Young Slim

When Louis Lindley, Jr. dropped out of high school at 16 to join a rodeo, he called himself “Slim Pickens” so his father wouldn’t see his name on the entry lists. He spent 20 years as a rodeo bronco buster, trick rider and clown.

Rodeo didn’t pay very well and after a screen test in 1950, he switched to the more lucrative career of acting. In the movies he became well-known in “B” movies playing cowboy sidekicks. He was known for his round face and gravelly voice, and because of his rodeo background, never needed a stand-in while filming.

24" x 24", oil on canvas