#11: True Grit, Colorado
The 1969 True Grit film remains unparalleled, even with a star-studded 2010 remake. Featuring John Wayne as the unforgettable U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, this adaptation of the 1968 novel became legendary. It earned Wayne his sole Oscar and led to a 1975 sequel, Rooster Cogburn. Although set in Arkansas, its filming took place in Colorado. Wayne’s illustrious career continued as he leveraged fame to endorse products like Coors Light until retiring in 1976.
John Wayne’s influence persisted beyond his film career. He remained a prominent figure through endorsements, such as promoting Coors Light until his 1976 retirement. Despite passing away in 1979 at 72, Wayne’s legacy experienced a renaissance when True Grit was remade in 2010. This modern adaptation introduced a new generation to the indelible mark Wayne left on the film industry, highlighting his enduring impact decades after his departure.