John Pickard, a prominent Hollywood character actor of his time, tragically met his end when he was fatally gored by a bull he had rented for breeding purposes on his personal farm. Today, his final resting place lies just a few feet away from where the fatal incident occurred.
Pickard, known for his role in the 1969 film “True Grit” alongside John Wayne, hailed from Lascassas, Tennessee, and was celebrated as one of the finest character actors in the film industry. His journey in the world of cinema began in 1936 after completing high school, and he even featured on a US Navy war bond poster by 1939.
After serving in the Navy from 1942 to 1946, Pickard returned to pursue his acting career earnestly, becoming a fan-favorite in Western films and dramas. Over a remarkable four-decade-long career, he starred in various productions, including reprising his role with John Wayne in “True Grit” in 1969.
Tragically, Pickard’s life was cut short when he was fatally attacked by a bull during a family picnic on his farm in Lascassas in 1993. Unbeknownst to him, the bull he had rented for breeding would be the cause of his untimely demise. At the time of his passing, Pickard was survived by his wife, Ann, son John, and three grandchildren.
Pickard’s early acting credits included the 1936 film “Mary of Scotland” when he was just 23 years old, followed by a recurring role in the TV series “Boots and Saddles,” where he appeared in 38 episodes. Notably, the series was filmed in Utah and aired between 1957 and 1958.
Throughout his career, Pickard had familial ties to prominent figures, such as his great-great-grandfather, an early settler in Tennessee, and his great-aunt, Willie Betty Newman, a pre-Civil War plantation owner and renowned artist. Furthermore, his involvement in “True Grit” was marked by controversies, including Elvis Presley’s failed attempt to secure a supporting role due to billing disputes.
Amidst the behind-the-scenes drama, Pickard’s legacy as a talented character actor endures, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.