Burt Reynolds
Movie Actor
Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. was an American actor, considered a sex symbol and icon of 1970s American popular culture. Reynolds first rose to prominence when he starred in television series such as Gunsmoke, Hawk and Dan August.
About
Burt Reynolds was born on February 11, 1936 in Lansing, Michigan. His zodiac sign is Aquarius and his ethnicity is American. He was the son of Fern Miller and Burton Milo Reynolds, Sr., and he grew up with an older sister and brother. As a young boy, his family moved to Riviera Beach, Florida, where he attended Palm Beach High School. After graduating high school he enrolled at Florida State University on a football scholarship to play halfback.
Reynolds made his acting debut in 1961 with supporting roles on television series such as “Riverboat”, “Gunsmoke” and “Dan August”. He eventually gained recognition for his leading role in the 1972 film “Deliverance” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 1974 Reynolds starred as Lewis Medlock in the thriller movie “The Longest Yard” which earned him critical acclaim and box office success. The same year he also appeared in “White Lightning” followed by “Gator” two years later. In 1978 he starred as the title character in the crime drama film “Hooper” which earned him a nomination for Best actor at Golden Globe Awards. He then went on to appear in various films throughout the 1980s such as “Cannonball Run”, “Smokey and the Bandit II” and “The Cannonball Run II”.
In 1996 Reynolds returned to television star playing Wood Newton in the CBS sitcom Evening Shade which ran for four seasons until 1994. In 1997 he starred alongside Clint Eastwood in the movie adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel "Midnight Run". He later had small roles in other films such as ‘Mystery Alaska’ (1999) and 'Striptease' (1996). In 2002 he published an autobiography titled My Life: An Attempt at Honest Fiction. Reynolds died on September 6th 2018 at age 82 due to cardiac arrest following complications from a stroke suffered earlier that year
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1936</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Burt Reynolds is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On February 11, 1936, Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. was born in Waycross, Georgia.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1954</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Attends Florida State University</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reynolds attended Florida State University on a football scholarship before transferring to Palm Beach Junior College.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1958</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Moves to Los Angeles</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Moves to Los Angeles and begins acting classes at the Sanford Meisner Center for the Arts.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1962</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Appears in First Movie Role</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reynolds' first movie role comes as an extra in the film "Angel Baby".</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1972</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Starring Role in Deliverance</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reynolds stars in the Academy Award nominated movie "Deliverance", which makes him a household name.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1996</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reynolds is named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, becoming the first actor over age 50 to receive the honor.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2018</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Passes Away at 82 Years Old</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Reynolds passes away at the age of 82 due to heart failure.</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He Was an Iconic Actor</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Burt Reynolds was an iconic actor that starred in many great films throughout his long career. From playing the "Bandit" in Smokey and the Bandit, to Boogie Nights and Deliverance, Burt was a beloved presence in Hollywood for over 40 years.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He Had an Incredible Sense of Humor</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Burt Reynolds had an incredible sense of humor that was often showcased in his movies. His wit and charm were unmatched, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He Was an Amazing Person</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Burt Reynolds was an amazing person who was always willing to help out those in need. He was known for his philanthropy work, contributing to numerous charities including the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre. </p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> First Male Centerfold</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Burt Reynolds was the first male centerfold in the United States, appearing nude in a 1972 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Starred in Most Successful Comedy Ever</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Burt Reynolds starred in the most successful comedy ever made in terms of box office receipts. The movie, Smokey and the Bandit, grossed over $300 million worldwide.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Professional Football Player</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Before becoming an actor, Burt Reynolds played professional football for the Baltimore Colts from 1959–1962.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Won an Emmy Award</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Burt Reynolds won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Evening Shade in 1991.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Turned Down Iconic Roles</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Burt Reynolds turned down iconic roles such as Han Solo in Star Wars, John McClane in Die Hard, and Jack Traven in Speed.</p></div>
FAQs
