I was a child actor in 'Deliverance,' but not the banjo player. It was my dad's big movie as a director, and at the very end there's a scene where Jon Voight comes home to his wife. I played his young son.

The quote "I was a child actor in 'Deliverance,' but not the banjo player. It was my dad's big movie as a director, and at the very end there's a scene where Jon Voight comes home to his wife. I played his young son." by Charley Boorman reflects on his brief experience as a child actor in the iconic film Deliverance. Boorman clarifies that he was not involved in the famous banjo scene, which is often the most remembered moment from the movie, but rather appeared in a smaller role. He played Jon Voight's young son in a scene towards the end of the film, offering a glimpse into his early involvement in the world of acting and filmmaking.

Boorman’s mention of his father, John Boorman, who was the director of Deliverance, highlights the familial connection that influenced his early career. The quote underscores how his father’s success in filmmaking gave Charley an early introduction to the industry. His role in the movie, though small, was significant as it marked the beginning of Charley Boorman’s exposure to the world of film.

The origin of this quote lies in Charley Boorman’s personal experience as the son of an influential director. Growing up in the film industry, Boorman would have had early access to the behind-the-scenes world of cinema, and his role in Deliverance was a formative experience in his career. This connection helped him transition into his own career as an actor and later as a producer, writer, and adventurer, most notably through his work with his close friend Ewan McGregor on the motorcycle travel series Long Way Round.

Ultimately, this quote reflects on Boorman’s early involvement in acting, shaped by his father’s influence. It serves as a reminder of how family connections can provide opportunities in the entertainment industry, while also acknowledging that the role itself, though minor, played an important part in his career development.