Slim Pickens net worth at the time of his death in December 1983 was estimated between $2 million and $2.7 million. He built this wealth over a 37-year career through rodeo performances, films, television, and voice acting. Appearing in 150+ roles, Pickens earned steady income from acting, commercials, and real estate investments rather than blockbuster salaries.
Slim Pickens Real Name and Early Life Origins
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Louis Burton Lindley Jr. |
| Born | June 29, 1919 |
| Birthplace | Kingsburg, California, USA |
| Died | December 8, 1983 |
| Age at Death | 64 years |
| Cause of Death | Brain tumor (complications after surgery) |
| Spouse | Margaret Elizabeth Harmon (m. 1950–1983) |
| Children | 3 (Thomas, Margaret, Daryle) |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Career Span | 1946–1983 (37 years) |
Slim Pickens real name
Slim Pickens real name was Louis Burton Lindley Jr., born on June 29, 1919 in Kingsburg, California. He adopted his famous stage name during his teenage rodeo career when an old cowboy suggested the humorous moniker referring to meager prize money—the “pickings” were slim in Depression-era rodeo competitions. Maneet Chauhan net worth
Slim Pickens early life
Slim Pickens net worth early life was shaped by rural California dairy farming and poverty during the Great Depression. His father Louis Bert Lindley Sr. was a Texas-born dairy farmer who disapproved of his son’s rodeo ambitions. Young Lindley became an exceptional horseman by age four and began competing in rodeos at age twelve, leaving school to pursue his passion.
Slim Pickens rodeo career
Slim Pickens net worth his rodeo career after leaving Hanford High School at just age 12, competing in bronc riding, bull riding, and steer roping. For nearly 20 years, he performed across the western U.S., often using fake names to hide it from his father. His dangerous work as a respected rodeo clown gave him real cowboy credibility that later set him apart in Hollywood.
Slim Pickens Rodeo Career Foundation of Wealth
Professional Rodeo Performance and Early Earnings
Slim Pickens’ rodeo career lasted from 1931 to 1950, shaping the authentic cowboy image that fueled his Hollywood success. As a rodeo clown and competitor, he took part in dangerous events and suffered 17 broken bones, earning modest pay by rodeo standards. His life changed in 1950 when director William Keighley discovered him at a rodeo and cast him in Rocky Mountain, launching his acting career.
Authentic Western Skills Enhanced Acting Value
Slim Pickens’ authentic rodeo background gave him a unique edge in Hollywood, allowing him to perform his own stunts, drive stagecoaches, and handle livestock naturally. His rugged appearance and cowboy mannerisms were real, not acted, making him highly sought-after for Westerns. This authenticity ensured steady roles and consistent earnings over four decades, contributing significantly to his overall wealth.
Slim Pickens Hollywood Career and Film Income
Slim Pickens’ Hollywood career spanned 1950–1982, with over 150 film and TV appearances, mostly in Westerns like One-Eyed Jacks, The Cowboys, and Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. His salary grew from $5,000–$10,000 per film in the early 1950s to $30,000–$50,000 in the 1970s, with top roles paying $75,000+, while TV appearances added $3,000–$10,000 per episode, creating steady long-term earnings.
