Frank Sinatra Called John Wayne His Best Friend Despite Bitter Feud
The legendary crooner and Hollywood cowboy had a heated rivalry that turned into an unexpected friendship, revealing the complex relationships behind Tinseltown's golden age.
John Wayne commanded respect from millions of Americans who saw him as the embodiment of traditional values and old-school patriotism. His western films made him an icon, but behind the scenes, the Duke was known for his controversial opinions and harsh criticism of fellow performers. Wayne held deeply troubling views on race, gender, and sexuality, which he expressed openly in interviews and public statements.
The actor's massive ego often put him at odds with his Hollywood peers. According to his daughter Aissa's memoir, Wayne regularly tore apart other actors' performances, particularly targeting Gene Hackman, whom he dismissed as "the worst actor in town." He also clashed with Clint Eastwood, viewing the younger star's grittier approach to westerns as a threat to his own legacy.
Political Tensions Spark Hollywood Drama
Wayne's most heated conflict involved Frank Sinatra, stemming from their opposing political beliefs. When Sinatra hired screenwriter Albert Maltz for "The Execution of Private Slovik," Wayne publicly questioned the singer's judgment, stating: "I never thought Sinatra was a commie. But he hired a commie to write a screenplay the communists would have just loved."
Their animosity reached a boiling point at a charity event where Sinatra, after drinking heavily, confronted Wayne directly. "He walked up to me, and he's not exactly tall enough to see eye to eye with me, and he said, 'You seem to disagree with me'," Wayne recalled. "I told him, 'Just take it easy, Frank. We can talk about this later'. And he said, 'I want to talk about it right now'. It's a good thing some of his friends pulled away because I'd sure hate to have flattened him."
From Enemies to Unexpected Allies
Despite years of public feuding, something remarkable happened as Wayne's life drew to a close. When "Duke: A Love Story" was published in 1983, Sinatra provided a glowing endorsement that shocked Hollywood insiders. "A most warmly written book about a giant of our times. I cherish the memories of a good and decent man. There was—there is—no better friend," the crooner wrote.
This dramatic shift became even more meaningful when Sinatra attended Wayne's funeral and called him during his final days to say goodbye. Their reconciliation proved that even the most bitter Hollywood rivalries could transform into genuine friendship, showing a softer side to both legendary figures that few ever witnessed.