When it comes to iconic Western actors, few names command as much respect as the Duke, John Wayne. But fans of the genre may also recognize another familiar face who often appeared at his side: his son, Patrick Wayne. You’ve seen them on screen together before, but you may be wondering how many times this legendary father and son duo shared the spotlight.
Read on for a unique snapshot of their evolving on-screen relationship and real-life bond, told through more than two decades of memorable film appearances together.
A Western Legacy in 10 Acts
Patrick Wayne began his film career at age 11, appearing (uncredited) in his father’s 1950 classic Rio Grande. From there, he gradually carved out a name for himself, transitioning from bit parts to more prominent roles in films like McLintock! and Big Jake.
Here’s the complete list of films they starred in together:
- Rio Grande (1950)
- The Quiet Man (1952)
- The High and the Mighty (1954)
- The Conqueror (1956)
- The Searchers (1956)
- The Alamo (1960)
- The Comancheros (1961)
- Donovan’s Reef (1963)
- McLintock! (1963)
- Big Jake (1971)
While not all of these were Western movies, most leaned into adventure, grit, and the spirit of the frontier—hallmarks of John Wayne’s screen persona. Patrick’s roles varied, but each performance added depth to their shared cinematic journey. By the time Big Jake hit the silver screen, Patrick had graduated to a co-starring role, portraying John Wayne’s son on screen as well as off.
Interestingly, some sources count The High and the Mighty (1954) as an 11th collaboration, but Patrick Wayne didn’t appear on screen in that film—he worked behind the scenes as a prop assistant. When it comes to actual acting roles, the number stands at 10.
The Power of Family and Film
Few actors in Hollywood history have sustained the kind of career longevity and cultural impact that John Wayne did. And fewer still have successfully passed that legacy down through film. More than movie roles, these 10 collaborations were moments that captured a unique relationship and a shared love for storytelling, especially in the rugged, dramatic world of the Wild West.
This May, as we celebrate John Wayne’s birthday, we’re proud to spotlight the legacy he built—both on screen and at home—with a closer look at his unforgettable collaborations with son Patrick Wayne.
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About the Author
Reagan Johnson has spent more than 20 years in television, publishing, and marketing, with the last four as a contributing writer, content strategist, and editor for INSP. Her travel writing has appeared in Forbes Travel Guide, Smithsonian Magazine, MSNBC Travel, Jetsetter, ISLANDS, and Weddings Unveiled, along with custom content for clients including Oil Nut Bay and Brand USA. She has served as travel editor-at-large and digital content fact-checker for Smithsonian Magazine’s native travel features. Reagan also manages a boutique marketing agency specializing in travel, hospitality, and tourism brands, blending editorial expertise with strategic insight to create engaging, audience-focused content.
