Burt Reynolds - “Gunsmoke,” “Deliverance,” “Smokey and the Bandit” …Thanks for the Memories!

By | September 7, 2018

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Burt Reynolds Burt Reynolds (Photo by Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images)

As you have probably already heard, Burt Reynolds, an iconic, American actor, from the groovy era, has just recently passed on from this life. Although he was a famous actor, he was just like the rest of us… only human. Reynolds was a noteworthy leading man from the 70’s, going forward. Although he has departed this life, the legacy he has left behind will live on forever!

Burt Reynolds, a 1970’s Hollywood, leading man, was a box-office gang-buster!

Burt Reynolds appeared in epic, big screen films, back in the day. Although he had the world at his beck and call, he remained true to himself, picking and choosing very carefully the acting jobs he assumed. Reynolds actually turned down many notable acting jobs, including roles in Die Hard, Terms of Endearment, Star Wars and Pretty Woman. Although he may have had some regrets, he was so awesome that he could pick and choose!

Burt Reynolds first caught our attention as an up and coming actor in the late 50’s.

Reynolds began his noteworthy career in the 50’s in television appearances. He was, young, good looking and charismatic. The ladies loved him! After a few low-key television appearances, Reynolds was noticed for his looks, charm and acting ability.  

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Gunsmoke was one of Burt Reynolds's first notable television gigs.

Beginning in 1962, Burt Reynolds portrayed, Quint Asper, on the hit television series, Gunsmoke. Gunsmoke was, and still is, a legendary television Western program. Gunsmoke is still aired, in syndication, even now, due to its epic notoriety. Reynolds assumed the role of a blacksmith on the popular series. His character was mixed-race, which was a new concept during that era. Despite that fact, he appeared in no less than 40 episodes between 1962 and 1965.

Hawk was another television series that Burt Reynolds appeared in during the 60’s.

Following Gunsmoke, Reynolds appeared in the television series, Hawk. Hawk was a very short-lived television series that ran from September 1966 to December 1966. This particular role was his first, ever starring role. Although the show wasn’t too successful, Reynolds sure went on to be!