I was wondering if any of you John Wayne fans out there know of a man called Ermal Williamson who goes around imitating John Wayne. I find this extremely insulting to Waynes name and friends of mine who also like wayne agreed with me on this. This man also has his own web site and earns a lot of money by degrading the great Wayne. Does anyone out there agree with me on this a more so does anyone know how to stop him

Big Jake,

I've seen the web site the other day, and I don't know anything about your complaint. It seems to me that he is honoring the man and the legend. But I'm not opening any can of worms with this. Legally, I don't know anything you can do to stop him with his site unless he's violating any copyright law. You have to remember that we live in America, and have 1st amendment rights to free speech including criticizing. The best response to that is to ignore it and pass along the message to others to also to do the same.

Again, Big Jake, I know very little about this site and man, so I only responding in general of anything or person. I personally have a problem with the way some people viciously attack the president, but again people are entitled to their opinions, and I have to live with that. I guess I wasn't too supportive or complimentary of President Clinton myself over the years of his presidency.

Maybe you could explain your comments about earning money and degrading John Wayne to us east of the Mississippi river.

Hondo :unsure:

Big Jake,

I'm curious why you find this man's imitation of John Wayne so offensive. I've heard it said, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery."

I've been researching Ermal, his web site, and his group, Duke's Hollywood Cowboys, and don't find that they are taking advantage of the Duke's image, heritage or name, and seem to be acting out of a desire to honor John Wayne (and other cowboy heroes of the past) and keep his spirit alive. What is degrading about that?

Ermal and his group have been stalwart in remembering and celebrating John Wayne's birthday each year.

As far as making any money at it, if you realized how much money these people have spent in amassing authentic costumes, accessories, firearms and, for some of them, horses (and everything that goes with them), it would seem that they're not in it for the money.

Ermal has a brass reproduction of the Red River D belt buckle, which he offers for sale at a fairly reasonable price (certainly within the price range of special interest belt buckles, in my experience). I purchased mine from him, and wear it proudly.

I'm sure that the Wayne family is aware of Ermal and what he does, and it would seem that they have no problem with it.

I look forward to hearing your further thoughts on the issue.

Chester

He looks nothing like John Wayne
His pictures are inaccurate
He makes money via silly imitations for himself
Finally when searching on google for pictures of the Duke I found nearly as many of this idiot and you are naive to think hes doing it to maintain dukes legacy hes doing it for his own good

Big Jake, you are intitled to your opinion and I am sure you can't be convinced of Ermal's intentions anyway, but I have found him to be a man who does all he can to keep Duke's image alive for all to enjoy and others to learn from. He hosts a birthday party for Duke on Duke's old boat (The Wild Goose) and it is always packed. He is in the business of imitating Duke and yes, does make money from it. This I can't hold against him. But it is all done in honor of Duke and not to besmudge his image. Sorry you feel this way about Ermal. Duke's family is aware of him and don't have any problem with it all. But, you are entitled to feel how you do. Great country, isn't it? dukefan1

My opinion is far from changing regarding this idiot of a man who imitates a Legend. For one if I was not a JW fan and saw him imitating Wayne I would certainly not convert to a Wayne fan in fact the contrary. There is no point to this man I am sure there are many more dignified ways to preserve his legacy ie this web site.

DOES ANYONE ELSE AGREE WITH ME ON THIS

I don't agree, but I would guess that Robbie might agree with you. I think I remember reading in one of his earliest posts that he was not too impressed with Ermal.

I'm surprised he hasn't commented on this thread yet.

Chester

Originally posted by Big Jake@May 4 2003, 07:03 PM
My opinion is far from changing regarding this idiot of a man who imitates a Legend. For one if I was not a JW fan and saw him imitating Wayne I would certainly not convert to a Wayne fan in fact the contrary. There is no point to this man I am sure there are many more dignified ways to preserve his legacy ie this web site.

DOES ANYONE ELSE AGREE WITH ME ON THIS
Well, everyone has the right to voice his/her opinion on any subject or person, but this thread is VERY close to being ended. When we resort to calling people "Idiots" than it goings beyond disagreements, it becomes personal.

Let's try to keep this above name calling.

Kevin

im disappointed that you feel this way about my views kevin but i will not be withdrawing them. i am also disappointed that so called wayne fans do not agree with me on this, this so called wannabe is making money by acting silly, demeaning what wayne stood for in order to boost his and not waynes ego. i am sure that some other members of this messageboard must agree with me. if so make your coments know here :angry:

Howdy, y'all!

Well, this "so-called" John Wayne fan is considering going to Tombstone, AZ, over Memorial Day weekend to enjoy celebrating the 96th anniversary of John Wayne's birth, with that JW wannabe Ermal Williamson and all his wannabe cowboy friends.

While I agree Ermal doesn't look exactly like John Wayne, I think he presents a reasonable likeness, and has gone to great pains to have his different outfits be as close to the original as possible. While I might be naive, I have also been described as cynical and suspicious, and while I've considered some of your thoughts or concerns, I haven't seen anything up to this point that has caused me to have particularly negative feelings about the guy. Besides, if I could do it, I'd gladly buy all the components of a John Wayne outfit and wear it myself. I've already got the Red River D belt buckle and a mean lookin' leather vest (which any number of people have said makes me look like the Duke). But I've got a wife and 6 kids to support, and those outfits are kind of pricey, so it'll be awhile.

Do you find Elvis impersonators as offensive? There are certainly far more of them. You should see my white sequinned jacket (JUST KIDDING!! :P ). And Big Jake, have you actually seen Ermal Williamson in person (how do you know he acts silly?) or are you just passing judgement based on his web site. People who are NOT John Wayne fans would probably consider his behavior peculiar or obsessive, but as I become more of a fan, I find myself travelling down this same trail.

Movin' on down the trail,

Chester

Big Jake,

You have not answered my question I posted for you to answer. Being from the east of the Mississippi, I am not as familiar with your insulation of this man. All you have stated is your personal opinion, and I cannot accept your reasons. Other posts have stated that they met Ermal, and the way he comes across to personally memorialize John Wayne. You maybe right that he doesn't exactly look like Duke, but he does come close. I'm sure that he wouldn't look like him if he wore normal clothes, but as the old saying goes, clothes does make the man.

What's your hang up on making money. He's not cheating anyone. He stated that it's a copy, and if you don't want it, don't buy it!

As for google, It's funny that I find those who honor Duke with actual pictures of him in many websites, while I have only found one site of Ermal.

Your personal dislike for the man has fogged your objective reasoning, and I find that offensive. Again, I believe everyone has a right to free speech, and Ermal has also the same rights as you. Please be considerate, and get the facts right. You'll go far with honey more than vinegar.

Hondo :ph34r: (opening a can of worms)

it seems as if my disgust of this man or wannabe or john wayne jnr or what ever he wants to be called has alarmed some members of this chat room but i am standing my my views. i am also very annoyed that no other member of this chatroom has voiced their opinion, i am sure the majority of wayne fans would agree with me and so far it seems as if only two dont.

now to your questions 1st of all chester


1. you quoted "While I agree Ermal doesn't look exactly like John Wayne, I think he presents a reasonable likeness" im afraid ermal looks nothing like wayne not one bit

2. you stated that he "has gone to great pains to have his different outfits be as close to the original as possible" if you look at his web site you will realise that his outfits for some films are very inaccurate indeed

3. Regarding seeing the man yes i met him once in person although not on stage his act seemed to consist of shouts of yeeeeeehaaaaa which is pretty limited and i found annoying.

4. i am as big a fan as anyone else of wayne and i do not find the urge to dress up in his clothes 24 7 to satisfy myself

Now onto Hondo

1. Hondo this man does not come close to looking like wayne

2. wayne was very concious about his image when he was alive how do you think he would feel about this person tarnishing it now

3. his web site is a complete self parody about himself not wayne, how does this keep alive wayne legacy.

4. I would like you to please explain to me what facts i have got wrong

Finally if the shoe fits wear it but in this case waynes boots do not fit ermal so in that case do not wear them.

By the way chester and Hondo are you the same person as you dont seem to have a seperate opinion on anything I have been checking the threads and am getting very curious your opinions are suspicious. Its also suspicious that only you 2 have comented on this thread when this messageboard boasts 150 members.

Big Jake,

First of all, your attitude regarding Ermal does not alarm me, I just find your vehemence curious and somewhat amusing.

I'm afraid we'll have to just "agree to disagree" as far as Ermal's appearance goes. I think he doesn't look anything like Woody Allen or Marilyn Monroe, but he looks a little like John Wayne because he wears some costumes from some of the Duke's movies. To use my previous example of Elvis impersonators, I don't think many of them actually look like Elvis, except for the hair style and the clothes. It's a "reasonable likeness" and nothing more.

Regarding the accuracy of his outfits, I must admit that I am not that discerning. Perhaps they are not that accurate, but they give the essence of the character he is trying to portray.

I have not actually met Ermal face to face, nor seen him perform, so I am not in any position to say anything about that. If "his act [consisted] of shouts of yeeeeeehaaaaa" I could understand why you would think that it was "pretty limited and . . . annoying." Perhaps I might agree with you if I experienced the same thing. I'll let you know after I get back from Tombstone later this month.

I don't think you (or anybody else, for that matter) is any less of a John Wayne fan because you don't have a desire to wear clothes like he wore in some of his movies. And if you think I wear my vest and belt buckle to bed, you're mistaken :) . . . at least not every night :D .

I would guess that more people have not commented on this thread because perhaps they are completely unfamiliar with Ermal, so have nothing to say one way or the other.

Hm-m-m-m . . . Chester and Hondo the same person . . . interesting concept . . . . What do you say to that, Hondo?

Cheers . . . (maybe I'm smokey, too . . . :ph34r: . . . )

Chester

g'day to you all,

you made me laugh chester you me............ maybe after a sex change and stand about 5'6" and on the tubby site ( built for comfort not speed) you can be me.

robbie can't comment on this person as i
1. have never seen him or his web site
2. i live down under

so there is your answer from me robbie :P

chester you should post a picky of yourself in your vest and buckle so we can all see.


cheers smokey

Greetings all!
:D I didn't want to be left out of the shoot out at the OK Corral, so here goes.
Big Jake, there will never be another John Wayne, ever, and no one will ever portray him absolutely. I have seen many actors do stage plays of various celebraties (Mark Twain, Truman, Will Rogers, Groucho Marx, Elvis, ) and none of them look exactly like the people they portray. But if they can present the personality, the style, wit and wisdom, then the actor can give you a sense of what the personality is all about. But also understand this, there are a lot of Elvis impersonators, some are Asian some I've seen that are black. Yet even though they don't look like
Elvis, they impersonate him because it's their way of honoring him and keeping his memory and what he did alive! Besides, what would Las Vegas be with out Elvis impersonators? Not much I say! Same thing about John Wayne, what would this world be without him?? Frankly, for my money, I would like to see more John Wayne impersonators. How about this for a one man stage play? "The Wit and Wisdom of John Wayne".
I have seen a picture of Ermal and though he is a bit heavier than Wayne, the guy does try. I really can't judge the man and his works because I haven't seen what he does as John Wayne. And I wouldn't want to judge him until I see how he portays JW. That would be the fair thing. If I didn't like him, well I wouldn't watch him again.
I understand your feeling Big Jake, but please, calm down and take a shot of tequela (JW fav.)! I do have a question for you. Is there a John Wayne impersonator that you do like? Or do you feel no one should impersonate him? I 'm just curious.

Just my say, 'ave a day!http://www.angelfire.com/zine/timetraveler/johnwayne/170579_a.jpg

Hey Big Jake and co

It seems as this topic is causing a little controversy so I decided to look up this gentleman and I am afraid I am neither for or against him and here are my views. This man seems happy at what he is doing and what he is doing does seem to be harmless so this is a good reason to let him be.[list]
He seems to be raising money for the John Wayne cancer institute which is superb

He is trying to maintain the John Wayne legacy
However on the other hand there are substantial arguements against this man they are People see him as making a mockery of Johns legacy

He does not look very much like John (something which I strongly agree with)
In conclusion if you are interested I will get a friend of mine who is not a John Wayne fan(these people do seem to exist) to review the site and get him to post his opinions here.
As chester has already predicted big Jake I agree with you on this matter 100%
cya B)


Oh yea smokey I dont understand what you are trying to say above could you explain please

robbie can't comment on this person as i
1. have never seen him or his web site
2. i live down under

so there is your answer from me robbie

Hey there, Chester here, uh, I mean Hondo, I get confused. :wacko:

Big Jake, it's obvious that I have offended you with my questions about your topic above. I like to seek information, and when I get the run around, I get a little more vocal in my questions & comments. My intentions are to learn from people, and convey. That's all. Your comments are very personal to you, and I know like Chester that you are a Duke fan. Before we go on any futher, Chester is located in CA. and I'm in AL. The most west I've been was San Antonio, TX. Yes, I 've seen both Alamos. Maybe we (Chester & I) agree, because we are ture John Wayne fans, and just enjoy his movies, flaws included. We have discussions about movies, current events, and technical areas of this man's life, and we enjoy each others company, that includes smokey, idaho, robbie, kevin, dukefan#1, Baron, etc., and even you.

I'd like to futher this topic in an intellengent way to talk about this Ermal without insulting him, but the best way I can continue this is from my prespective, is to move on. Baron asked a great question, and I'd like to hear from you on that perspective. What Duke impersonator do you like?

Cheers,
Hondo :wacko:

Hi Big Jake,
Sorry I've been away for awhile. Busy running kids to their activities.
I agree with you 100%. There WAS only one John Wayne. Why anyone wants to live their lives portraying someone else I have no idea. It's just like the Elvis wantabees. I have no time for them. I have always tried to do my own thing. I myself do not like people copying me. I had to deal with that in grade school and part of my adult life. Yes, it is flattering that people want to be like you but, it gets old after awhile. There are many male actors today that I can watch for 2 seconds and see that they are acting as to being tough. Some men are and some men aren't. It's either black or white wrong or right. That's how I look at things anyway. If this sets with some the wrong way ,oh well. I do not live to please other people. I try to be considerate, kind, polite, compassionate, caring and respectful to all. Everyone does have their own opinion and this is the way I feel about it.
Little Duke

hi robbie,

sorry got the wrong person, it was late my time and the mind was drifting into the great blue younder, that comment was ment for big jake. hope i didn't offen you please accept my sorriness on bended knee :D.

cheers smokey