John Wayne met the singer and championed her for the role of gutsy "Mattie Ross."

Turned down the gutsy role of "Mattie Ross."

According to an interview with Hussey, she turned down the opportunity to star as Mattie Ross, informing the producer Hal Wallis that she didn't think much of John Wayne's acting.

Offered the role of Mattie Ross and turned it down.

Turned down the role of gutsy "Mattie Ross."