Before the credits rolled, John Doucette had already stolen the scene.

With a gravelly voice, rugged face, and a presence that could shift from menacing henchman to warmhearted lawman, Doucette was one of Hollywood’s most prolific—and overlooked—character actors. From The Sons of Katie Elder and True Grit to television staples like Wagon Train, Perry Mason, and Bonanza, he appeared in more than 140 films and countless TV episodes. A steady, familiar figure across three decades, he was often recognized — even if few knew his name.

A familiar face in the background

One standout role was his appearance in The Sons of Katie Elder, released 60 years ago and still a favorite among John Wayne fans. The 1965 Western is remembered not only for the chemistry between Wayne and Dean Martin, but also for its deep bench of beloved character actors — including Paul Fix, James Gregory, Strother Martin, Rhys Williams, John Qualen, and, of course, John Doucette.

Though Doucette played a good-natured character in Katie Elder, his commanding screen presence often made him a go-to for tougher roles: the town sheriff, a military officer, a gruff cop, or a menacing outlaw. His versatility — along with his rich, distinctive voice — helped him carve out a niche as a supporting actor who could elevate any scene.

Strict but supportive: Life off the set

“He was kind of an intense guy, but sure was a neat dad,” said his oldest son, also named John Doucette, from his home in Los Angeles. “He could be very strict at home when it came to things like schoolwork, but he also had a wonderful sense of humor — having eight children, you’d have to! There was always something going on at home, a lot of socialization with people in and out, so growing up was quite an adventure.”

While the demands of his profession sometimes kept him away for long hours at the studio or weeks on location, his son says Doucette was very much a family man.

“He was always right there with his video camera recording every event,” John recalled. “Whether it was my Boy Scout activities, my younger brother’s football games, or my sister’s and daughter’s softball matches — he was filming it. When he was in Italy for several months filming Cleopatra in the ’60s, my mom and oldest sister went over to live with him. My sister attended school in Rome while they were there. I still have stills that the set photographer gave him during filming.”

And sometimes, Hollywood followed him home — makeup and all. “I remember after he shot an episode of Wagon Train, where his character had been whipped, he came home with all the makeup marks for the lashes still on his back.”

“Without supporting actors like my dad, you don’t have a story.”  — John Doucette, Jr.

A lasting legacy

Unlike major box-office stars who could command large salaries, supporting actors like Doucette earned far less — but made up for it in sheer volume. In 1958, for example, John Wayne appeared in three films. Doucette, by contrast, is credited in over a dozen movies and more than 15 television appearances that same year alone.

“That was fine by him — whatever came his way,” said his son. “He was a true perfectionist. I remember going over lines with him because he studied diligently for every part, no matter how large or small. Supporting players are just as important as the main star because without them, you don’t have a story. He really brought a lot to a scene. But then, I’m a little biased — he was my dad, and I loved him dearly.”

Today, decades after his passing in 1994, the Doucette family continues to receive residual checks from his work in film and television.

“It’s not a lot, but every month, checks are coming in,” said John, who serves as trustee of the account. “For Christmas, it has always been distributed among the kids. He died in 1994, but to this day, he’s still getting paid for all his hard work!”