THE SHOOTIST ('76) was John Wayne's final film and contrary to popular belief, the actor was not actually battling cancer at the time of the film's production. In reality, the actor was declared cancer free in 1969 after having his left lung and several ribs removed. Wayne was, however, reportedly quite ill with influenza at the time, needing to be hospitalized for two weeks during filming.

It wasn't until the beginning of 1979 that Wayne discovered that his cancer had come back, just about six months before he sadly passed at the age of 72. 💔

Watch The Duke's final movie, THE SHOOTIST ('76), Sunday at 3p ET on FETV.