Burt Reynolds, legendary Hollywood star of movies such asSmokey and the Bandit, has passed away at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by his managed Erik Kritzer. Reynolds died at Jupiter Medical in his home state of Florida.
The prolific and iconic actor’s career began on TV, starring in western shows such asRiverboatandGunsmoke. It was these shows, as well as his appearances on talks shows, which painted him as a very charismatic individual, that helped make him a movie star. It was his stunt as the first celebrity male-nude centerfold in a 1972 issue ofCosmopolitanthat helped earn Burt Reynolds his breakout role inDeliverance. Other actors such as Marlon Brando had turned the role down, but Reynolds took his part in the John Boorman-directed feature and it worked out quite well.Deliverancewas one of the most well-received movies of that year and the era of Reynolds' dominance in Hollywood began.
For a five-year period starting in the late 1970s, Burt Reynolds was the number one draw at the box office. FollowingDeliverance, some of his most popular roles came in 1974’sThe Longest Yard, which was eventually remade with Adam Sandler in 2005. Reynolds also participated in the remake. It was 1977’sSmokey and the Banditthat truly made Reynolds the star we all think of today. Starring alongside Sally Field, the movie was a smash success and spawned several sequels. To this day,Smokey and the Banditremains the star’s most successful endeavor.
After finding success on the big screen as an actor, Burt Reynolds tried his hand at directing. His first directorial effort was the 1976 action movieGator. He would later go on to helm 1978’s dark comedyThe End. Heading into the 1980s, Reynolds continued to find success with movies likeThe Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,City HeatandRough Cut.
Unfortunately, as the 80s rolled on, Reynolds began finding himself in a string of misfires. These includedStroker Ace,Cannonball Run IIandRent-a-Cop. His star power faded a bit and he eventually moved to Florida to open the Jupiter Theater. Reynolds moved back to the small screen for a brief period, producing and starring in the CBS seriesEvening Shadefrom 1990 to 1994.
It was his turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 hitBoogie Nightsthat truly brought Burt Reynolds back to his glory days. The actor’s role as a porn producer earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Reynolds continued to work throughout the rest of the 90s and early 2000s in other projects such asMystery Alaska,Universal Soldier IIIand the 2005Dukes of Hazzardmovie, in which he played the role of Boss Hogg. Reynolds also appeared in popular shows such asThe X-Files,My Name is EarlandBurn Noticeover the years.
Prior to hisdeath, Burt Reynolds was cast in Quentin Tarantino’s latest movieOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood. It’s unclear at the present time if the actor had already filmed his part or if he will have to be recast. Reynolds had also completed work onDefining Momentsprior to his passing. The actor is survived by his adopted son Quinton from his second marriage. RIP, Burt Reynolds. This news was previously reported byThe Hollywood Reporter.
