Herbert Coward, renowned for his portrayal of the “Toothless Man” in the iconic film “Deliverance,” passed away at the age of 85 in a tragic crash on a western North Carolina highway. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon after Coward, along with 78-year-old Bertha Brooks, left a doctor’s appointment.
According to North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. M.J. Owens, the collision transpired when Coward pulled onto U.S. Route 19 in front of a pickup truck. The impact resulted in fatal injuries for Coward, Brooks, and even their Chihuahua and pet squirrel. Coward, a resident of Haywood County, was locally recognized for his unique companionship with a pet squirrel.
The 16-year-old driver of the truck was hospitalized as a precautionary measure. Authorities have ruled out speed or distraction as contributing factors to the accident.
Herbert Coward’s brief but memorable role in John Boorman’s 1972 classic, “Deliverance,” left an indelible mark on cinema. In the film, Coward played the character known as the “Toothless Man,” recognized for his missing front teeth. His portrayal added a chilling dimension to one of the most infamous scenes in 1970s cinema, uttering the iconic line, “He got a real purty mouth, ain’t he?”
