In Depth With Graham Bensinger Ron Howard: Earning John Wayne’s respect on set | Trending Now
Apr 3, 2026
A veteran filmmaker recalls meeting a towering film legend and an awkward first elevator encounter. Stories explore rehearsing lines together in a trailer and how an unusual offer sparked a quick bond. Reflections touch on on-set dynamics, learning from established stars, and how a famous actor inspired a shift toward directing.
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Elevator Meeting That Broke the Ice
- Ron Howard first met John Wayne in a hotel elevator while Wayne picked up a TV Guide with Howard on the Happy Days cover.
- Wayne sized up Howard with the line, Ah, big shot, huh?, then later invited Howard to run lines in his trailer and they developed a rapport on set of The Shootist.
Running Lines In The Duke's Trailer
- John Wayne invited Ron Howard to his trailer to run lines because Wayne was fighting the dialogue and wanted to make sure scenes worked.
- The unscripted practice sessions became their ritual, with Wayne repeatedly praising lines as So good, so good, so good.
Respect Versus Space On Set
- Other cast and crew gave John Wayne wide berth out of reverence, but Howard noticed Wayne still acted like an actor who wanted scenes to be right.
- That recognition let Howard engage rather than defer, turning caution into collaboration and earning Wayne's respect.