Herbert Coward, 85, famed for his role in the 1972 movie “Deliverance,” died in a vehicle collision on a western North Carolina highway on January 24, authorities confirmed.

The fatal incident occurred as Coward and Bertha Brooks, 78, were leaving a doctor’s appointment. According to North Carolina Highway Patrol Sergeant M.J. Owens, Coward, while driving, pulled onto U.S. Highway 23, not yielding to the right-of-way, and inadvertently into the path of an oncoming pickup truck. The ensuing 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 hospitalized as a precaution. Sergeant Owens noted that neither speed nor distraction were contributing factors in the crash. 

Coward, a resident of Haywood County, North Carolina, was recognized locally not just for his film role but for his unique companionship with a pet squirrel. His iconic role in “Deliverance,” directed by John Boorman, featured alongside stars like Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox. The film depicts businessmen on a dangerous canoe trip in Georgia, memorably disrupted by menacing local mountain men.

In the film, Coward portrayed the “Toothless Man,” a character notable for his lack of front teeth and intimidating presence. His line, “He got a real purty mouth, ain’t he?” in a tense scene has been etched into the annals of 1970s cinema.

Coward’s portrayal of the “Toothless Man” symbolized the raw, unsettling themes of survival and unpredictability portrayed in “Deliverance.” Despite the limited scope of his filmography, Coward’s performance in “Deliverance” remained his most recognized work, resonating with audiences and critics for over five decades.

Aside from “Deliverance,” Coward, known as “Cowboy” Coward, appeared in other productions, though none garnered as much prominence. The impact of his performance illustrates the power of cinema in creating lasting impressions with even minor roles.

The local community in Haywood County and fans of “Deliverance” have been united in mourning the loss of Coward. He was not only a memorable figure in the world of film but also a beloved local character. His sudden passing is a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring influence of a single role.