1. Herbert “Cowboy” Coward Deliverance
2. Terrifying Toothless Hillbilly Deliverance.
Herbert “Cowboy” Coward Dies at Age 85: Remembering the Iconic Mountain Man from “Deliverance”
Herbert “Cowboy” Coward, the beloved performer who portrayed a violent and toothless mountain man in the iconic 1972 film “Deliverance,” has sadly passed away at the age of 85. News of his death was reported by various sources, including The Hollywood Reporter.
A Familiar Face: From Stunt Shows to Hollywood
Prior to his memorable role in “Deliverance,” Coward had a longstanding friendship with the film’s star, Burt Reynolds. The two had worked together in the early 1960s as part of a stunt show in an amusement park. When Reynolds was involved in the production of “Deliverance,” he remembered Coward and believed he would be perfect for the role of one of the locals who terrorize the city slickers on a canoe trip.
It is worth noting that during the audition process, Reynolds neglected to mention to director John Boorman that Coward was unable to read. This fact was only discovered when Reynolds handed him pages from the script. Despite this obstacle, Coward’s talent and improvisational skills shone through.
The Infamous Line: “Squeal Like a Pig”
In one of the film’s most notorious scenes, Coward delivers the line, “he got a real pretty mouth, ain’t he?” and encourages another character, played by Bill McKinney, to assault Ned Beatty’s character. Although McKinney ultimately utters the now-iconic phrase “squeal like a pig,” Coward claims that he was the first to use it during some ad-libbing on set.
According to Coward’s account in a 2017 interview, he said, “Make him squeal like a pig. Make him squeal like Pa’s old pig,” before McKinney took the line and made it his own. However, there have been conflicting claims about the origin of the phrase, with some attributing it to a crew member. Regardless, it remains an indelible part of cinematic history.
A Life Beyond “Deliverance”
Following his unforgettable portrayal in “Deliverance,” Coward worked for 27 years in a chemical factory in North Carolina. Despite the success and recognition he garnered from the film, he chose to lead a more private life away from the spotlight. However, he did make a few additional appearances in both film and television, including an episode of the Discovery Network show “Moonshiners,” a series called “Hillbilly Blood,” and a film titled “Ghost Town: The Movie,” which was based on the amusement park where Coward had once worked.
A Tragic Loss: The Cause of Death
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Coward’s life was cut short due to an auto accident in Haywood County, North Carolina. The accident also claimed the life of his girlfriend, Bertha Brooks. The other vehicle involved was being driven by a 16-year-old, who was taken to a hospital for treatment. As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with the collision.
As we mourn the loss of Herbert “Cowboy” Coward, we remember him for his unforgettable performance in “Deliverance” and his contributions to the world of cinema. He will forever be remembered as the toothless mountain man who left an indelible mark on audiences around the world.
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– Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward, Terrifying Toothless Hillbilly From ‘Deliverance,’ Dies at
– Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward, Terrifying Toothless Hillbilly From ‘Deliverance,’ 85.
