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Daily Mirror
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Jessica Gibb

Dale Critchlow dead - Napoleon Dynamite star passes away, family announce

Napoleon Dynamite star Dale Critchlow has died.

He is best known for playing Farmer Lyle in the 2004 cult movie, directed by Jared Hess.

Dale died aged 92 on Friday at the Morning Star Senior Living facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho, his family told local newspaper Preston Citizen.

He was not known as an actor until his role in Napoleon Dynamite - starring Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and Tina Majorino.

He also made an appearance in Kurt Hale’s 2006 comedy, Church Bell.

A memorable scene sees Dale's character shoot a cow in the face just as a busload of children pulls up.

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He also acts as the minister at Kip and LaFawnduh's wedding and offers them some sage advice.

"When an argument arises, if you go outside and take a nice walk, you'll calm down and you can come back, and it won't be an argument," he said.

"And you'll find that it helps your health, all that fresh air and exercise will do you a lot of good."

He landed the role after he needed director Hess’ family to help him wrangle some sheep.

“My wife called Jared Hess’ mother and asked if one of her boys was there,” he told East Idaho News.

“He came over, and he had a friend with him. I drove the truck out into the pasture, and the sheep came over. They grabbed those bucks and pushed them into the truck.”

He continued, “And then later, he came back and says, ‘I need a player,’ and I said, ‘Sure — when?’ He says, ‘I want you to be in my movie.'”

But the Utah native didn't rate the movie overall and said: “I thought it was kind of funny in places, and in a few places, it was kind of dragged out. He done a pretty good job.”

After the movie's release Dale become a local celebrity and was often stooped for pictures and autographs.

“I went to a wedding reception in Salt Lake, and my oldest son was just waiting for the reception to start," he said.

"This guy comes by, and he said, ‘Hey, I seen you in a show!’ He took some pictures."

A funeral will be held March 4 in Preston, Idaho.

Napoleon Dynamite was released in 2004 and saw Jon Heder play Napoleon, a teenager who has no clear purpose in life.

He is oblivious to the fact that people think he's a bit of a nerd and this is what makes Napoleon and his new found friend, Pedro (Efren Ramirez), such kindred spirits.

As he goes about trying to help Pedro win the class presidency, they get into some hilarious adventures - including his iconic dance at the talent contest to Jamiroquai's Canned Heat.

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