John Wayne Pays Burglar's Cab Fare

Hollywood Stories author Stephen Schochet knows many quirky tidbits about John Wayne, including the time The Duke paid for a burglar's taxi cab.

Monday, May 17, 2010 17:27 GMT

That’s the scoop from Stephen Schochet, author of Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About The Stars And Legends Of The Movies.

In honor of The Duke’s birthday (May 26), Schochet is sharing the quirkiest untold stories about the actor, like the time his house was robbed while he watched TV.

Like a Western hero, Wayne chased the burglar down until the cops came. The crook confessed he’d taken a taxi to Wayne’s house that was still waiting outside with the meter running, but he was broke.

Wayne felt so bad for the unknowing driver, he paid the fare himself.

Schochet says The Duke was always “incredibly generous” with his money, which explains his financial troubles.

Wayne would often send cash to needy fans and buy rounds for everyone at bars – mostly because he loved to drink.