Why John Wayne Regretted Not Having More Money

One of the most famous western movie stars to ever hit the screen had an expansive career that spanned more than fifty years. While incredibly successful, John Wayne (aka The Duke) admitted his biggest regret during a rare fan-answered question in the late 1970s…

Often heralded as one of the biggest movie stars in the history of filmmaking, it’s hard to believe the answer that John Wayne gave during this one-of-a-kind tv interview on an episode of The Phil Donahue Show.

During this special interview, The Duke spoke candidly with the audience about his career and – as part of that – money. Or, rather, the lack thereof…

In a segment where Donahue took questions from the audience, one woman asked the almost-70-year-old actor if he had any regrets about his life or career…and his answer was one that not many expected from a man of such stature and success.

“Maybe I wish I could’ve saved a little money…” he said in reply.

This interview came near the final days of his career and within the last three years of his life. The same year this interview was shot, he also finished his final movie The Shootist and had already begun a publicity circuit for it.

At the time of his death, Wayne was estimated to be worth $7 million and included north of $6 million in assets with the remainder in real estate. Just days before his passing he sold his treasured yacht called Wild Goose.

Watch the full interview below and let us know what you think below.