Billy Redden, with his distinctive haunted expression, became one of the most recognisable faces in Hollywood after starring in 1972 movie Deliverance, but his life went in a different direction
At 15, Billy Redden might have expected a career on the silver screen after appearing in Oscar-nominated movie Deliverance.
But despite being one of the most unmistakable faces in Hollywood for a brief period in the 1970s, his life went in a wholly different direction, a far cry from the bright lights of Tinsel Town.
Now 69, he’s unrecognisable after “struggling really hard to make ends meet”.
Deliverance, a disturbing thriller directed by Brit John Boorman, was a smash hit when it came out in 1972. It was nominated for three Oscars – Best Picture, Best Director and Best Editing.
Young Billy’s appearance in the film was brief, but arguably the most memorable.
He was hand-picked by Boorman, who was scouting local schoolchildren in Georgia, US, for the iconic Duelling Banjos scene. He wasn’t a trained actor nor could he play the banjo, but Boorman thought his haunted expression made him perfect for the role.
A musician hid behind him to create the illusion, but Billy’s awkward stare made him a movie star overnight. In the film, he played “backwoods mountain boy” Lonnie, who gets into a musical duel with a businessman on a canoe trip.
Deliverance raked in millions and became a timeless classic, but Billy saw little of the profits. Paid only a modest fee for his work, he returned to small-town life once the cameras stopped rolling.
Initially, he tried to capitalise on the fame and organised tourist trips down the Chattooga River, which was featured in the film. He later worked a string of jobs, including store associate at Walmart, dishwasher and cafe hand.
Billy also appeared in “banjo man” in a number of other movies, including Outrage: Born in Terror, Blue Collar TV, and Blastfighter, a 2003 motion picture.
Billy discussed his financial difficulties in the 2012 documentary, The Deliverance of Rabun County.
He stated to the producers, “I’d like to receive all the money I believed I’d make from this movie.” I wouldn’t currently be employed by Walmart. And I’m having a lot of trouble making ends meet.
He continued, “We’re not a bad people up here; we’re a loving people,” and defended the county’s reputation. A decent town is located in Rabun County. There isn’t much crime happening, and it’s actually peaceful. Basically, everyone and everyone get along.
Close friend Kip Ramey claims Billy has “mounting medical bills” and lacks social security support and has since retired for several years.
In 2023, he started a GoFundMe page to support the Hollywood legend and raised tens of thousands of dollars, the Spokesman.com reported.
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply