Actor Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward Dies in Tragic Car Crash at 85
Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward, renowned for his unforgettable role in the critically acclaimed film Deliverance, passed away on Wednesday (Jan. 24) due to a fatal car accident. The 85-year-old actor and his girlfriend, Bertha Brooks, 78, lost their lives in a collision in North Carolina. Tragically, their beloved pet chihuahua and pet squirrel also perished in the accident, as reported by local news outlet WLOS.
Collision Details and Investigation
The couple was struck by a 16-year-old driver operating a pickup truck. Authorities have stated that the teenager was not speeding at the time of the incident. However, charges have not yet been filed in relation to the crash.
A Legendary Role in Deliverance
Coward is most recognized for his iconic portrayal of the Toothless Man in the Oscar-nominated drama Deliverance. His unforgettable line, “He got a real purty mouth, ain’t he?” has become a cultural reference. The actor landed this role while working at Ghost Town in the Sky, a western-style amusement park in North Carolina. Burt Reynolds, who was an emerging actor at the time and Coward’s colleague, recommended him for an audition in the film.
Remembering Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward
In 2018, Reynolds spoke highly of Coward’s audition and performance during an interview with Conan O’Brien. He shared how he convinced director John Boorman to cast Coward despite his inability to read or write. Reynolds encouraged Coward to improvise freely during filming, resulting in memorable ad-libbed lines that were ultimately kept in the movie.
In a 2022 interview with WLOS News 13, Coward fondly recalled one of his last encounters with Reynolds before the actor’s passing in 2018. Reynolds expressed that Coward was one of his three closest friends throughout his acting career, leaving Coward with cherished memories of their time together.
Continuing Career and Recent Appearances
Following his breakthrough performance in Deliverance, Coward went on to appear in Ghost Town: The Movie (2007), where he also served as an associate producer. He later featured in the television series Hillbilly Blood (2013). In 2021, he made a special appearance as himself in the popular show Moonshiners.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward, an actor who left an indelible mark with his unforgettable role in Deliverance and his unique contributions to the industry.
