Although John Wayne starred alongside many of Hollywood's biggest stars, his special partner in the film was actually not a human but a horse named Dollar.
Dollar first appeared in the film "Big Jake" in 1971 and was by Wayne's side until his final role in "The Shootist" in 1976. Their bond was so special that Wayne insisted on script changes just so he could call the horse by name.
He also signed a contract with the owner of Dollar so that no one else could ride his favorite horse in the film.
Wayne admitted that he was never particularly keen on horses in his youth, not even when he rode the family horse Jenny to school. However, Dollar was different. The horse and the actor developed a special relationship that went beyond a mere professional connection. On set, Dollar was more than just an animal; he was a friend and a constant point of support for Wayne, even when he was filming difficult and emotional scenes.
In Wayne's final film, The Shootist, Dollar played a pivotal role in the relationship between actor JB Bucks' character and young Guillaume, played by Ron Howard. Young Guillaume immediately bonds with the horse, feeding and caring for him, while also learning the values of loyalty and friendship. Throughout the film, Dollar remains a constant in a world filled with danger and tension. At the end of the film, Bucks hands Dollar over to Guillaume, symbolically ending Wayne's film career and passing on his beloved horse to a new generation.
For Wayne, Dollar was more than just a co-star on the set. He was a friend, a loyal companion, and a source of comfort in the final years of his career, proving that the true bond between man and animal can surpass any Hollywood legend.
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