He Utterly Hated John Wayne: The Feud Between Lee Van Cleef and the King of Westerns

Lee Van Cleef, born on January 9, 1925, in Somerville, New Jersey, is a name that resonates with fans of classic Western films.

Renowned for his villainous roles, Van Cleef became one of the most recognizable figures in the genre, captivating audiences with his rugged appearance and piercing gaze.

However, his legacy is not just defined by his performances; it is also marked by a profound animosity toward another Hollywood icon—John Wayne.

The reasons behind Van Cleef’s hatred for Wayne reveal a complex interplay of personal, professional, and ideological differences that shaped their tumultuous relationship.

Van Cleef’s journey to stardom was far from straightforward.

Growing up in a disciplined household, he learned the value of hard work from his father, a watchmaker.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radio operator, Van Cleef returned to civilian life and initially pursued a degree in engineering at the University of South Carolina.

However, the allure of acting proved irresistible, leading him to Hollywood where he began his career with small, uncredited roles in films.

His breakthrough came when he caught the attention of director Sergio Leone, who cast him as the cold-blooded gunslinger Angel Eyes in the 1966 film The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

This role marked a turning point in Van Cleef’s career, allowing him to showcase his talent as a leading man and establishing him as a formidable presence in the Western genre.

Despite their shared success in Hollywood, Lee Van Cleef and John Wayne could not have been more different in their approaches to acting and their public personas.

Wayne, known for his larger-than-life image and portrayal of the quintessential American hero, became a symbol of traditional Western values.

His characters often embodied stoicism, rugged masculinity, and a clear moral compass, resonating with audiences who admired his unwavering patriotism.

In stark contrast, Van Cleef was a method actor who delved deeply into his roles, often portraying morally ambiguous characters with a complex inner life.

He brought a sense of depth and nuance to his performances, challenging the black-and-white morality often depicted in Wayne’s films.

This fundamental difference in acting styles led to a mutual disdain that simmered beneath the surface.

The animosity between Van Cleef and Wayne was further fueled by their differing political ideologies.

John Wayne was a staunch conservative, known for his vocal support of military actions and traditional American values.

He was a prominent figure during the Vietnam War, advocating for patriotic causes and embodying the ideals of American nationalism.

Conversely, Van Cleef leaned more toward progressive ideals, embracing the counterculture movement that criticized American imperialism and the status quo.

He reportedly found Wayne’s political grandstanding distasteful, viewing it as emblematic of a narrow-minded worldview.

This ideological clash deepened their animosity, making their interactions fraught with tension.

The professional rivalry between the two actors was exacerbated by their contrasting career trajectories.

While Wayne achieved superstardom early in his career, maintaining his A-list status, Van Cleef struggled for recognition in a Hollywood landscape dominated by leading men like Wayne.

Initially relegated to supporting roles as the villain, Van Cleef felt overshadowed by Wayne’s immense popularity.

Even after Van Cleef found success in Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Westerns, he resented the way Hollywood had pigeonholed him for so long.

He believed that actors like Wayne monopolized the spotlight, leaving little room for others to break through.

This bitterness toward Wayne was compounded by personal grievances stemming from their interactions off-camera.

Van Cleef reportedly found Wayne pompous and domineering, a sentiment that was echoed by many in the industry.

Wayne’s larger-than-life persona extended beyond his roles, and he was known for asserting his influence on set and in social circles.

This brashness infuriated Van Cleef, who preferred a more reserved approach to life and work.

Their encounters were often marked by palpable tension, with Wayne dismissive of Van Cleef’s talents, viewing him as merely a character actor without the star power necessary to be a leading man.

The animosity between Lee Van Cleef and John Wayne became a part of Hollywood lore, transcending their professional rivalry.

It was a reflection of the shifting landscape of American cinema, where the traditional Western was evolving to embrace more complex narratives and characters.

While Wayne represented the old guard, with clear-cut heroes and villains, Van Cleef embodied a new wave of storytelling that acknowledged the moral gray areas of the American West.

Van Cleef’s contributions to the Western genre are significant; he helped redefine the role of the villain, infusing his characters with layers of complexity that made them memorable.

His performances in films like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly and For a Few Dollars More are celebrated for their depth and intensity, showcasing his ability to blend menace with charisma.

Despite the animosity, both actors left indelible marks on the industry.

Their legacies are forever intertwined, not only through their iconic roles but also through the narrative of their unrelenting dislike for one another.

The feud between Van Cleef and Wayne serves as a reminder of the complexities of Hollywood relationships, where personal and professional rivalries often collide.

Lee Van Cleef passed away on December 16, 1989, at the age of 64, marking the end of an era in Western cinema.

His legacy continues to live on through his extensive body of work, which redefined the archetypal villain in film.

The animosity he felt towards John Wayne, rooted in ideological differences, career struggles, and personal grievances, adds a layer of intrigue to his story.

Ultimately, the relationship between Van Cleef and Wayne reflects the broader tensions within Hollywood—a clash of values, styles, and personalities that shaped the narratives of their lives and careers.

While they were both legends in their own right, their enduring feud remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of cinematic history, illustrating the complexities of fame, rivalry, and the pursuit of artistic integrity.