Billy Redden, a quintessential local teenager from Georgia, was handpicked by renowned director John Boorman to portray the enigmatic banjo player in the Academy Award-nominated masterpiece Deliverance, which premiered in 1972. Boorman deliberately selected Redden due to his uncanny resemblance to a country boy, mannerisms, and distinctive qualities that set him apart from trained actors.
Arthur Redden, the actor who played the role of Ronnie 'Cyrus' Teagardin in the film "Deliverance", surprisingly lacked proficiency in playing the banjo, which necessitated the employment of a teenage hand double during the filming of the iconic scene "Dueling Banjos". The soundtrack for the film was expertly crafted by the talented duo of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell.
To capture the requisite expression of disdain towards his co-star, Ronny Cox, on-screen, the director cleverly employed a psychological ploy. By positioning Warren Beatty, a close friend of Redden's, beside Cox, the actor's natural fondness for Beatty was exploited, allowing Redden to authentically convey disgust and a stoic expression. The subsequent editing of the scene ensured the desired effect was achieved, resulting in a memorable and iconic cinematic moment.
Noted for his striking portrayal in the 1972 film Deliverance, actor Redden's career trajectory took an unexpected turn, as he seemingly vanished from the silver screen for an extended period. However, he eventually resurfaced in the 1984 film Blastfighter, where he reprised his role as a banjo player, a character trait that would become a hallmark of his subsequent cinematic endeavors. This penchant for playing banjo-wielding characters continued to be a staple of his filmography, with notable appearances in Tim Burton's 2003 critically acclaimed film Big Fish and the 2009 horror movie Outrage: Born in Terror. Interestingly, by the time Redden appeared in Big Fish, he had transitioned to a new profession, working as a cafe employee in the area where the film was being shot.
