Was John Wayne Really a Heavy Smoker?

There are anecdotal reports suggesting that John Wayne smoked heavily with some sources claiming he smoked up to six packs of cigarettes a day at certain points in his life. However, this figure is often debated and may be exaggerated. Wayne was known for his rugged persona, and smoking was common among many actors of his time.

Amid Controversy, Wayne's Smoking is Debated

At times, yes. That was probably on the higher side of his habit but he was a steady four pack a day guy going up to as high as six during times of stress, like during the production of The Alamo. His daughter, Aissa, says in her biography of her dad that he used to light one match every morning to light the first cigarette of the day. The rest he lit off the one he was just finishing. That’s a hard-core chain smoker.

I’ve even seen old advertisements for Camel cigarettes, which is what he smoked, and there’s the big man himself, cigarette in hand, extolling that brand. Non-filters, of course.

Think about it; he would constantly be smoking 16 hours a day during meals and even while showering. That would add up to a lot of cigarettes. John Wayne was a heavy smoker by all accounts, but smoking six packs a day is really not plausible. Three packs maybe, but not six.

According to different sources, Wayne smoked between five and seven packets of Camels a day. Any way you look at it, that’s a chain smoker and a lot of cigarettes. In 1954 during the filming of The Conquorer in the Utah desert, an area known to be contaminated with radiation from over 100 atomic bomb tests, 91 out of 241 cast and crew members were diagnosed with cancers within 15 years, 46 of them fatal. Most of the cast and crew were heavy smokers, but it seems likely that the combination of factors made it particularly deadly.

You have to understand that in 1954, cigarettes were advertised on TV, and the relationship between smoking and cancer was suspected but not well-publicized. Wayne was not only a famous actor but also a prominent figure in the tobacco industry. He was seen endorsing Camel cigarettes and other tobacco products, which contributed to the misconception that smoking was safe or even beneficial.

Health Issues and Legacy

Later in life, Wayne suffered from health issues related to smoking, including lung cancer. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1964 and eventually had a lung removed. Despite his own struggles with smoking-related health issues, he continued to advocate against smoking. Wayne’s advocacy for stopping smoking was well-known, and he even appeared in anti-smoking advertisements to encourage others to quit.

Throughout his career, Wayne's smoking habits were a source of both admiration and concern. He used smoking as a symbol of toughness and masculinity, which resonated with his audience. However, his health battles serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive smoking.

Conclusion

While the exact number of cigarettes John Wayne smoked daily can be difficult to verify, it is clear that he was a heavy smoker for much of his life. The controversial nature of his smoking habits is a reminder of the importance of public health education and the impact of tobacco advertising on society.

In conclusion, while Wayne’s image as a tough, chain-smoking hero is iconic, it is important to acknowledge the negative health effects of his smoking habits and the contributions he made to smoking awareness.