Deliverance ‘banjo kid’ unrecognisable after years of struggle
Billy Redden, known for his haunting expression, became one of Hollywood’s most recognisable faces after appearing in the 1972 film Deliverance. At just 15, he might have imagined a promising acting career ahead, but life took a very different turn far from the glamour of cinema.
Now 69, Redden looks unrecognisable after what he described as years of hardship and “struggling really hard to make ends meet.”
The rise of a reluctant star
Deliverance, directed by British filmmaker John Boorman, was a major success upon its release in 1972. The thriller earned three Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Editing. Although Billy’s role was short, his appearance became one of the film’s most lasting images.
Boorman discovered Redden while searching local schools in Georgia, USA, for someone to feature in the now-iconic “Duelling Banjos” scene. Despite not being a trained actor or musician, Redden’s unique look convinced Boorman he was right for the part.
“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 was positioned behind Redden during filming to create the illusion he was playing, while his uneasy stare captivated audiences and made him an overnight sensation.
Life beyond the spotlight
In Deliverance, Redden portrayed Lonnie, a quiet mountain boy who musically duels with a businessman on a canoe trip. The movie went on to earn millions and became a timeless classic. Yet Redden saw little of the financial success that followed, and his life moved far from Hollywood fame.
Author’s summary
Once the unforgettable “banjo boy” of Deliverance, Billy Redden’s life drifted from sudden fame to decades of quiet struggle far from the spotlight.