Deliverance star Billy Redden is suffering with health issues.
The now 68-year-old was just 15 when he featured in the memorable “Dueling Banjos” scene in action thriller film Deliverance. The 1972 film was a huge critical success but drew criticism for what some called its stereotypical depiction of the native Appalachian community as dangerous inbreds.
Despite its star-studded cast, the one character in the movie who everyone remembers is only actually on screen for a few minutes and isn’t even played by a proper actor. Redden played the odd-looking young boy who sits on a dilapidated front porch and challenges Ronnie Cox’s character to a banjo duel after the group stop to fill their car up with petrol.
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52 years later, Redden looks unrecognisable and has returned to a normal life. Following the film’s release, Redden worked millennial jobs in his local community and for the past few years has been an employee at his local Walmart.
(Image: Warner Bros)
He is unfortunately suffering from health issues as A GoFundMe page has been started by the band, The Storytellers, to help the Georgia man. Since March 23, the the page has raised more than $21,000 from 600-plus donors. The page is titled, Help Deliverance “Banjo Boy” Billy Redden!. The description begins talking about Redden’s role in Deliverance.
It reads: “Redden was not an actor at the time. He was a local 15-year-old in Clayton, Georgia where the film was made. The Director, the late John Boorman, chose Redden because he appeared to look like a backwoods boy. He filmed the scene and was largely forgotten.”
(Image: Getty Images)
They revealed that Redden wasn’t paid a substantial amount for the role and worked several jobs to “make ends meet”. The description continues: “Nothing wrong with being a working man, mind you. Billy isn’t complaining, but some believe there might have been some exploitation of this boy.”
The Storytellers explained that they drew inspiration from the iconic scene and have now organised the campaign on behalf of Redden. They continued: “By all accounts, Billy is a kind man.
“Let’s all help compensate him – fairly and finally – for his vital contribution to this iconic and inspirational scene that lifted the banjo, lifted bluegrass music, lifted the careers of actors Ned Beatty, John Voigt, and Ronny Cox, but somehow left Billy Redden behind.
(Image: Billy Redden)
“A local trust attorney will be hired to manage the funds that are donated on behalf of Redden. Please donate generously and share our campaign widely! If we can get 20k people to donate a single dollar, this young-old man can stop worrying about money and enjoy his life, knowing his work inspired us and continues to inspire us. THANK YOU.”
They shared an update on March 4, writing: “We have met and talked with Mr. Redden who was just today released from the hospital. He stated that he has mounting medical bills. He has given this fundraiser his blessing and gratitude.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
