Rooster Cogburn (character) 1978 TV sequel starred Warren Oates in the featured role. The 2010 film stars Jeff Bridges as Cogburn. John Wayne won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Cogburn in the 1969 film. On January 24, 2011, Jeff Bridges was nominated for the same award for his portrayal of Cogburn. Reuben Cogburn was born on July 15, 1825. Cogburn was a veteran of the American Civil War who served under Confederate guerrilla leader William Quantrill, where he lost his eye. He was married first to an Illinois woman who left him to return to her first husband
Rooster Cogburn (film) she was proud to be his friend. Old Cogburn rears back in his saddle saying "She got the last word in anyway!" The screenplay was written by actress Martha Hyer, the wife of producer Hal B. Wallis, under the pen name "Martin Julien". Director Stuart Millar, a longtime Hollywood producer, had directed only one film, "When Legends Die" based on the classic novel by Hal Borland, prior to helming "Rooster Cogburn". Although "True Grit" was released by Paramount Pictures, Wallis made a deal with Universal Pictures to finance this film. The film was shot in Oregon in autumn 1974, in