From the Archives, 1979: John Wayne, America’s hero, dies aged 72 We’re sorry, this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Dismiss By Jennifer Byrne Normal text size Tough to the end - Man who shot at liberal valiants IN his long film career, John Wayne defeated almost every cattle-rustler, claim-jumper, ranch-stealer, outlaw, gunslinger and troublesome Injun be encountered. And in life he fought liberalism. He loathed the Lefty Press. In salty style, he promoted the virtues of truth, right and the American way. He was a leathery superman. John Wayne in the film “The Searchers”. Credit:Publicity - Warner Bros.