Billy Redden, a typical local teenager from Georgia, was handpicked by renowned director John Boorman to play the role of an unusual banjo player in the critically acclaimed film Deliverance (1972). Boorman was drawn to Redden's authentic country boy look, mannerisms, and unique qualities that set him apart from traditional actors. Specifically, Boorman was seeking someone with no formal acting training to play a nonspeaking part in a pivotal sequence, where Redden engages in a banjo duel with Ronny Cox.
The sequence, which has become one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history, was a testament to Redden's natural talent. Despite not knowing how to play the banjo, Redden was paired with a hand double for the song "Dueling Banjos," while Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell provided the soundtrack. In the scene, Redden's character is required to display contempt for Cox's character, but due to his genuine fondness for the actor, Boorman employed a clever trick to elicit the desired reaction. By placing Ned Beatty, an actor Redden disliked, next to Cox, Redden's disgust and facial expressions were captured on camera.
Following his memorable appearance in Deliverance (1972),Redden largely disappeared from the screen but resurfaced as a tourist guide, leading fans to the film's iconic locations. He eventually returned to acting in Blastfighter (1984),reprising his role as a banjo player. This trademark characteristic would become a staple of his subsequent films, including a cameo in Tim Burton's Big Fish (2003) and Outrage: Born in Terror (2009). By the time he appeared in Big Fish (2003),Redden was working at a local cafe near the film location, a testament to his enduring passion for the film industry.
