You think you know John Wayne, right? The man, the myth, the legend. The larger-than-life cowboy hero who always rode tall in the saddle, never cracking a smile in the face of danger. But what if I told you that the “Duke” had a funny bone that could rival the sharpest stand-up comedian? Well, buckle up, because that’s exactly what you’re about to see in this unedited gem of a moment. Get ready to laugh—hard.
Picture this: It’s 1974, the set of *The Don Rickles Show*. Don Rickles—master of the quick jab, the comedic insult, and the hilarious undercut—is about to welcome none other than John Wayne onto the stage. But here’s the kicker: before Wayne even says a word, Don has the audience in stitches. You can almost hear the chuckles bouncing off the walls of that studio. The Duke, of course, steps in wearing a black mask—an attempt at disguise? Not really. It’s all part of the fun, and the laughter just keeps coming. These two don’t just tell jokes, they *perform* them, each one bouncing off the other like a perfect rhythm. You’re not just watching an interview. You’re witnessing a comedy showdown, and trust me, it’s one for the ages.
Don Rickles and John Wayne turn a classic interview into a riot of laughs.
The energy on set is palpable. Don Rickles, ever the crowd-pleaser, takes the mic and starts firing off jokes, effortlessly roasting the audience before John Wayne even steps foot onstage. There’s something about that raw, unfiltered humor that feels like stepping into a time machine—back to a world where comedy was sharp, unpolished, and straight to the heart. Rickles isn’t just playing to the camera, he’s playing to the crowd, and it’s electric.
And then there’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: John Wayne walks in. No cape, no horse, no six-shooter. Just a black mask that does little to hide that unmistakable presence. The Duke isn’t just here to answer questions. No, he’s here to *bring the house down*. And does he ever. The whole room shakes with laughter as Wayne’s dry, deadpan delivery mixes perfectly with Rickles’ lightning-fast insults. It’s comedy that feels timeless—unrehearsed, raw, and irresistibly real.
The magic here is that the humor isn’t just in the punchlines; it’s in the moment. It’s the way Don Rickles breaks the fourth wall, teasing the audience before they even know what’s coming. It’s the way John Wayne, often known for his stoic toughness, lets his guard down just enough to give us a glimpse of his playful side. These two weren’t just stars—they were entertainers, true pros who knew exactly how to bring the laughter.
Don’t just take my word for it—watch the full unedited interview, and you’ll see why this moment still stands the test of time. There’s no scripted banter here—just pure, unadulterated fun. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop laughing.
Share this with someone who thinks they know all about John Wayne. Because this side of the Duke is one you’ve got to see to believe.
