Own John Wayne’s eye patch or Golden Globe
Got some gold, Pilgrim?
Fans of the Duke with as little as $100 can own a piece of the cinematic icon at a rare auction of the actor’s personal items Thursday and Friday in Century City. But those with more to spend could end up securing his eye patch from 1969’s “True Grit” or his Golden Globe for best actor.
Some 700 items ranging in price from $100 to $50,000 from the collection of Newport Beach-based John Wayne Enterprises will be auctioned to the public at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. The actor, who died of cancer in 1979, lived in Newport Beach for the latter part of his life and his legend is woven into the local lore.
“My father was always open and accessible to his fans, and he was very grateful to them for supporting his films and career,” Ethan Wayne, president of John Wayne Enterprises, said in a prepared statement. “Now, we’re very excited to be able to offer mementos of my father to the fans whom he valued so much.”
Items up for auction also include cowboy hats from 1975’s “Rooster Cogburn” and 1953’s “Hondo,” a driver’s license, American Express card, movie scripts with handwritten notes, costumes and more.
John Wayne Enterprises preserves memorabilia belonging to the late actor and protects his image. The company and Dallas-based Heritage Auctions are sponsoring the Los Angeles auction.
Demand appears to be healthy. Wayne remains one of the most popular movie stars of all time.
“We get phone calls here, not daily anymore, but certainly weekly from fans saying, ‘How can I get one of your dad’s vests from this film or these films?’” Ethan Wayne recently told the Los Angeles Times. “People have been calling for 32 years. His films affected people and they have a personal relationship with the guy and they want that connection. I remember how important the fans were to my father.”
The public can preview the items through Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles.
For more information, contact Heritage Auctions at (800) 872-6467 or visit https://www.JohnWayneAuction.com.
Los Angeles Times archives were used in this report.
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