Burt Reynolds was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. He was strikingly handsome and had that devilish grin that made him the ultimate leading man of his time.
Burt died on September 6, 2018, at the age of 82. He had a long and varied career in Hollywood and was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1970s, starring in massive hits including “The Longest Yard,” “Deliverance,” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” He was also a regular on the talk show circuit, showing off his comedic chops and improv skills and the top “go-to” guest of his era. His charisma was infectious, both on and off the screen, and he had that killer smile and easy laugh that made audiences beg for more.
Burt was the No. 1 box-office attraction for a five-year stretch starting in the late 1970s. He had an
amazing run. Later he moved to telvision with a successful series called “Evening Shade.”
His personal life was often covered in the tabloids. He dated the lovely Sally Field, and then married blonde bombshell Loni Anderson. That unfortunately ended badly.
Throughout it all, Reynolds was known for his signature mustache and easygoing personality. While his career had its ups and downs, he will be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.
Movies
“Boogie Nights” (1997)
Burt received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of porn director Jack Horner in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights. He famously had issues with PTA and wasn’t thrilled to be doing the film, but it helped bring him back into the spotlight.
Obituaries
Burt Reynolds, Movie Star Who Played It for Grins, Dies at 82
This tribute from The Hollywood Reporter points out how Burt strived to have as much fun as possible on the screen. And fans loved it.
Burt Reynolds Dies at 82; Made Hearts Throb and Audiences Laugh
This New York Times obituary by Ralph Blumenthal accurately describes Burt as “the wryly appealing Hollywood heartthrob who carried on a long love affair with moviegoers even though his performances were often more memorable than the films that contained them.”
Videos
Heather Graham talks about Burt and “Boogie Nights”
Heather Graham tells Andy Cohen about the time Burt Reynolds and Paul Thomas Anderson got into a fight while filming Boogie Nights. She recalls Burt telling Paul “I’m gonna rip off your head and shit down your neck.”
Amazing acceptance speech at Golden Globes
Burt accepts the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Boogie Nights” that he was reluctant to play. He’s truly humbled here, and grateful to be back amongst the Hollywood elite. Perhaps PTM was right all along.
Related Content
David Steinberg Interview
Here’s a great quote from David Steniberg talking about Burt:
BE: Speaking of directing, your first time behind the camera was for Paternity, with Burt Reynolds.
DS: Yes. Burt gave me my first directing job, which was not a little thing. He had to fight Paramount to get them to let me direct it. But it started my whole career. He and I were really good friends, and…I think Burt Reynolds was one of the most underrated comic personalities of the ‘70s. He was as good on The Tonight Show as any comedian who was ever on the show. Things sort of took a turn later on, but at his peak, he was quite remarkable.