Duke in a commercial for the American Cancer Society. John Wayne was one of the first actors to bring awareness to cancer and even coined it "The Big C". He was advised not to talk about having cancer, as it could hurt his image, but he insisted on bringing awareness to early detection through regular check ups. We carry on this legacy through the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. You can follow all the great programs and research JWCF funds at John Wayne Cancer Foundation or johnwayne.org | JOHN WA

In 1996, U.S. Marine vet R. Lee Ermey appeared in a Coors Light commercial with John Wayne. Wayne had been dead for 17 years but was inserted into the spot using clips from the 1966 film CAST A GIANT SHADOW. The commercial boosted Coors Light sales by 10%. #ThrowbackThursday | U.S. Naval Institute