Burt Reynolds - “Gunsmoke,” “Deliverance,” “Smokey and the Bandit” …Thanks for the Memories!
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.
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!
Dan August is another short-lived television series Burt Reynolds appeared in early on.
Burt Reynolds starred in the series, Dan August. Reynold’s character, Dan August, was a police Lieutenant. His job was to investigate homicide cases in a fictitious city. Who better to portray a hard-nosed detective than tough-guy, Burt Reynolds?
Burt Reynolds portrayed Lewis Medlock in Deliverance, in 1972.
Reynolds's first leading role in a box office hit was in the movie, Deliverance, in 1972. It was considered to be his “breakthrough” role. Following that success, he appeared in the box office hit, The Longest Yard, in 1974.
Semi-Tough and Smokey and the Bandit, starring Burt Reynolds, were released in 1977.
Smokey and the Bandit is quite possibly the most notable, big screen film that Burt Reynolds ever appeared in. Reynolds was always the perfect example of a of renegade and a tough guy, all rolled into one. By this point in his life and career, he wasn’t out to prove himself or impress anyone. By this time, Reynolds was able to pick and choose his gigs.
Burt Reynolds turned down roles in many notable hit films in Hollywood.
Being an “in demand” Hollywood presence, it was at Burt Reynolds's discretion which roles he wanted to pursue. Although Reynolds was associated with many successful productions, he turned down starring roles in many others; Star Wars and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. A more notable role was in a James Bond movie because he didn’t think he could do the role the justice it deserved.
Box office hit star, Burt Reynolds had his share of romantic relationships, including one with Loni Anderson.
Burt Reynolds, being a Hollywood sex symbol, had his share of romantic relationships. He was married to Judy Carne in the early 60’s, but just briefly. Besides Carne, Reynolds has also been married to and/or associated with other serious relationships with women including Sally Field, Loni Anderson, Farrah Fawcett and Chris Everett.
Burt Reynolds was an Emmy Award winning actor.
Reynolds definitely made his mark in Hollywood as well as in the world, itself. We first came to know him in the groovy era, but his notable career endured throughout that time and beyond. His legacy is that of a no-nonsense guy, both on screen and off. He will be remembered for years to come. Well done, Burt Reynolds.
