Actor Burt Reynolds attends the 2016 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival. The actor died Thursday. (Mike Windle/Getty Images for SXSW). Photo courtesy of CBC.
Actor Burt Reynolds, star of Smokey and the Bandit and Boogie Nights, has died. He was 82.
Reynolds’ agent Todd Eisner said the actor died Thursday in Florida.
His breakout movie role was in 1972’s Deliverance, which received three Academy Award nominations. Reynolds also starred in multiple action films and comedies, including The Longest Yard, Hooper, The Cannonball Run and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
In 1998, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting actor role in Boogie Nights, the Paul Thomas Anderson film about the pornography industry. Reynolds also won an Emmy for the TV series, Evening Shade.
But he also was a frequent nominee for the Razzie, the tongue-in-cheek award for Hollywood’s worst performance, and his personal life provided ongoing drama, particularly after an acrimonious divorce from Loni Anderson in 1995.
He had a troubled marriage to Judy Carne, a romance with Dinah Shore and a relationship with Sally Field damaged by his acknowledged jealousy of her success.
Through it all, he presented a genial persona, often the first to make fun of his own conflicted image.
Reynolds was candid about his flops, his regrets and about his many famous friends.
He would call posing nude for Cosmopolitan one of his biggest mistakes because it undermined the respect he had gained for Deliverance.
He revered Spencer Tracy as an early mentor and came to know Johnny Carson, Clint Eastwood, Frank Sinatra and many others.
Celebrities and prominent figures paid tribute to Reynolds on social media.
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 6, 2018
Im 19. I get a few lines in a movie. The megastar on set was really nice and cool to this punk actor(me) for no reason. The director called me before the movie came out to tell me I had hit the cutting room floor. But I never forgot that Star. Thanks Burt. RIP
— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes. He was a trailblazer. He showed the way to transition from being an athlete to being the highest paid actor, and he always inspired me. He also had a great sense of humor – check out his Tonight Show clips. My thoughts are with his family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 6, 2018
I owe my career, at least in part, to the great Burt Reynolds. Heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was one of a kind. A fun loving, charismatic talent who did many good deeds quietly, without personal expectation but rather out of the kindness of his extraordinary heart. RIP
— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds & Clint Eastwood were fired from GUNSMOKE & RAWHIDE at the same time. Burt was told he couldn't act and Clint his neck was too skinny. In the parking lot, Burt said to Clint, "I dunno what you're gonna do, but I'm gonna take acting lessons." #RIPBurtReynolds
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 6, 2018
So sad hearing about the passing of Burt Reynolds. Such a nice man, true friend & a good soul! You left this world with wonderful memories..We will miss you my friend- RIP
— ERIK ESTRADA (@ErikEstrada) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds and my dad were close friends. BR gave my dad this FSU leather jacket around 95. The day I committed to The #Canes, @walterpayton came home, grab the jacket & said “time to get rid of this.” RIP BR ?? pic.twitter.com/M9fsQDxg5h
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) September 6, 2018
As THE movie star of my childhood, the Bandit stole our hearts for decades. I always loved how Burt Reynolds worked with his friends as often as he could and then showcased the fun of movie-making in the end credits of his flicks. He was true American icon. Hate to see him go… https://t.co/jaMZjJA4e8
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) September 6, 2018
RIP Burt Reynolds. Seems his whole career was tongue in cheek. Always warm and funny.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 6, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of legend, Burt Reynolds.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) September 6, 2018
Dang, forgot about #TheEnd with #DomDeluise! One of the BEST comedies. Burt and Dom were #ComedyGold together! This really, really sucks. #RIPBurtReynolds
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 6, 2018
God bless, sir. ?? RIP https://t.co/oW5aTZBC39
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) September 6, 2018
R.I.P. Burt Reynolds, underrated as a dramatic actor (Deliverance), underrated as a director (Sharkey's Machine), but also a rare movie star that seemed to be just having an absolute ball onscreen. Nobody broke frame with a bigger gleam in his eye. "Just watch ol' Bandit run." pic.twitter.com/L4NlRyqahb
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) September 6, 2018
I met Burt Reynolds once in a video store in the 90s before he did “Boogie Nights.” He was by himself and no one seemed to notice him. I said, “I just want to thank you for many hours of entertainment.” He smiled so big and shook my hand and said, “You made my day. Thank you.”
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 6, 2018
Very sad to hearing about the passing of Burt Reynolds. He was a great actor, a philanthropist and a pioneer of the cool mustache. Thank you, Burt. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/nuuFWMSnJg
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) September 6, 2018
RIP to another legend. Grew up with my parents, my brothers and a worn out VHS copy of Cannon Ball Run, watched Deliverance on my first date with my wife (don’t ask) & revisit Boogie Nights every few months to marvel at his performance. A very great loss. https://t.co/rmwoCHJcNM
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever worked with. He took me under his wing when I was first starting out as an actor and offered friendship, advice and guidance.
I’ll never forget how much that meant to me.— Paul Wesley (@paulwesley) September 6, 2018
“Stroker Ace was born to race”
Much respect to you Burt Reynolds. RIP pic.twitter.com/w8FlIShmIR— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 6, 2018
RIP Burt Reynolds. You were one of a kind. I was lucky to work with you. ??
— Lauren Holly (@LaurenHolly) September 6, 2018
With files from The Associated Press
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