Burt Reynolds, RIP

September 6, 2018

Actor Burt Reynolds has died at age 82. He had a long, enduring career, beginning on TV starring in westerns and detective shows, but then graduated to movie stardom with John Boorman’s 1972 thriller Deliverance, the same year he famously appeared nude in Cosmopolitan. He had a successful ’70s run with such films as White Lightning, The Longest Yard, and Semi-Tough. He made a bunch of films with director Hal Needham, starting with the original Smokey & The Bandit, as well as two Cannonball Run films, Hooper, and others. In the early ’90s he transitioned back to television with Evening Shade, before having his movie career reignited with Boogie Nights. Quentin Tarantino cast him in his new film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood which also stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio but TMZ reports he had yet to film his role. Burt had an easy charm and an unforgettable laugh that made him a real screen presence. Rest in peace, Burt.

Watch a few movie clips and talk show appearances, and read a few tributes to Burt, below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa4i3joy2DU

He had the best laugh. There's a spot in Smoky where the Bandit says he's good at "Showing off."
That felt like Burt commenting on stardom. Laughing at his success, accepting that he'd never get the recognition as an actor he deserved. He had the best laugh. Godspeed Buddy. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/JebQPszYQt

— Paul Williams (@IMPaulWilliams) 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

https://twitter.com/michaelianblack/status/1037792242533117952

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

Burt Reynolds. True legend. Our hero. Funny as hell and a for-real badass. So many great movies. So many great stories. Such a great Dad. Will be missed by all. Deepest condolences to his family.

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) September 6, 2018