 21/Nov/07
John Wayne nearly 300lbs?!?! He was 220...
mike c said on 21/Nov/07
Da Man,you took the words out of my mouth. Thank you.
Da Man said on 21/Nov/07
For some odd reason, I don't believe Billy Bob's personal claims. Why is that everyone on the internet is a highly trained fighter? Internet bad asses, gotta love 'em.
patrick said on 21/Nov/07
PLEASE Gonzalo, mike c, I forgot to ask you to get to the Henry Fonda page: you will see that "n...ty" people work also there!
patrick said on 21/Nov/07
Mike c, Gonzalo, I did not want to mix up my answers; this one is dedicated to both of you. I wonder where "anyone" could see Charlton Heston taller than the Duke and mike c, Gonzalo, by the way, your B.Bob comments are masterpieces in their conciseness I must confess I am not able to have and humour I fortunately, think I do have!
Regarding
patrick said on 21/Nov/07
Mr Billy Bob, do you know what the word "boastful" or "braggart" mean? If so -you DON'T- you have the excuse of being a kid. A grown up does not talk about himself that way.
Admitting you are what you claim, you destroy the wonderful image you have of yourself first in depicting it so and second, in using it to reduce such a man as John Wayne was.
As I said it many times here: easy to talk behind a keyboard all the more reason about a DEAD man!
How tall, boxer,
Gonzalo said on 21/Nov/07
Well, he doesn
Gonzalo said on 21/Nov/07
Billy Bob, show us that pic of Wayne and Heston, please. And get back to your medication
mike c said on 20/Nov/07
Gonzalo, great to hear from you. Will try to scan the Mike Mazurki pic with the Duke...he's also in Donavan's Reef..he and Wayne were very good friends. Take care, amigo. Mike C. ps, thank you Patrick. Now, I wonder where Billy Bob is going to find an outstanding boxer?
mike c said on 20/Nov/07
Billy Bob, you're a legend in your own mind.
Billy Bob said on 20/Nov/07
Well! Yesterday I saw a pic where Wayne was with the young Chuck Heston in the early 50`s. The 6ft 3 Heston was only 2 inches taller. No more. There`s too much proof, gentleman... Barefoot John Michael Wayne was 6`1" and weighted nearly 300 pounds!

And you`re talking about "he could kick our ass" You mean physically in a one on one fight?
Lister mister, Im 6-3, 200 well-built pounds, and Im a boxer. Wayne wasn`t taller, just fatter. And Wayne might have been powerful but I dont know how does that help against a outstanding boxer?

I know you like Wayne. I like some of his movies too! My favourite is definitely Wild Bunch!
Sabrina said on 20/Nov/07
It is true and many sources quote he wore lifts to make him appear taller. This may seem strange as the man was clearly already a good 6'2 minimum. However it was an image he was upholding. Bear in mind with age and weight gain his height could appear less upto 1 to 2 inches easily, especially as a bear belly will cause more curvature in the spine meaning it is less straight. Any person can experience days when they look shorter especially if slouching excessivley or poor posture causing muscles to tighten which can make you appear shorter. Also bad health and bone density loss as age progresses take inches of your height. Bottom line of it this man was clearly over 6ft, and without question no shorter than 6'2, and I would ere closer to the 6'3 and 6'4. Whether he was 6'2, 6'3 or 6'4 does not matter he was larger than life, the Duke, he has left us with films that are unforgettable, Hollywood today will never be able to match the stars of those days in talent, style, charisma and grace.
Gonzalo said on 20/Nov/07
Thanks for your comments Mike C, very interesting. Mike Mazurski was huge. Watch "The unconquered" to see how tall he was. It is also a very good movie.
Mike, I hope to upload this week the pics you have sent me. Could you scan the pic of Duke and Mazurski?
Was it Goebbles the one who said that a lied told many times becomes truth? Maybe that
patrick said on 20/Nov/07
Ah ah! What a fun mike c! I positively love that way you use to tell stories I feel so close to!
By the way, Monument Valley is my very favourite place! I can and I wish I could, stay there for ever without never feeling like drinking nothing but water or soda! How lucky were those guys to earn money (a lot) in such gorgeous, beautiful and magical places!
I never considered the Duke as I did with Ward Bond. The Duke was "a Duke", as Ellington was! Wayne had very much of an aristocrat and that is clearly visible in public meetings or when interviewed
He had manners and was always humble and very delicate, precise in his way of speaking, with
patrick said on 19/Nov/07
I love when people are so "modest" and respectful with dead ones! I positively love that! Such a pity...
The way we talk or write about "others" shows who we are better than any other analysis.
I consider despising people as "small" (not necessarily in height) and full of hate for celebrities, wanting always reduce them as a vengeance.
Nothing to add. I wish I was before "them" and not behind my keyboard.
mike c said on 18/Nov/07
Wow, Billy Bob, you've truly done your homework...!
Billy Bob said on 18/Nov/07
Yep. Wayne was 6-1 + 3-4-inch lifts. That`s what everyone said when they worked with him! John Wayne was tallish fatty.
patrick said on 12/Nov/07
Thanks a lot once more for so much warm words mike c.
I re watched Rio Bravo yesterday for probably at least the 30th time and always under its charm as if it was the first!
What an alchemy! Were those guys actors? It sounds they were living the action, deeply, without the slightest impression of fake emotion, feeling!
Everybody seems being carried away with a
mike c said on 9/Nov/07
Patrick, I guess the author wanted to highlight that Wayne, in spite of his big frame and 10 yrs. on Kirk, was still in great shape....Loved Kirk and Mitchum...as always, nice to hear from you. I've sent Gonzalo some vintage Wayne pics. perhaps he'll have time to post them. If he does, look carefully at the Hudson/Wayne photo...Take care. Mike C
patrick said on 9/Nov/07
I enjoyed it mike c: thanks a lot!
I just would say the author was not really fair concerning my other friend Kirk when mentionning "he needed a trampoline". Please, watch again this movie and you just cannot be nothing but impressed with "Kirk Douglas" incredible acrobatic display!
Sure he used a trampoline not to ride his horse but to jump over him and according to how he wanted to do it!
The rest is nice, very nice and a good prophetic testimony (about he will act until death)!
mike c said on 7/Nov/07
Enjoy Patrick, Gonzalo, et.al..from Time June 9, 1967....

"The visitor at Fort Benning, Ga., stirred as much excitement as if he were the Army Chief of Staff, or at least Cassius Clay getting into khakis. But the commanding and familiar figure that strode past the barracks was dressed in civvies. The only martial markings were a brass wire on his right wrist, symbolizing his initiation into a Montagnard unit in Viet Nam and, on his other wrist, a watch crystal worn inward, combat style, to which was attached a gold tag with name and address, presumably to notify next of kin if anything happened to the bearer. The tag read: JOHN WAYNE.
Just two days before, "Duke" Wayne had celebrated his 60th birthday at the premiere of his 162nd picture, The War Wagon, in Arlington, Texas. Now he was working at Benning without rest through the long Memorial Day weekend to stake out No. 163, The Green Berets. He would prefer to shoot the film in Viet Nam. "But if you start shooting blanks over there," he says, "they might start shooting back." Duke knows. Last year, while touring a Marine encampment for the U.S.O., he heard the crack of Viet Cong snipers' rifles. "They were so far away," sniffs Wayne, "I didn't stop signing autographs." The bullets, in fact, tore up the turf within 17 yards of him.
Kicking "Big C." Thirty-eight years of such energy, courage and authority have made John Wayne the greatest moneymaker in movie history: the gross comes to nearly $400 million. He is still the hero by Hemingway out of Hollywood, the he-man's he-man and the she-fan's idol. He talks and looks as tough as ever, though it was less than three years ago that he lost a lung while, as he put it, "kicking the Big C (cancer)."
Give or take some creases over the eyes, the huge, leathery face has hardly changed. Nor have the jutting jaw, the laconic grin, the squinting eyes blue as the big sky. The shoulders on his rangy (6 ft. 4 in.) frame still seem persuasive enough to get his football scholarship to Southern Cal renewed. He still looks born to the saddle; in The War Wagon, he mounted his horse with his own steam, while Co-Star Kirk Douglas, ten years younger, had to leap aboard his mount with the help of an unseen trampoline. The only perceptible indications of Wayne's years are a bit more heft around the middle and the hairpiece he wears on the set to mask a thinning pate.
Everything else is the original goods. Among them is the same sort of part Wayne has been playing since 1929 with the same acting style that his studio biography calls "naturalistic." "In my acting," he says, "I have to identify with something in the character. The big tough boy on the side of right
mike c said on 7/Nov/07
Guys, from Time magazine..June 9, 1967: "Give or take some creases over the eyes, the huge leathery face has hardly changed. Nor have the jutting jaw, the laconic grin, the squinting eyes as blue as the big sky....The shoulders on his rangy 6'4" frame still look persuasive...He still looks born to the saddle..."
Gonzalo said on 7/Nov/07
I have uploaded new pics, courtesy of Mike C. I hope you enjoy it. Wayne looks taller than McLaglen. You can also see Wayne`s shoes. No lifts inside
Click Here
mike c said on 6/Nov/07
Russ, I know that Gonzalo was being facetious. He was playing with the words to make a very strong point. He spoke "tongue in cheek" amd I applaud him for it. I just e-mailed him more of the Quiet Man photos and hope he'll share them with you. Where we does not agree, ( and in a very respectful manner I should add) is that the Duke was ever 6'4.5"...I don't think Gonzalo believes he was...and I truly respect his opinion and maybe he's right....who cares. This site is all in fun, albeit with some stats and research along the way..for me, as for Gonzalo and Patrick, the Duke was very tall.
Gonzalo said on 6/Nov/07
Hi, Russ. I was trying to be ironical showing documents in which Wayne looks at least 1`90 (around 6`3).
This is getting repetitious: Wayne was a very tall man, at least 1`90 if not taller
Russ said on 6/Nov/07
Gonzalo- Back on Oct 18th, you posted some old photos of John Wayne and commented that Wayne "should be downgraded immediately". In all 3 photos, John Wayne is considerably taller than everyone else, especially the photo where he is standing among several women. And look at the 3rd photo. He makes all the other men standing near him look like dwarfs. Some of your comments just don't make sense. You can't fake that big of a difference in height, even if he "was" wearing lifts. I truly believe that John Wayne was a good 6'3" in his older days and wore lifts anyway, just to sustain his image. Also, I've seen comments from people who say that Wayne looked short in his very early films. I don't think so. He always looked tall and lean. You can tell just by looking at his stature that he was tall. Long torso, long legs, smallish head compared to the body. Again, even if Wayne often wore lifts (which I don't deny), he was still a big, tall man even without them.
mike c said on 5/Nov/07
Thank you, Patrick. Everytime I watch a Wayne movie I focus on a particular actor. The last time I watch the Shootist, I focused on Steward and his height next to Wayne and what each was wearing..same thing with the Quiet Man...focused on the shoes the Duke was wearing and his height when face to face with Victor McLaglen...take care, Mike C
mike c said on 5/Nov/07
Joshua, you're right..the Duke was over 6'4+" in his early days, maybe up to the 50's, but we're having fun with the debate. Mike C
patrick said on 5/Nov/07
Welcome on behalf of me too clint (nice name!) and mike c, you once again "removed the words from my mouth"
mike c said on 4/Nov/07
Good observation, Clint. Welcome on board. I saw the Shootist again and watched carefully the scenes between Jimmy and John.....the Duke was taller, abeit not much, but with all his health problems,it's understandable. I have seen the Quiet Man at least 6 times, the uncut version and he was indeed 6'4"+ compared to the brut McLaglen....It's amazing what people see when they're convinced they're right and without any research at that. Just look at the great photo of the Duke with President Reagan and Frank Sinatra that my buddy Gonzalo sent at least twice...yeah, 6'2" or less! give me a break.
Joshua said on 4/Nov/07
Well in the 60s he used lifts to be that 6-4.... Well I guess with a great posture in his youth he might have been 6ft 4
clint said on 3/Nov/07
The duke claimed to be 6ft 4 and a half many times through his career and seemed a bit taller than 6ft 3 james stewart. Even in his final film the shootist he seemed a solid 6ft 4.
patrick said on 2/Nov/07
First Gonzalo is right, once more: repeating what he writes would be "copying him": he indeed appeared many times bare foot and that's true, appeared (not just "looked")very tall. We long discussed here about "proportions". A 6'1 man would have other proportions unless being kind of "monstrous"; Even David Duchovny who looks taller than he is (even for those who are meeting him) could not look so tall.
Besides, have you ever tried, just for the fun of it, to "enhance" your height in using lifts? Remember the sickness of soles used in films like Superman returns just to allow Brandon Routh not to break his foot or to look like a "high heeling" woman!
That is yet very simple: growing needs to have one's heel liftet up but until a certain level; look at the shoes suggested here to help you to get 4 inches! That is the real Frankenstein stilt-boots John is supposed to wear!
Gene c:
Gonzalo said on 31/Oct/07
I have read that quote myself. Mitchum talked about four inch lifts. That
Gene C said on 31/Oct/07
Mitchum's remark about Duke comes from an Esquire article on Bob from around the time of "The Winds of War." His comment was made with some affection, it should be pointed out. Again, I am not saying Duke was a short man, or less than 6'2" even, I am just repeating what many with far more actual evidence have said, that he enhanced his size with lifts (check out the boots in the famous photo of Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson and Wayne publicizing "Rio Bravo") and the largest cowboy hats known to mankind. Duke understood his legend, and sought to maximize it however he could.
patrick said on 31/Oct/07
No mike c! You don't know? John Wayne was in fact, the "other" identity of Mickey Rooney. So, I am happy since so, he's still alive but, as you and Gonzalo can now, finally have to bend to the unquestionable proof I thereby giving to you now: John Wayne was a tall...dwarf!
So, please, both of you, do abide by the new rules: everything which is absurd and against the slightest common sense, let's say, an "oyster's common sense", becomes "the truth" and a proof by itself.
I think that, after all, Joan Von Ark would not be so sure to save her life nowadays!
You know my friends, I am NO gentleman as mike and you, Gonzalo are. My blood has a low boiling point before, let's be polite, "bad faith" and stubbornness I hardly put up with in my ordinary life.
Sorry for those who will feel
mike c said on 30/Oct/07
Well said, Gonzalo. It's amazing what people say without any proof. I recently saw an oldie with the Duke and Roy Rogers. Roy was 6'tall in his prime. In the movie, he was about 30 yrs and the Duke about 5-6 yrs. older. They're walking side by side, both wearing boots with heels, and the Duke literally towers over Roy....but, alas, that is the magic of the camera and, in reality, the Duke was the same height as Roy...OK...George Kennedy 6'4.5" (In Harm's Way) in combat boots standing face to face with Wayne...no three inch (ridiculous!!) sole/heeled shoes in sight..in fact, if you use the pause button as they are walking towards the plane you can clearly see the shoes and the boots. But, Gonzalo, why bother with that..you see, my friend, using that evidence puts a wrench in the 6'1-2" theory and we just can't have that. Love what you and Patrick write...what a shame that only a couple of us fans have the ability scroll down and download the pic of Wayne, Eastwook Hudson, Steward, Marvin, Borgnine (Sp?) etc. Yes, very very short Wayne. Give me a break! Next time I'll write what Wayne said about the lifts...But, guys, you just might have to buy the book...Cuidate, Mike
Gonzalo said on 30/Oct/07
I wrote this on July 12th and I still believe it.

After all this time discussing about Wayne`s height I haven
Viper said on 30/Oct/07
A 6-1 John Wayne. I think I could buy that. Though I still think he was 6-2, maybe 6-2 1/2.
kevint said on 29/Oct/07
Billy Bob: Sounds about right. I would guess based on looking at many movie stills that the youthful Wayne was about 6'1.5"-6'2", and the elder Wayne was 6'1", tops. He almost never wore flat shoes and his size was always played up, much the same way Arnold Schwarzenegger's biceps were always pumped up and oiled onscreen. Wayne was a tall and well-built man, but no way was he 6'4", no matter what his publicity said.

Patrick: Sorry, you're wrong. There are lots of stills from his pre-Stagecoach days when Wayne does NOT tower over other actors, but looks about the same size. I've seen several shots from Wayne's military pictures where other actors appear taller. As for later pictures, there are loads of photos where James Stewart appears onscreen with Wayne, and looks taller. Stewart was 6'3".

I don't think Wayne wore lifts. He wore platform-heeled cowboy boots in all his western pictures--really *thick* ones, around three inches. These can be seen clearly in old photos...if you know a lot about cowboy boots, you should look at the photos. A good source is "The Complete Films of John Wayne", by Mark Ricci, Boris Zmijewsky, and Steve Zmijewsky. Lots of revealing photos of his bootwear in there.

He looked larger than life because he was a great actor!

Heights are barefeet estimates, derived from quotations, official websites, agency resumes, in person encounters with actors at conventions and pictures/films.

Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media.

Celebrity Fan Photos and Agency Pictures of stars are © to their respective owners.