Actor Herbert Coward, known for his memorable role in the 1972 film “Deliverance,” was killed in a car crash on U.S. Highway 23 in western North Carolina on January 24, according to official reports. Coward was 85 years old at the time of his death.
The tragic accident occurred when Coward and his companion, Bertha Brooks, 78, were exiting a doctor’s office. As reported by North Carolina Highway Patrol Sergeant M.J. Owens, Coward, the driver, did not yield the right-of-way as he joined the highway and inadvertently drove into the path of an oncoming pickup truck. The collision led to the deaths of Coward, Brooks, and Coward’s pets – a squirrel and a Chihuahua.
The pickup truck, driven by a 16-year-old, resulted in the driver being taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. Owens stated that neither excessive speed nor distraction were factors in the accident.
Coward, a resident of Haywood County, North Carolina, was best known for his role in “Deliverance”. Directed by John Boorman, “Deliverance” starred notable actors like Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox. The film portrayed a risky canoe trip in Georgia, taken by businessmen and interrupted by threatening local mountain men.
In “Deliverance,” Coward played the “Toothless Man,” a character distinguished by his missing front teeth and menacing demeanor. His line, “He got a real purty mouth, ain’t he?” in a suspenseful scene has become a significant part of 1970s film history.
The “Toothless Man” character, as depicted by Coward, symbolized the raw and unpredictable nature of survival that “Deliverance” showcased. Even with a limited filmography, Coward’s performance in “Deliverance” was his most notable work, with its impact reaching audiences and critics for more than 50 years.
Beyond “Deliverance,” Coward, also known as “Cowboy” Coward, had roles in other productions, though none achieved as much recognition. His role in “Deliverance” demonstrated the potential of cinema to create lasting impressions, even with minor characters.
The sudden death of Coward has led to an outpouring of grief from both the local community in Haywood County and fans of “Deliverance.” His notable film career and his status as a beloved local figure whose pet squirrel delighted the county, make his passing all the more tragic. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and the enduring influence of a single role in cinema.
