Rick Dial (1955–2018) was an American actor and radio host, primarily known for his film career and his work in local Arkansas media. His most celebrated performance is that of Bill Cox, the kind-hearted mechanic in the 1996 film *Sling Blade*, directed by his friend Billy Bob Thornton. This performance earned him international recognition. His film career also includes appearances in films such as *Crazy in Alabama* (1999) and *The General's Daughter* (1999), solidifying his reputation as a character actor. Alongside his acting career, Dial maintained a successful career as a radio host for decades in his hometown of Fort Smith, where he hosted the popular "The Rick Dial Show" on station KFPW, becoming a familiar voice to the community. For his contribution to entertainment in the state, he was posthumously inducted into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in 2018, an honor that celebrated his cultural impact.