| Activity | Born Louis Burton Lindley, Jr. but better known by the stage name Slim Pickens, was an American rodeo performer, and film and television actor, who epitomized the profane, tough, sardonic cowboy, but who is best remembered for his comic roles, notably in Dr. Strangelove and Blazing Saddles.
Pickens' most noted role was as B-52 pilot Major T. J. "King" Kong in Dr. Strangelove. Stanley Kubrick cast Pickens after his first choice for the role of Major Kong, Peter Sellers, sprained his ankle and was unable to perform the role. Pickens was chosen because his accent and comic sense were perfect for the role of Kong, an absurdly patriotic and gung-ho B-52 commander. Pickens was not told that the movie was a black comedy, but was instructed to play the role straight. He was also not given the script to the entire film, but only those portions in which he played a part. |