Front cover of Esquire magazine from June 1973, 8 x 10.5, depicting Van Johnson, John Wayne, Arthur Godfrey below the headline “Cancer Cures,” signed above his image in black ballpoint by Wayne. Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 14 x 16.75. In very good to fine condition, with scattered light creasing (predominantly to the edges), and the signature a few shades light but fully legible. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.
Wayne had been a chain smoker of cigarettes since young adulthood and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1964. As the magazine indicates, he underwent successful surgery for his illness, which resulted in the removal of his entire left lung and two ribs. Despite the surgery, the cancer had already spread, and Wayne continued to battle the illness for the rest of his life, ultimately passing away on June 11, 1979, due to complications related to stomach cancer. His struggle with cancer brought attention to the disease and its effects, and his legacy continues to influence cancer awareness and research efforts.
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