Born in Arkansas, Smithers enlisted in the U.S. Army at the tender age of 17 in 1970 and served a four-year stint with the esteemed 101st Airborne Division, also known as the "Screaming Eagles". He was honorably discharged in 1974, having earned the rank of Sergeant.
After completing his military service, Smithers went on to earn a degree in Animal Science in 1978. He then embarked on a new venture, breeding exotic sheep at his farm in Violet Hill, starting with five "Four-Horned" Jacob Sheep and a pair of Black Welsh Mountain Sheep. Over time, he successfully created a new breed, which he has dubbed the "J. Welsh Black Pearl".
In 2004, Smithers expanded his agricultural pursuits by introducing exotic hog farming, incorporating several pure-blood European Wild Hogs into his operations. These hogs made a memorable appearance in the film "A Bothered Conscience", alongside Smithers' prized four-horned ram, "Willie".
With decades of experience in construction under his belt, Smithers brought a unique set of skills to the production of the film, designing and building many of the special effects himself, including the infamous "boot spikes". This hands-on approach has earned him a reputation as a producer who is unafraid to get his hands dirty.
As for his portrayal of the psychotic knife-wielding hillbilly, Keller McGavin, Smithers humbly admits that he has been told he fits the character quite well. And with the overwhelmingly positive response to his performance thus far, it's possible that he may soon be adding the title of "cult hero" to his already impressive resume.
