Louis Burton Lindley, Jr. , 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 was born Louis Burton Lindley, Jr. in Kingsburg, California, the son of Sally Mosher and Louis Bert Lindley, Sr. He was an excellent rider from age 4 and quit school to join the rodeo at 12. He was told that working in the rodeo would be "slim pickings" , giving him his name, but he did well and eventually... became a well-known rodeo clown. After 20 years on the rodeo circuit, his distinctive Oklahoma-Texas drawl , his wide eyes and moon face and strong physical presence gained him a role in the western Rocky Mountain starring Errol Flynn. He appeared in many more westerns, playing both villains and comic sidekicks to the likes of Rex Allen. Pickens appeared in dozens of films, including Old Oklahoma Plains , Down Laredo Way , One-Eyed Jacks with Marlon Brando, Dr.
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| Birthdate: | June 29, 1919 |
| Birthplace: | Kingsburg, California |
| Date of death: | December 8, 1983 |
| Height: | 6' 3" |
| Also known as: | Louis Bert Lindley, Jr., Louis Bert Lindley Jr., Pickens, Slim |