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Mossback's Northwest

The Palouse Cowboy who Invented John Wayne

True tales from the most interesting place on earth.

The Palouse Cowboy who Invented John Wayne

Season 4 Episode 8 | 7m 13s | CC

A rodeo champion from Palouse, WA, became a Hollywood stuntman just as "action Westerns" took off at the box office. Yakima Canutt could leapfrog onto a horse, fall off it, stage a wagon wreck or a fight, and usually as the double for a star. John Wayne studied Canutt, and modeled his famous walk and talk after him.

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