Patrick Wayne is an actor and former chairman of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. His more than four decade-long acting career includes roles in over 40 films, several of which paired Patrick with his legendary father, John Wayne. Whether starring alongside his dad in such classics as McLintock! (1963) and Big Jake (1971), or swashbuckling his way through cult classics like 1977’s Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Patrick proved himself a captivating leading man with Old Hollywood class and charm.
Ours was a family of Patrick Wayne fans long before we realized Patrick was the son of John Wayne. We had enjoyed watching McLintock!—and Patrick’s performance in particular—several times through the years before finally making the connection. Indeed, whether you’re aware of his lineage of Hollywood royalty or not, Patrick more than holds his own on screen.
Raised on Westerns
Raised in Los Angeles, Patrick made a film every summer from the age of nine, starting with the classic 1950 western, Rio Grande. As Patrick shared with me about making his first film:
“As a kid you play cowboys and Indians, but you’re in your backyard. And there [on the film set], you’ve got the real stuff—horses, real guns, real swords. So I found out early on that working in Westerns is like playtime. You never have to grow up.”
Patrick made a total of ten films with his dad, eight with John Ford, five with Maureen O’Hara, and worked with countless other legends, including Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, and Natalie Wood. His experiences and memories of the Golden Age are priceless.
Patrick’s acting career continued into the 1990s, until he dedicated himself full-time to his work for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, a foundation committed to leading the fight against cancer. JWCF has revolutionized cancer treatment worldwide through its funding of innovative programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness, and support. The film work of both Patrick and his legendary father is great, but it’s the JWCF where the Wayne family legacy of grit truly lives on.
Listen to Episode 94 of Vanguard of Hollywood for Patrick’s invaluable insights.
Always enjoy watching Patrick in films with his dad. Easy to see they had a special relationship. Great to hear Patrick talk about his career and dad, thanks for this interview.
Thanks for commenting Bill! Yes, Patrick and his dad are so fun to watch together on screen. Hearing Patrick’s memories and insights on his dad makes their films together all the more enjoyable.
I’ve watched Patrick in Sinbad since I was a kid. loved hearing what he had to say about making the film!
Sinbad is such a fun film! Patrick does a fantastic job. Thanks for listening to the interview Susan!
Fabulous interview with the great Patrick Wayne! A joy to listen to his stories about not just his father, but Patrick’s own career. Wonderful listen!
Thank you so much for listening Marlene! It was absolutely amazing to interview Patrick. He has so many incredible stories and insights!