John Wayne and Rat Pack star Sammy Davis Jr were contemporaries in show business and soon became firm friends for the rest of their lives.
Clearly, there was a loyal and lasting impression given the stories of Duke’s incredible kindness to the singer on more than one occasion.
Back in 1962, Sammy starred in the Gunga Din remake, Sergeants 3, with his fellow Rat Pack members Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.
Sammy recalled: “When there was finally a role calling for a Negro cowboy, John Wayne gave me the hat he’d worn in Stagecoach for luck in playing it. He said, ‘I didn’t let my kids touch this Stetson. It’s very dear to me. But I guess you’ll be able to find a home for it.’ I’m proud to have had his friendship.”
Thanking Wayne in a letter, Sammy wrote: “Sergeants 3 is now finished and I must, very reluctantly, return your hat. It is a little hard to express with words my appreciation for your kindness, but I think you know a little of how I feel. Any success I may have in the picture will be mainly due to your generosity. This all may sound a little maudlin, but as I said before, my sentiments are a little difficult to express. If I can ever do anything for you — a benefit for your favourite charity, a walk-on in one of your films, lend you my tuxedo, etc — you know you can count on me.”
But this wasn’t the only time Duke stood up for his friend with great generosity.
According to the John Wayne estate: “Duke and Sammy shared a lasting friendship, often showing up when the other needed support. One powerful moment came in 1962 when Duke and his son Patrick went to see Sammy perform in Windsor, Ontario, while on tour for Hatari!. As hecklers disrupted the show, Duke walked straight onto the stage, threw his arm around Sammy, and shifted the mood instantly. The tension dissolved, the audience rallied, and Sammy delivered an unforgettable performance. As Patrick Wayne later recalled, his father didn’t just talk about values—he lived them. With one bear hug, Duke showed the world what true friendship, courage, and character looked like.