The actor Herbert Coward, known for his part in the 1972 film “Deliverance,” died at the age of 85 in a car accident on a highway in western North Carolina on January 24, as confirmed by authorities.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the fatal crash took place when Coward, along with 78-year-old Bertha Brooks, was exiting a doctor’s appointment. Sergeant M.J. Owens stated that Coward, who was driving, entered U.S. Highway 23 without yielding to the right-of-way, inadvertently pulling into the path of an oncoming pickup truck. The collision resulted in the deaths of Coward, Brooks, and Coward’s pets – a Chihuahua and a squirrel.
The 16-year-old driver of the pickup truck was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. According to Sergeant Owens, neither speed nor distraction played a role in the accident.
Coward resided in Haywood County, North Carolina, and was known locally for his role in the film “Deliverance” and his unusual pet squirrel, which delighted thousands of area children. The movie, directed by John Boorman, featured Coward alongside stars like Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox. The plot of the film centered around a perilous canoe trip in Georgia, disrupted by hostile local mountain men.
In “Deliverance,” Coward played the “Toothless Man,” a character remembered for his lack of front teeth and imposing appearance. His line, “He got a real purty mouth, ain’t he?” in a tense scene is well-remembered in the history of 1970s cinema.
Despite a limited filmography, Coward’s portrayal of the “Toothless Man” in “Deliverance,” which embodied themes of survival and unpredictability, was his most recognized work. His performance has remained impactful with critics and audiences for over fifty years.
Known as “Cowboy” Coward, he took part in other productions, but none achieved the level of recognition as “Deliverance.” His impactful performance demonstrates how even minor roles in cinema can leave long-lasting impressions.
In a 2022 interview, Coward said that he was illiterate, and learned his lines for “Deliverance” by listening to the script on a tape recorder. He related that he was only able to write his name.
Coward’s sudden death has resonated with the local community in Haywood County and fans of “Deliverance,” highlighting both his role in the film industry and his local standing. His passing serves as a stark reminder of life’s uncertainty and the lasting effect of a single role.