In Memory of Burt Reynolds (1936-2018)

Burt Reynolds (1936-2018)

Dearest movie buffs, I regret to inform you that American actor Burt Reynolds died on September 6, 2018, at age 82. Burt was one of Hollywood's favourite icons since the 1970s, renowned for his good looks, charm, and trademark moustache. He appeared in several blockbuster movies, including "Deliverance," "The Longest Yard," "Smokey and the Bandit" and its sequels, and "The Cannonball Run." We will miss his legendary, enduring on-screen presence as he is in a better place, among the other late celebrities.

Burt turned to acting after a car crash cut his football career short. He began performing on stage, then moved on to television roles. Reynolds got his big break in the TV series "Riverboat," opposite Darren McGavin. Reynolds' first theatrical role was in the low-budget movie "Angel Baby," where he was billed fourth. During the 1960s, Burt appeared in Westerns, including the popular television series "Gunsmoke." In 1972, Reynolds had a big year, starring in "Deliverance," followed by "The Longest Yard" in 1974. Years later, he appeared in a 2005 remake by Adam Sandler, in which Reynolds had a supporting role.

His biggest success came in 1977, when he appeared alongside Sally Field in the thrilling action-comedy "Smokey and the Bandit," which spawned two sequels. In "The Cannonball Run," which led to a sequel, he teamed up with Dom DeLuise and other actors in a star-studded cast that included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Farrah Fawcett, and Roger Moore. After a string of flops damaged his career, Reynolds returned to television, appearing in the sitcom "Evening Shade." Much like his previous film role in "The Longest Yard," this sitcom cast him as an ex-football player. Reynolds' career rebounded with a role as a pornographic director in Paul Thomas Anderson's second film, "Boogie Nights." However, Burt, who received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, was not enthusiastic about the role. Burt continued to appear in more movies, including "Without a Paddle," "The Dukes of Hazzard," and "The Last Movie Star." The latter was his final role as an older movie star.

Burt did voice acting in animated films, including the rogue German shepherd Charlie in "All Dogs Go To Heaven" (which reunites him with Dom DeLuise) and a small role as the main character's father in "Delgo." He also guest-voiced in animated television shows such as "American Dad," "Archer," and "King of the Hill." Reynolds' first marriage ended in a divorce. He later married actress Loni Anderson in 1988, and they adopted a son, Quinton. They later divorced in 1993.

In the final years of his life, he regretted turning down a few roles he felt didn't suit him. One of these roles was Han Solo in "Star Wars," which ultimately went to Harrison Ford. But his biggest regret wasn't with actress Sally Field, the love of his life. Before his death, Burt joined the ensemble cast of Quentin Tarantino's forthcoming movie, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

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