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 at 82 on 6th September 2018. Burt was one of Hollywood's favourite icons since the 1970s, renowned for his good looks, charm and trademark moustache. He was known for appearing 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 ongoing screen presence as he has gone to a better place among the other late celebrities.

Burt turned to act after his athletic career as a football player was cut short due to a car crash. He started performing on the stage and then doing television roles. Reynolds got his big chance at stardom in the TV series "Riverboat" opposite Darren McGavin. Reynolds' first theatrical role was in a low-budgeted movie, "Angel Baby", where he got the fourth billing. During the 1960s, he appeared in Westerns, including the popular television series "Gunsmoke". In 1972 came the big year when Reynolds starred in "Deliverance", followed by "The Longest Yard" in 1974. The latter was the subject of a 2005 remake by Adam Sandler, in which Reynolds had a supporting role.

His smashing success came about 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", in which the movie spawned a sequel, he teamed up with Dom DeLuise and other actors in a star-studded cast like Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Farrah Fawcett and Roger Moore. After a string of flops damaged his career, Reynolds returned to television and appeared in a sitcom, "Evening Shade". Much like his previous film role in "The Longest Yard", this sitcom had a role for him in mind as an ex-footy 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 have more parts in movies like "Without a Paddle", "Dukes of Hazzard", and "The Last Movie Star". The latter was his final role as an aging movie star.

Burt did voice acting in animated film roles such as 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 did guest voiceovers in animated television shows like "American Dad", "Archer", "King of the Hill", etc. 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.

Toward the last years of his life, he regretted turning down a few roles that he felt did not suit him. One of these roles is Han Solo in "Star Wars", which went to Harrison Ford. But the biggest regret in his life was not with actress Sally Field, the love of his life. Before his death, Burt joined an ensemble cast in a forthcoming movie from director Quentin Tarantino, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".

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