The Duke. Duke Wayne died on this date in 1979, 44 years ago. “Talk low," he said, "talk slow, and don't say too much.” A man's man: "I want to play a real man in all my films, and I define manhood simply: men should be tough, fair and courageous, never petty, never looking for a fight, but never backing down from one either." He dominated cinema by innately knowing what was in American hearts: God Bless John Wayne. God Bless America.