Ron Howard: Earning John Wayne’s respect on set

[@dagnabbit6187]

The Shootist gets more iconic with every year that passes by . John Wayne is actually lucky it was his last movie . Most Artists really don’t get a swan song .

[@sjs928]

" The Shootist " is fantastic... awesome scene when Lauren Bacall is scolding Wayne and he says " Im just an old man whos scared of the dark..." Gets me every time

[@rickyking1790]

He said " I'm a dying man afraid of the dark'

[@Growler57]

another one in the bath he says dam she says you swear to much he says the hell i do

[@surfwriter8461]

You're right, and that exchange is certainly the poignant center of the film. I was never a big John Wayne fan, but I liked seeing him in a role where the character was more vulnerable, a mix of self-confidence and tender emotions including the confrontation with his mortality.

[@jmcgoo4270]

Watching all these interviews Ron Howard is total total class. Grown up watching him. He's a great actor, director. Wow can he tell a story.

[@laurelanderson6782]

Ron Howard is a fantastic storyteller and apparently a really kindhearted and well grounded human. One thing I wanted to point out though is that any professional director of a movie or a play is going to be a fantastic storyteller.

[@safffff1000]

What a great life Ron has had.

[@bravesrule384]

@markjohnson7488 - what is more funny, and very hard to believe that little *Opie Taylor* will turn 70 next year in 2024.

[@Trisha_B_done]

Ron Howard is a legend within himself. Such respect for him.

[@THREESISTERS15]

He was raised by good parents and that makes the difference.

[@joksal9108]

All great performances in The Shootist-Wayne, Bacall, Stewart, Howard. Wonderful swan song for the Duke. RIP.

[@bogee4u]

really an all star cast..minor roles but worthy of mention...John Carradine, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brian, Scatman Carothers, Harry Morgan

[@azohundred1353]

The Shootist is one of my all-time favorite movies, and John Wayne and Ron Howard were great in it. Both of them are Legends now. Great interview, Graham!

[@rick43pen]

loved the Duke, but its true that he only became a great actor near the end of his career.

[@ekspatriat]

@@rick43pen He was also a racist a**hole.

[@robjones-qj2jj]

John Wayne was a great man. Ron Howard, just another whacko leftist

[@amystallings4606]

It was a classic, perfect, poignant movie. No one else could have done those roles, not one more word needed to be said.

[@charlespratt8663]

We should all go out as well as JB Books.

[@MTknitter22]

Ron and his brother were raised by two very fine people for whom character was first - not being movie and tv stars. The documentary the brothers did to talk about their book told that story. Ron was wise to appreciate working with giants and legends in the film business and humbly learn from them. Loved hearing his great respect for the Duke. There will never be another like him. Ron is now a giant himself in the business. Thanks Ron.

[@angelaevans4362]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of interview with Ron Howard. Thank you!

[@Cwgrlup]

I worked with Ron’s sister in law for several years (Clint Howard’s wife, Melanie) and attended their wedding in the 90’s. I was pleasantly surprised at how these two brothers are so humble.

[@okay5045]

Ron Howard was the best child actor on TV and is a wonderful director but more importantly he is a good man. He is real

[@michaelmakes1225]

Love Ron , but Johnny Crawford was my favorite.

[@steveconkey7362]

He was great but my favorite was Billie Mumy.

[@derekgiesbrecht-xp5yc]

Gary Coleman, baby

[@theunpopularmindset5273]

Dustin diamond,in my opinion, was the best actor, period! His portrayal of screech in the college years was some of the all time finest acting in cinema history.

[@JamesCrane]

I love The Shootist, and Ron's performance and of course John Wayne's! Thank you for posting this interview!

[@jillv4006]

Only Ron Howard can name drop without it coming across as “name dropping.”

[@caroledwards3289]

Because he really did meet ppl and worked with them. He is a joy.

[@bobabooey7088]

Not a name drop, he was asked

[@Fergus316]

@@bobabooey7088 He brought up Bette Davis, Shirley Jones etc on his own. He was only asked about John Wayne.

[@MelloCello55]

@@Fergus316If you did it, it’d be name-dropping. He was talking about his co-workers.

[@nathantibbs4602]

The Shootist was a great movie… Kind of dark and sad but in the end the Hero prevails and gives his years of wisdom to the younger version of himself. John Wayne was the absolute best. Larger than life

[@joe-vz6hx]

The Shootist is easily the most underrated western ever. I want to say also how fortunate Ron Howard was to work with so many great stars, but it's far more about talent and the man than it is about fortune.

[@billy3424]

Working along side of Bacall, and Wayne, and Stewart, What a lucky gift !!!

[@vibeofthee80s_]

This was a great interview, and great story about the Duke and Ron Howard 3/31/23

[@Chrisfeb68]

For being in so many great movies and working with so many great talents, he’s extraordinarily down to earth. You can see why he was a success.

[@commanderkeen3787]

I like how Graham is authentic and doesn't over-react to everything his interviewee says. If this was a Jimmy Fallon interview, Fallon would be rolling on the floor laughing at every sentence

[@Badtown1988]

One of the best.

[@johnrwalker53]

Exactly Fallon is so irritating with his fake laughing.

[@fmd1412]

Fallon is so fucking insincere its ridiculous.

[@PhilipDrown]

Agreed x 30

[@peppercat8718]

@@johnrwalker53 Thank you John and Commander Keen, I thought I was the only one who felt that way about him.

[@simonlunt353]

I am a big fan of the Duke watch any think about him but I can’t watch his last film l have watched it it makes me feel so sad not the fact he gets killed in the film but knowing this is his last film this man is a legend 😊thank you mr Howard for sharing your experience with us and thank you sir for your contribution to films 😊

[@toddgrant4268]

Ron Howard is such a class act. Boy, did he work with some legends. I believe that and his upbringing made him the actor and director he was to become.

[@AzimuthTao]

When you consider how many child actors end up self-destructing, it's amazing to see how Ron Howard not only didn't do that, he used his life experiences to propel him to greater and greater heights.

[@nightshadedesign]

His father Rance was instrumental to keeping Ron grounded. He was a phenomenal dad.

[@stst77]

A lot of young actors don’t have their functional birth parents to raise them like Ron had. It makes a difference.

[@ovp66223]

I'd say its due to parents/guardians that are trying to live vicariously through their kids or just greedy. They push the kids WAY too hard and it takes it toll on their mental well-being. I think the kids then search for something to get away from it all. Sadly that ends up hanging out with rebel-types and getting involved in drugs or other bad stuff. Good parenting and placing strict limits on the amount of work versus school and being a kid is the key.

[@rodneymiller4620]

Great interview, Opie's come a long ways! Graham is the best interviewer next to Johnny Carson that I've ever seen! He knows the right questions to ask (does his homework) and more importantly lets the interviewee answer without interruptions. Kudos Graham!!

[@mattsnow9273]

The movie John Wayne and Ron Howard worked on together is The Shootist. Just watched it recently and it is a great story.

[@redpilledbiker]

Definitely one of my favorites

[@douglasfitzovich3366]

It’s illuminating to hear an inside story about John Wayne’s last movie. JW gained his fame portraying “tough guys.” It is impressive that he was a real tough guy making his last movie. He knew he was dying, but he was determined to make his last performance memorable.

[@toinimoore3463]

I think that is Very True When You Are Around True Talented People You Do Try Much Harder making the Picture Even Better!!

[@Dave-hc6pp]

These are great interviews. Ron Howard and I are just about the same age so I’ve always felt like we grew up together. Our values are very similar, our approach to raising our families are closely aligned and I had a very similar childhood to his character on the Andy Griffith show. John Wayne was my childhood hero and I loved watching his movies. There are some who think that his character in The Shootist was dying from prostate cancer. In 2017 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Those 2 actors have always been a part of my life and will be for as long as I have.

[@kenbyron54]

Ron is the same age as me, to be exact, we were born on the same day 3/1/54

[@crazyman8472]

John Wayne always followed the three "P's"; polite, professional, and prepared. 😎

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

Graham, Much appreciation to you for presenting these interviews of Ron Howard... and the many others you have bestowed upon us! Your technic of interviewing and for allowing the individual to speak, thus presenting their story is commendable! I think I will subscribe and follow you more often!! From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran. :-)

[@sarahbreshears9294]

Thank you for your service,my Dad was a combat medic (Army) in Vietnam

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

@@sarahbreshears9294 Thank you for your words of kindness and thoughtfulness. I honor and respect individuals like your father who have given so much to others. He has made a great difference in ppls lives that can not be measured by today's standards. I want to thank your father for his service and welcome him home! May you have love, blessings and good health! Be STRONG!

[@sarahbreshears9294]

@@charlesmiddleton3247 A welcome home to you as well. Dad passed in 91 of Agent Orange😞😡 God bless you & yours, I wish you a blessed & healthy life❤

[@georgesouthwick7000]

I know most will not agree, but I believe this was John Wayne’s finest performance.

[@titan-tm7kl]

I think so too it's the dialogue and the fact that the illness of the character is what the Duke died of I think it's a great movie but people who want action won't like it you have to like the characterisation which is what this movie is

[@charleskeenan3550]

The Searchers....

[@brian197686]

@@charleskeenan3550 Definitely. I just saw somewhere that "Once Upon A Time In The West" is considered the greatest Western of all time. That's not a valid argument because it's not a "Western" at all. It wasn't made in America.

[@leegraves101]

He was great in it but I prefer True Grit

[@37903eral]

Yes one of many, there were many of his early films that were top shelf. This being his last and kinda a flash back of his career movies.

[@mikeelek9713]

Another really terrific interview led by Graham. Always good stuff. I found this fascinating, particularly at a time when everyone is crapping all over John Wayne's legacy.

[@GrahamBensinger]

Thanks, Mike!

[@zekelucente9702]

I remember seeing The Shootist at the theater. A very poignant story considering the Duke’s health.

[@epm5433]

Nice job, Grant. I like how you respect your guests by letting them answer your questions. So many interviewers these days give long-winded questions/statements designed for the guest to give short answers. Bravo!

[@timsparks1858]

The Duke according to stories since my youth was always nice to fans wherever he went rarely had a bad thing to say about fellow actors. This is what people will remember you by when you're gone. Not how many millions you made or how many red carpet pics you were in!

[@kathleencollier5277]

Geez, he is still a kind, well-mannered high schooler! The kinda boy I always ❤️; ruffled tuxedo (prom) shirt and all!

[@timbarry2232]

Just amazing to listen to!!! Thanks for sharing this with us!!!

[@scottnj2503]

Both men are icons of the film industry. Those of us of a certain age grew up with both. Experiencing thier work at opposite ends of a spectrum.... John Wayne, larger than life on the big screen. Ron Howard, from our daily ives on the small screen to one of the most successfull and lauded big screen behind th screen personalities of the last few decades and likely the next couple. What an incredible contrast and how fortuante are we for witnessing the juxtoposition of both.

[@billwun]

Ron Howard and Kurt Russell are about the only two former child stars that transitioned well into adulthood.

[@johnmagill7714]

Jody Foster to.

[@gregb6469]

Jackie Cooper

[@kyleking4999]

Josh Brolin

[@lwskiner]

Bill Mumy as well.

[@HolgerRuneFan]

How about Elizabeth Taylor!??

[@pepelemoko01]

Think about this, Ron Howard now is only 3 years younger than John Wayne was in "the shootist".

[@josephsullivan775]

I love ron howard, what a good man

[@joetruth5924]

Ron is a class act.

[@JDsalvo123]

I love and truly respect Ron Howard, he and I are the same age I grew up watching him grow up . What a class act !!!

[@dj3114]

Ron Howard seems so genuine - probably I'm sure he is. I remember him saying in another interview that the single scene he was most proud of was the launch in Apollo 13. I would have to agree. Great actor, director and person.

[@spuwho]

Ron Howard did something interesting when they were filming Backdraft in Chicago. It was July 4th and they had the day off so he rented a big boat and had the cast and their families on board and watched the fireworks together. Jennifer Jason Leigh said it was like a big family were having a gathering and watching the fireworks together at the end made it special. In a sense Ron brought Mayberry to every movie he made.

[@jeffhenjes1722]

Ron held his own on the screen with Andy Griffith and Don Knotts. For a kid actor, he was pound for pound as good as any kid in that era.

[@crazywisdom2]

Great interview. Liked it alot. thank you.

[@hlf_coder6272]

Ron Howard may actually have the most successful Hollywood career of all time if you think about it. From 5 years old, nothing but success

[@bradputney1373]

Ron is great. Every interview I watch I am more and more impressed with his mix of easy-going confidence and show business professionalism.

[@johnprendergast1338]

Shootist Great movie ...Howard and Wayne were great in it ...

[@mark11967AD]

Great interview. Great man. Ron Howard saying “it was winning time” like Michael Jordan would except in film and acting. Very impressive statement.

[@boblevey]

It was a great movie and you and The Duke had a great chemistry. You could see that!!! You did a fantastic job holding up to him and Lauren Bacall as a young man!!!

[@wildforthecats661]

This series is awesome.

[@b.switzer4744]

Love this series. 😁

[@stratdx]

I loved The Shootist!

[@robertconklin4657]

Nice to see an interviewer who lest the guest talk

[@keharris7]

Ron has had so many great mentors and he never fails to honor them. Truly a class act.

[@ohdear4133]

This man is so huge from being a child star and old Hollywood actors and actresses that he has known and interacted with, yet you would never know unless he told you and still stay humbled. Unlike the ones that has not been there for as long as he was and full of themselves.

[@markr5132]

Ron Howard, hands down was by far the best child actor ever, in my humble opinion!! He was a great adult actor, but it was impossible for him to get much better. I wish we had child actors like we did in back in the day, but directors want cocky drama queens now to realism takes a back seat. Thank Ron for so many memory's and directing so many amazing films.

[@SThompsonRAMM_1203]

I never wanted to watch The Shootist as growing up John Wayne was my hero and every western was him at his youthful best, even if he was older in a few of my favorites, Rio Bravo, El Dorado, Big Jake, and The Cowboys. So, I hesitated on watching The Shootist until a few years ago. It was so close to the man, the myth, and the legend, and though it made me sad, it was such a good movie. Since he's passed, I can now watch it and be grateful for what a legacy he has left.

[@TheNameisPlissken1981]

Actually, the project that Duke wanted to work with Ron Howard on was a script called Blood River written by the great director John Carpenter. It was one of the few westerns he ever wrote. It ended up getting made over ten years later as a TV movie with Ricky Schroeder in the role meant for Ron and Wilfred Brimley in the role John Wayne would have played.

[@ronleight9341]

Yikes!

[@edwardabrams4972]

If you didn’t know Duke he could be very intimidating but he was a man’s man and was a wonderful man to work and be around because he had principles and demanded respect

[@60zeller]

And a draft dodger

[@timheavrin2253]

The Shootist was Wayne's best film I think. He saved his best for the last. RIP Duke

[@TheTop40hub]

Watched them all. So interesting. Thank you.

[@MisatoBestWoman]

The Shootist is truly a masterpiece especially its John Wayne’s final film and it’s beautiful haunting but a masterpiece

[@garychristison763]

I remember thinking how great Lauren Bacall still looked in that movie considering that she was at least 30 years beyond being considered one of the most beautiful actresses in the business. It was just an above average movie but the cast was an all star cast. Enjoyed hearing Ron Howard's experience working with John Wayne.

[@jimeagle5483]

I was born in '70 and feel so fortunate that I was alive and got to enjoy a lot of the Golden age actors during my youth. Even though they were coming to the end of their careers, I look back and am so glad I got to see the legends.

[@imstelios]

Kid from Duncan, Oklahoma a Hollywood legend himself!

[@kathleentyson6727]

I’ve been residing in an assisted living facnkw for nearly six years now,I had an interesting conversation with my next door neighbor around Christmas time this year . Before he moved in here ,he lived on a boat in Newport Harbor in Orange County California,i told him that every year I would do the boat tour there every Xmas ,and of course they would always mention The Duke’s house . My friend told that his son and John Wayne’s son used to hang out ,abd that they had been to many of the movie locations where Wayne was filming,he described him as a down to earth kind man ,this just proved it ,the day Wayne died my mother called me in tears she loved his acting ,our whole family did .

[@janemarkham4133]

" GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FANILY " 😊💔🙏👍🤟🤘💪😇

[@crosswordpuzzle2952]

Ron was very fortunate to be able to meet so many icon stars of which, he became. I love the 70's. When I die. I hope I can return to my childhood.

[@svbarr]

The late great David Huddleston told this story.He was hired to be in a John Wayne movie and on the first day of shooting while in costume and makeup lights on ready to go- the Duke sidles up to him and says something like "When I say Line X - give me a look, take pause move away - then say your line like you are scared". Now David was a proud New York Actor and he didn't take kindly to line readings from other Actors, so he said as respectfully as he could..."Mr Wayne but last time I looked your name was not on the Directors chair- I'll take direction from our Director". He said it looked like Wayne was gonna punch him, them slowly a smile - then a broader smile, and from that day forward Wayne respected him and they had a great time working together.

[@paulryan5150]

That's a great story, James Caan has a similar story except he did what Wayne was telling him to do....several times. Turns out, Wayne was just screwing with him.

[@kevinpittman2517]

RON HOWARD is one of the greatest child actor success stories to come from Hollywood. I have an great amount of respect for him. He has been one of the Star Wars Franchise's best directors... i extend that also to his beautiful and often overlooked sister. I know drugs was an issue when it came to his brother but even he in his own right has been in so many projects... his most iconic being the entity that appeared in one of my favorite Star Trek the Original series episodes. I can't imagine what Hollywood would have been like without this family's contributions to the profession.

[@jamesgannon8914]

Ron Howard is a wonderful and humble man. He is so down to earth, with no pretense.

[@michaelsherman6492]

Ron Howard is a class act! His mom and dad raised him right… his is a professional and humble man. A great story teller and I hope he tells many more. He worked with legends from an era before him and learned from them as well as showed them their legacies were in good hands. Duke, rest in peace, you are still a legend

[@Daisnap]

Great interview. Ron Howard is a very impressive person.

[@onlyweknow2]

I'm just like the rest of us very impressed with Ron Howard and a fan.

[@justice8563]

I would love to see Ron make the movie about the Richie Boys in WWll. He would definitely make it a epic one.

[@JohnWayneYouTube]

Great interview!

[@mz6504]

Listen to the list of brilliant actors Ron worked with……holy hell!!!!! charmed life…..

[@NVRAMboi]

Thank you for letting your guest answer your questions and even elaborate upon those answers. You've not lost sight of "who the star is" and that some of the best gems arrive as they relax and elaboratively converse.

[@jackmanbussey]

What a movie , What a Man , Mountain of Kudo's for Mr. Ron Howard , genius act from a child on !

[@jerryeicher6580]

Great interview Graham thanks for your efforts

[@dyates6380]

I'm loving every one of these segments with Ron Howard. Very impressive guy.

[@tmcorey1]

The final shootout at the acme saloon is epic. Loved Duke in every movie, and John Bernard Books in The Shootist is no exception.

[@teller1290]

Just to quibble a bit... I thought the "looking around the bar and getting shot" scene with O'Brian was a bit odd. Who'd be dumb enough to do that. And the first shooting in that last scene, when idiot picks up table and charges, it seems like Books must've been firing an auto loading pistol because those two shots strike that wooden table VERY close in time together...a lot faster than I can work a Colt "Peacemaker." Also, they made table a little differently back then. I think it's far from certain that those slugs make it through the table with lethal force. And then the blood on Boone's character...kinda iffy. Overall, love Duke, the movie and Carson Valley.

[@tmcorey1]

@@teller1290 you’ve missed the whole scene. 🤣 The guy was never scared, until he met books. He tried to outsmart him to gain an advantage. He was right handed and needed to get out passed the end of the bar to fire. Books figured it out and was waiting. He didn’t get passed the bar with his gun hand. Books had pulled his second gun and fired both into the table almost simultaneously. A 45 cal colt will go through any wooden table at 10 feet.

[@teller1290]

@@tmcorey1 good observation on the bar opening on side that makes him use his off hand or expose himself. Being a fit guy, it made more sense to go over the bar to catch older, wounded guy off guard...or half way over. I still see a problem with table scene. I see the two guns drawn but it appears to be due to his left arm not working well after shoulder wound. The key is you only see one gun lifted to fire the instant before both slugs strike table. And when camera catches him firing third round, still only his right arm is raised.

[@tmcorey1]

@@teller1290 he still wouldn’t have made it. It was john wayne (as bernard books). If you question the power of a 45 colt, get a wooden table of your choice and stand behind it. Have a friend fire a 45 colt at it. Not a 45acp. A full load 45 colt round, from 10-15ft. I guarantee your chest and lungs won’t like it much. 😂

[@teller1290]

@@tmcorey1 yeh, I guess I attribute far weightier, more serious wood being used in crafting such tables back then. And if it's such an obvious thing, why does Boone character decide to implement table into his plan. I wish he'd just stood up and tried to get the jump on Books as he was busy dispatching the other loser. I get the feeling director wanted to jazz things up a bit with something different than what first guy did. It's just kind of awkward to me. But that's just an opinion.

[@claudiocorleone7856]

Ron has added joy to all audiences and I am sure to people around him and his craft. A very underrated actor/director.

[@krazmokramer]

Ha! The voice is still the same as Opie!!!!! The Shootist is one of my favorites, and The Duke's best IMO.

[@mikeoliver198]

Love Ron Howard.

[@802reptiles4]

Great interview

[@EastTexasRanching]

I am not surprised that John Wayne "intimidated" (for lack of a better word) many he worked with. He was bigger than life. What a great actor.. and man.

[@russellbarndt6579]

Two independent wows is all I can imagine to say both are the top legends in my parents view so you must know mine also, wow so glad I came across this interview...

[@CalTxDude]

I am an enormous admirer of Ron Howard! Multi-talented, LEGENDARY experience and just IMAGINE the stories! Also, Is incredibly generous with Humility and great humor. I can't really say anything good nor bad about John Wayne because I've never really seen any of his films.

[@shirleybewley6646]

Oh yes! the rappor gained in running li es really came thru the screen. One of my favorite movies largely because of that authentic relationship

[@jasoncraft2135]

This became my favorite John Wayne movie. It wasn't at first because as a kid I just couldn't see Ron Howard as anyone but Richie Cunningham.

[@jlmain5777]

Terrific and insightful!

[@sirgalahad3574]

Duke was always into working with his own personal "in crowd". To be listed as someone he wanted to work with again must be a tremendous honor.

[@Jeanbuchanan-fn5em]

He was not a rarest he was a great actor my day like him to need more men like him the one we have now all they think about is sex or them selves he was z decent man

[@NoNameNoFace-rr7li]

i watched this guy since he was under 5 yrs old and he is now almost 70...dang. he is only 16 yrs younger than Andy was when he died....makes me feel old a hell

[@loranv3435]

JUST LUV THAT, HOWARD NEVER CROSSED HIS LEG.

[@paulflynn2481]

keep in mind that John Wayne learned his cowboy walk and attitude from working with Wyatt Erp in person.

[@mmess8585]

What a life he's lead! He's a treasure trove of information! Great interview!

[@daddy9925]

This is Ron Howard having to remind Hollywood that he knows how to make movies, work with all kinds of personalities and deliver a good project. They may have forgotten that.

[@garymatney9344]

It’s a pity John Wayne didn’t win an Oscar as The Shootist! Not because it was his last movie but because it was his BEST movie!

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

Amazing story 👏

[@timwalcott6268]

It just doesn’t get much better than being able to grow up watching JW and RH. Rip Duke! Movies are changing from when I started watching tv on a black and white in our house in Laramie Wyo. thanks for all the memories. 😮

[@salvation7362]

His bio says he was 6'3. I guess Legends are always bigger than how we remember them.

[@codymoe4986]

When the legend becomes fact, print the legend...

[@robdykes3659]

6,4 and a half