Louis Burton Lindley Jr., better known by his stage name Slim Pickens, was an American actor and rodeo performer. He is best known for his roles in the films Blazing Saddles and Dr. Strangelove. Throughout his career, he primarily played the role of a cowboy.

Slim Pickens’ early life, biography, and education

Slim Pickens was born Louis Burton Lindley Jr in Kingsburg, California, on June 29, 1919. Louis Bert Lindley Sr. (father) and Sally Mosher (mother) had him (mother). He was raised with his brother, Samuel T. Lindley, better known as Easy Pickens.

He received his high school diploma from Hanford High School in Hanford, California.

Early and Professional Careers of Slim Pickens

Early on in your career

Slim Pickens began riding at the age of four and progressed to become an exceptional rider. Despite the fact that his father disliked horseback riding, he acquired a passion for it. To keep his father from finding out about his participation, he changed his name from Louis Burton Lindley Jr. to Slim Pickens.

As soon as he stated that,

‘My father was opposed to rodeoing and told me he didn’t want to see my name on any future admission lists.’ While I was pondering what to call myself, an elderly boy on a cart suggested, ‘Why don’t you call yourself Slim Pickens,’ because that’s what your reward money will be.

A Professional Life

Slim Pickens is well known for being a talented horseback rider and bucking bull rider. He began acting in 1946 after a long career in rodeo. He made his debut in the film Smoky, which went on to become a box office smash.

At a rodeo in 1950, he was discovered by William Keighley, an American actor and director, who helped him land the role of Plank in Rocky Mountain.

He went on to star in films such as The Last Musketeer, Iron Mountain Trail, One-Eyed Jacks, and Beyond the Poseidon Adventure.

Seekers of the Fleece, Silver Dollar City, and The Black Hole are among the films in which he has lent his voice.

Slim Pickens’ Salary, Earnings, and Net Worth

Slim Pickens must have amassed a significant amount of wealth over his lifetime, yet he avoided mentioning it. During his career, he amassed a net worth of $2 million. Although his specific compensation at the time is unknown, some of his films have grossed a substantial sum at the box office.

Slim Pickens’ Personal Life

Slim Pickens was married to Margaret Elizabeth Harmon, and they had two children. On March 22, 1950, the couple exchanged wedding vows. The couple had been incredibly happy since their marriage and until Slim Pickens’ death.

Thomas Michael Lindley, Margaret Louise Wittman, and Daryle Ann Lindley Giardino were the couple’s three children.

Death

Slim Pickens, a former American rodeo performer, and actor, died on December 8, 1983, in Modesto, California, at the age of 37. His family, which included his wife and three children, survived him.

In his final year, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery in San Francisco. Later, he developed pneumonia, which claimed his life.

A few quick facts

American nationality
White ethnicity
He was a Future Farmers of America member.
He was a member of the United States Army during World War II.
He has been injured countless times while riding horses and bucking bulls.