The entertainment world was shaken by the tragic death of esteemed Hollywood character actor John Pickard, who was killed in a horrific accident involving a bull on his own farm in Lascassas, Tennessee. The 80-year-old veteran of the silver screen, best known for his role alongside screen legend John Wayne in the 1969 classic True Grit, met his demise during a family picnic in 1993.
From War Bonds to Westerns: A Storied Career
John Pickard's journey into acting began in 1936 at the age of 23 with a role in Mary of Scotland. His career was briefly interrupted when he served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1946 during World War Two. Interestingly, even before his service, he had modelled for a war bond poster for the Navy in 1939.
Upon returning from the war, Pickard pursued acting with serious intent and quickly became a favourite in Western films and dramas. His first collaboration with the iconic John Wayne came in the 1948 film The Wake of the Red Witch. This marked the beginning of a spectacular 40-year career in the industry.
Pickard's television work was equally impressive. He landed his first recurring character in the TV series Boots and Saddles, filmed in Utah, where he appeared in a remarkable 38 episodes during its run from 1957 to 1958. His final role before his death was in a 1987 episode of the CBS detective series Simon and Simon.
The Fatal Incident and Lasting Legacy
The shocking incident occurred on Pickard's farm in Lascassas. He had rented a bull for breeding purposes, unaware that the animal would ultimately cause his death. During a family picnic in 1993, the bull attacked the octogenarian actor, leading to his tragic passing.
In a poignant detail, Pickard was laid to rest just a few feet away from the site of the horrific incident on his property. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Ann, his son John, and three grandchildren.
Family History and Hollywood Controversy
Pickard came from a family with deep roots in Tennessee. His great-great-grandfather was Rev. James Rucker, an early settler in the area then known as Davidson County, now Nashville. His great-aunt, Willie Betty Newman, was a plantation owner before the Civil War and a famous artist who owned a thriving studio.
The film that cemented his place in Hollywood history, True Grit, was not without its own drama. John Wayne famously lobbied for the lead role of one-eyed US Marshal Rooster Cogburn after reading Charles Portis' novel. In a fascinating piece of trivia, Elvis Presley was considered for the supporting role of the Texan La Boeuf, but the deal fell through because the singer's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded top billing above Wayne himself.
John Pickard is remembered by Rutherford TN History as one of the greatest character actors to grace the big screen, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances spanning four decades.
