[Deathwatch] Michael Wayne, son of John Wayne, 68

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

John Wayne's son dies
BURBANK, California (AP) -- Michael Wayne, the eldest son of late actor
John Wayne who helped produce several of his father's films, died. He
was 68. 

Wayne died of heart failure Wednesday at Providence Saint Joseph
Medical Center following complications from lupus, an immune system
disease, publicist Warren Cowan said Thursday. 

Michael Wayne said in 1991 that there were both advantages and
drawbacks of having such a famous father, but "the benefits far
outweigh the disadvantages. I produced 'McClintock!' when I was 25
years old. I don't think if I wasn't John Wayne's son, I would have had
that opportunity." 

Among the films Michael Wayne helped produce were "Brannigan" (1975),
"The Green Berets" (1968), "Big Jake" (1971) and "The Train Robbers"
(1973). 

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gretchen; his mother, Josephine
Alicia Saenz; two brothers; three sisters; five children; and two
grandchildren.