Steve McQueen may have been known for being a Hollywood tough guy who feuded with the likes of Yul Brynner and Paul Newman.
Yet The Great Escape star had a huge admiration for John Wayne, having grown up watching the Western legend.
McQueenâs biographer Marshall Terrill recalled: âMcQueen greatly respected the Duke and held him up as the gold standard for movie stars.”
The pair enjoyed the occasional cheeky antics together, including one time at the 1966 Golden Globes.
Hanging out backstage waiting to go on, Wayne realised he didnât have time to find the restroom so began peeing against a wall or on a curtain.
McQueen spotted Duke relieving himself and couldnât stop laughing before joining him for a leak.
According to The Great Escape starâs widow Barbara Minty, he would remember this encounter with a âhuge smileâ.
And now John Wayneâs estate have shared a picture of the two late stars hugging, with a sweet line by McQueen on Duke.
The post reads: ââSometimes kids ask me what a pro is. I just point to Duke.â â Steve McQueenâŁ
âHappy National Day of Encouragement! John Wayne and Steve McQueen at a Hollywood party in 1971.
âDay of Encouragement is the time to acknowledge the importance of coming together and encouraging others.â