Enduring, strong-featured and genial star of US cinema, Burt Reynolds (Born:Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. February 11, 1936 in Waycross, Georgia, US) started off in TV westerns in the 1960s and then carved his name into 1970/1980s popular culture as a male sex symbol (posing near naked for “Cosmopolitan” magazine) and on-screen as both a rugged action figure and then as a wisecracking, Southern-type “good olé’ boy”.

Handsome Reynolds originally hailed from Waycross, Georgia, before his family moved to Florida, where he excelled as an athlete and played with Florida State University. He became an All Star Southern Conference halfback (and was earmarked by the Baltimore Colts) before a knee injury and a car accident ended his football career. Midway through college he dropped out and headed to New York with aspirations of becoming an actor. There he worked in restaurants and clubs while pulling the odd TV spot or theatre role.

He was spotted in a New York City production of “Mister Roberts” and signed to a TV contract and eventually had recurring roles in such shows as Gunsmoke (1955), Riverboat (1959) and his own series, Hawk (1966).

Reynolds continued to appear in non-demanding western roles, often playing an Indian halfbreed, in films such as Navajo Joe (1966), 100 Rifles (1969) and Sam Whiskey (1969). However, it was his tough-guy performance as macho Lewis Medlock in the John Boorman backwoods nightmare Deliverance (1972) that really stamped him as a bona-fide star. Reynolds’ popularity continued to soar with his appearance as a no-nonsense private investigator in Shamus (1973) and in the Woody Allen comedy Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask (1972). Building further on his image as a Southern boy who outsmarts the local lawmen, Reynolds packed fans into theaters to see him in White Lightning (1973), The Longest Yard (1974), W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings (1975) and Gator (1976).

At this time, ex-stuntman and longtime Reynolds buddy Hal Needham came to him with a “road film” script. It turned out to be the incredibly popular Smokey and the Bandit (1977) with Sally Field and Jerry Reed, which took over $100 million at the box office. That film’s success was followed by Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983). Reynolds also appeared alongside Kris Kristofferson in the hit football film Semi-Tough (1977), with friend Dom DeLuise in the black comedy The End (1978) (which Reynolds directed), in the stunt-laden buddy film Hooper (1978) and then in the self-indulgent, star-packed road race flick The Cannonball Run (1981).

The early 1980s started off well with a strong performance in the violent cop film Sharky’s Machine (1981), which he also directed, and he starred with Dolly Parton in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) and with fellow macho superstar Clint Eastwood in the coolly received City Heat (1984). However, other projects such as Stroker Ace (1983), Stick (1985) and Paternity (1981) failed to catch fire with fans and Reynolds quickly found himself falling out of popularity with movie audiences. In the late 1980s he appeared in only a handful of films, mostly below average, before his old friend television came to the rescue and he shone again in two very popular TV shows, B.L. Stryker (1989) and Evening Shade (1990), for which he won an Emmy.

He was back on screen, but still the roles weren’t grabbing the public’s attention, until his terrific performance as a drunken politician in the otherwise woeful Striptease (1996) and then another tremendous showing as a manipulative porn director in Boogie Nights (1997), which scored him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Like the phoenix from the ashes, Reynolds had resurrected his popularity and, in the process, had gathered a new generation of young fans, many of whom had been unfamiliar with his 1970s film roles. He put in entertaining work in Pups (1999), Mystery, Alaska (1999), Driven (2001) and The Boy from Wolf Mountain (2002). Definitely one of Hollywood’s most resilient stars, Reynolds has continually surprised all with his ability to weather both personal and career hurdles and his 40-plus years in front of the cameras is testament to his staying ability, his acting talent and his appeal to film audiences.
In 1968, Burt Reynolds tested for a role in the horror film Rosemary’s Baby (1968), but Roman Polanski ended up casting John Cassavetes for the part.
When Francis Ford Coppola decided to make a project about the life of the famous Preston Tucker, he wanted Burt Reynolds to play Tucker. They discussed a lot about the movie and made plans, but the film never got made, until 1988, this time with Jeff Bridges in the role. Burt Reynolds only got Lewis Medlock’s role in Deliverance (1972) after the stars who were originally chosen to play the lead, such as Marlon Brando, Henry Fonda and James Stewart declined the part, after they heard about the risks of the Chattooga River.
Has an adopted son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds (born August 31, 1988), with former wife, Loni Anderson.
Engaged to former waitress Pam Seals. [January 1998]
Although Burt Reynolds and Paul Thomas Anderson’s working relationship was very good during the making of the film, he hated Boogie Nights (1997) so much, he fired his agent immediately after viewing a screening of the film. This was before the critical raves after the New York Film Festival occurred. He was then convinced by Anderson to promote the film on a radio tour and was further enraged at Anderson’s behavior (constantly not letting Reynolds speak). This was the final straw for Reynolds, who, after a week or so of promoting the film, punched Anderson in the face and stopped promoting the film. As a result, he refused to participate in Anderson’s next project, Magnolia (1999).
Attended Florida State University on a football scholarship, but only played in two seasons. He was a star running back. His college football career was ended by a knee injury.
Refused the role that earned Jack Nicholson an Oscar in Terms of Endearment (1983). To this day, Reynolds comments that this was one of his most terrible mistakes. He also refused the role Kevin Kline played in Soapdish (1991), with Sally Field, because his then wife, Loni Anderson, told him that the whole Hollywood would laugh at her, as Reynolds and Field once had a very publicised love affair.
During the mid-1980s, he tried to make a comeback with Heat (1986), written by William Goldman. He hoped the movie, directed by Robert Altman, would mark a new phase in his career. Unfortunately, Altman had an altercation with producer Elliott Kastner and he left the project. The movie ended up being a box office failure.
Is a 1958 graduate of Florida State University.
Mentioned in the theme song of the pilot version (4 Nov 1981) of the 1980s TV hit The Fall Guy (1981).
Was the first actor ever asked to guest-host The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962). Prior to Reynolds, only comedians had been invited. His first (?) guest was his ex-wife Judy Carne, whom he hadn’t spoken to in over six years after a very bitter divorce.
He bared almost all for a Cosmopolitan centerfold in 1972.
Was seriously involved with actress Inger Stevens shortly before her suicide in 1970. Has to this day respectfully refused to discuss the relationship.
Member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Had a relationship with Sally Field for many years, but she refused his numerous proposals, and they eventually broke up.
Turned down the role of John McClane in Die Hard (1988). The role went to Bruce Willis.
Graduate of Palm Beach High School, Palm Beach, Florida, Class of 1954.
Hit #88 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1980 with the song “Let’s Do Something Cheap and Superficial”, from the film Smokey and the Bandit II (1980).
He had a long love affair with Dinah Shore.
He has English, with more remote Northern Irish (Scots-Irish), Scottish, and Dutch, ancestry. He is also said to have Cherokee Native American roots, although it is not clear if this ancestry has been documented/verified.
Was named the #1 top money-making star at the box office in Quigley Publications’ annual poll of movie exhibitors for five consecutive years from 1978 – 1982, equaling the record set by Bing Crosby from 1944 – 1948. Only Tom Cruise, who was named #1 six times between 1986 and 2001, has won more box office crowns. Both Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks also have been #1 five times, but non-consecutively.
Has been named to Quigley Publications’ annual Top 10 Poll of Money-Making Stars 12 times, tying him for 10th place with Harrison Ford. John Wayne is #1 on the all-time list, with 25 appearances in the Top 10.
Lost the 1997 Razzie award for Worst Supporting Actor to Marlon Brando by a mere single vote. Reynolds was nominated for his performance in Striptease (1996) and Brando for his role in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996). The vote was cast by Razzie awards founder John Wilson, who always chooses to vote last.
Though their relationship did not work out, Reyonds still speaks fondly of actress Sally Field and he regards her as having been a positive influence on his life.
Turned down the role of “Han Solo” in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977).
Was director Milos Forman’s first choice for the lead in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) but United Artists believed his appeal with average moviegoers might prevent the film from attracting the critical attention they felt was necessary for the film to be a box-office hit. Jack Nicholson was cast instead in the role that won him his first Best Actor Oscar. A decade later, Reynolds was writer-director James L. Brooks’ first choice for the role of amorous astronaut “Garrett Breedlove” in Terms of Endearment (1983). This time, Reynolds passed on the project, clearing the way for Nicholson to win his second Oscar, this one for Best Supporting Actor.
Sales of the Pontiac Trans Am increased by 500% after Smokey and the Bandit (1977). Pontiac was so grateful to Burt Reynolds that they promised him a new Trans Am every year in perpetuity. The promise lasted five years. He drove a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am Limited Edition in these movies.
The character design of the Comedian/Edward Blake in Alan Moore’s graphic novel Watchmen is said to have been based on Reynolds. Reynolds was even considered for the role when the novel was in discussion to be film adapted.
Attended Elizabeth Taylor’s “Commitment to Life” fund-raiser for AIDS research on 19 September 1985, where Burt Lancaster read Rock Hudson’s statement announcing he had been diagnosed with AIDS. At one point Reynolds was booed when he read a telegram of support from President Ronald Reagan. Reynolds summed up the frustration of the lack of AIDS awareness when he angrily said, “If this were a benefit for cancer, reporters wouldn’t be asking stupid questions like, “Why are you here?”.
Longtime friend of Charles Nelson Reilly.
Early in career appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game (1965).
Met one of his heroes, Spencer Tracy, while filming Riverboat (1959). Tracy was filming Inherit the Wind (1960) on the same lot and Reynolds used to watch him walk from the set to his trailer everyday. After a while, Tracy finally turned to him and said, “Come on, kid.” For the next several weeks the two would meet and talk about sports and, every once in a while, acting.
Like many other celebrities, he is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
His numerous achievements have been recognized by being named America’s Favorite All Around Motion Picture Actor (People’s Choice Award) for a record six consecutive years; the Most Popular Star for five years running; Star of the Year (National Association of Theatre Owners); and # 1 Box Office Star for five years in a row, still an unmatched record. He was recently honored with the 2007 Taurus World Stunt Award for “Lifetime Achievement for an Action Movie Star” and received this special citation from the Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Canadian electronics store Future Shop referred to his Smokey and the Bandit (1977) car and set up as, “the Burt”, to demonstrate its 2008 HDTV and sub-woofer; when playing the movie.
Mentioned in Bruce Springsteen’s song “Cadillac Ranch”.
Burt met director David O. Russell in late 1995 for dinner, to discuss a possible role for him in the independent movie Flirting with Disaster. Although the two felt very enthusiastic about Burt playing a part, negotiations fell through.
Immediately after his artistic comeback with Boogie Nights (1997), Burt did a number of indie films, and was attached to star in a number of independent movies. One of this projects was the comedy The Oh in Ohio (2006). Parker Posey, who was a fan of Reynolds, personally offered him a part in the film, but Burt’s commitment to another project made impossible for him to play the role. Danny DeVito got the part.
In 1999, one of the projects that never realized for Burt was Bulls Night Out. The movie was supposed to be an old-fashioned cop drama about over-the-hill cops making justice with their own hands. It was to be directed by Burt himself, and to star him and a number of other veteran action stars. Roy Scheider, Danny Aiello, Louis Gossett Jr. and Charles Durning were all attached. It was supposed to be funded by a then new studio called Ray Art Studios, based on Cannoga Park. Unfortunately, the film wasn’t made.
Sidney Lumet wanted him for the main role in his 1986’s film Power (1986). Burt turned the part down, and Richard Gere was cast.
After having worked with director John Boorman in Deliverance (1972), Burt Reynolds was cast by Boorman one year later to play the title character in the science-fiction Zardoz (1974). Later, Reynolds had to pull out due to illness and Sean Connery got the part. Burt and John Boorman almost worked together again, this time in 1980, when Boorman was attached, for some time, to direct him in Sharky’s Machine (1981). When Boorman left the picture, Reynolds directed the film himself.
Ironically, while Reynolds was nominated for a “Best Motion Picture Actor – Musical or Comedy” Golden Globe for his performance as “Paul Crewe” in the 1974 version of The Longest Yard (1974), he was nominated for a Razzie Award for “Worst Supporting Actor” for his performance in the 2005 remake. Here, he played “Coach Scarboro” to Adam Sandler’s “Paul Crewe”.
Underwent back surgery in May 2009.
Once paid $12,200 for a custom hairpiece.
Filed for bankruptcy in 1996, citing $4.5 million in liabilities.
Agent Richard Clayton was his personal manager for over 20 years.
Lives in Hobe Sound, Florida.
Underwent quintuple heart bypass surgery in February 2010.
Reynolds’ appearance on the cover of Playboy Magazine (October 1979) made him the second male after Peter Sellers (April 1964) to merit the rare privilege.
Burt Reynolds gave actor and friend, Jerry Reed the very same model of a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am Limited Edition, that he drove in all three Smokey and the Bandit theatrical movies, in 1980.
British Actor Richard Griffiths was his acting mentor.
Was considered for the role of “Travis Bickle” in Taxi Driver (1976).