1. Deliverance actor Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward
2. Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward dies at 85.
Actor Herbert “Cowboy” Coward of Deliverance fame has sadly passed away. According to reports from WLOS-TV, Coward was involved in a fatal car accident in North Carolina on Wednesday. He was 85 years old at the time of his passing. The accident also claimed the life of Coward’s 78-year-old girlfriend, Bertha Brooks, as well as their beloved Chihuahua and Coward’s pet squirrel. It has been confirmed by North Carolina State Highway Patrol officials that none of the victims were wearing their safety belts when their vehicle collided with a pickup truck driven by a 16-year-old. The teenage driver was hospitalized, and no charges have been filed.
Herbert “Cowboy” Coward is most well-known for his role as the “Toothless Man” in the iconic 1972 film Deliverance. In the movie, he portrayed a sadistic mountain man who terrorizes the main characters. In a recent interview for the film’s 50th anniversary in 2022, Coward revealed that much of his dialogue in Deliverance was improvised, adding a unique touch to his character. He also shared that he had lost his two front teeth while performing his own stunts at the Wild West-themed amusement park Ghost Town in the Sky, which contributed to the distinctive look of his character.
Interestingly, it was Burt Reynolds who played a significant role in bringing Coward into the cast of Deliverance. Reynolds, who had previously performed at the same amusement park, personally reached out to Coward to facilitate his casting as one of the mountain men. Reflecting on their friendship, Reynolds once said, “He couldn’t read or write and he stuttered, but he was a wonderful actor.”
Director John Boorman also praised Coward’s natural talent and ability to shake people up, stating, “He’s been playing Ike Clanton in a western shoot-out in a South Carolina tourist attraction for ten years.” Coward’s performance in Deliverance showcased his unique acting abilities and left a lasting impression on audiences.
Following Deliverance, Coward went on to appear in the film Ghost Town: The Movie, released in 2007. He also had a role as a cowboy in the TV series Hillbilly Blood in 2013 and made an appearance in the Discovery Channel series Moonshiners in 2021.
Herbert “Cowboy” Coward’s passing is a great loss to the entertainment industry. His contribution to Deliverance and his portrayal of the “Toothless Man” will always be remembered. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Herbert “Cowboy” Coward.
Source: WLOS-TV.
1. Deliverance actor Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward dies at 85
2. Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward, actor from Deliverance, passes away at 85.
