The movie crew for "The Seachers" was there with lots of trucks, trailers and equipment parked next to the trading post where we were having lunch at a picnic table. My parents started talking to them, asking them what they were filming and who was in it.
Much to our surprise, the star of the movie, John Wayne, strolled up to the group and started talking to someone in the crew. He then graciously came over and introduced himself to my family where we were eating lunch. I remember my mom offered him a sandwich. He refused the sandwich but accepted a Coca-Cola and stayed a few minutes and visited with us.
We were all wowed by this big star acting just like regular guy and how friendly he was to us. I am not a celebrity watcher but I still have a post card from the trading post with his signature on it. It was an experience I've never forgotten.
John Wayne. Now there was a great American.
I envy you for that memory
“John Wayne. Now there was a great American.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdaGBNXMinY&t=202s
This is an interview with Maureen O’Hara. Earlier on she describes a scene from “The Quiet Man”. But skip to 4:18 and it has a clip of her asking Congress to award John Wayne the Congressional Medal. Very touching, and sums up this article!
As to movies - I’m not sure it is a western, but I loved “Jeremiah Johnson”.