“Is that guy for real?” you might be wondering about Lyle, aka ‘the guy who shoots the cow.’ The answer is a resounding “yes,” he’s about as real as you can get. Dale V. Critchlow has been working on and managing his farm in Preston, Idaho for just over 40 years. For a few years, Critchlow was a nearby neighbor of Jared Hess, Napoleon Dynamite’s producer/director. Hess has told Critchlow that when he decided to include the cow scene, he immediately considered Critchlow the best man for the job. When Hess came to ask if Critchlow would take the role, he first spoke with Critchlow’s daughter. They walked out to the farmyard where Critchlow was working and the daughter said,  “Just listen to what he has to say before you answer.” When Hess asked if Critchlow would like to play a part in the movie, Dale asked “What do I have to do?” Hess then explained that he’d have to pretend to shoot a cow.  Dale responded that he thought he could do that.

Part of the rustic farmer look Critchlow brings to the screen is a result of all that time working outdoors. The other part of that weathered look comes from a near fatal car accident Critchlow was involved in over 20 years ago. In early 1980, Critchlow was driving his tractor toward home when he was struck from behind by a fast moving car. Injuries sustained from the accident included brain damage. His family was first told he would not live, then that he would never function like a normal human being if he did live, then that he would never walk again. Critchlow’s determination disproved all these theories, and he farms and lives life fully, though his eyesight is still somewhat impaired even after all these years, and his face (partially paralyzed after the accident) has taken on a distinctive look many thousands of movie goers have come to recognize.  

In addition to the cow scene, Critchlow also plays the part of a worker on the chicken farm, and the part of the preacher who marries Kip and LaFawnduh (after the credits). Critchlow relates some funny incidents while filming the wedding scene, including Kip’s difficulty unveiling the much taller LaFawnduh. He also said about the cow in the gun scene (not one of his own cows, but one provided by the filming gang) “she was such a nice cow.” Critchlow is enjoying his newfound small scale fame. When he and his wife Glenna attended the Idaho State Fair a few months ago, he was detained by several teenagers and children who wanted to shake his hand or get his autograph. He has signed everything from movie tickets to ball caps. People frequently stare, and occasionally summon the courage to ask “Hey, were you in that Napoleon Dynamite movie?”