Sad news from Hollywood yesterday, as we learned that legendary actor Burt Reynolds passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning at the age of 82. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds died of cardiopulmonary arrest.
One of the most famous actors of his generation, Reynolds had an unbelievable career that dated back to the late 1950s. The legend of Burt Reynolds began in 1972 with the release of Deliverance, which remains one of the most notorious and well-respected films of that era. His star continued to rise throughout the 1970s, thanks to leading roles in White Lightning, The Longest Yard, and perhaps most famously, Smokey and the Bandit. Even if you've never seen the film (I sadly must admit I've never seen it), it's impossible not to know the legacy of that classic movie.
In 1997, Reynolds experienced something of a career resurgence due to his role as Jack Horner in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights. The iconic actor infamously clashed with PTA during the making of the sprawling porn-centric period piece, but he later went on to earn an Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance in the film. Recently, Reynolds joined the cast of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as George Spahn, a character who plays a crucial role in the Charles Manson story. Unfortunately, word has quickly spread that Reynolds did not get a chance to shoot his scenes for the film. His final role will be featured in director Stephen Wallis's Defining Moments.
Reynolds was nothing short of a titanic figure in the industry, and it's terribly sad to see another icon go too soon. I was looking forward to seeing him in Tarantino's next project, but even without a true swan song to end his career, Reynolds's legacy will likely prove to be one of the most enduring in Tinseltown history.
He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Image: Warner Bros./IMDb
One of the most famous actors of his generation, Reynolds had an unbelievable career that dated back to the late 1950s. The legend of Burt Reynolds began in 1972 with the release of Deliverance, which remains one of the most notorious and well-respected films of that era. His star continued to rise throughout the 1970s, thanks to leading roles in White Lightning, The Longest Yard, and perhaps most famously, Smokey and the Bandit. Even if you've never seen the film (I sadly must admit I've never seen it), it's impossible not to know the legacy of that classic movie.
In 1997, Reynolds experienced something of a career resurgence due to his role as Jack Horner in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights. The iconic actor infamously clashed with PTA during the making of the sprawling porn-centric period piece, but he later went on to earn an Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance in the film. Recently, Reynolds joined the cast of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as George Spahn, a character who plays a crucial role in the Charles Manson story. Unfortunately, word has quickly spread that Reynolds did not get a chance to shoot his scenes for the film. His final role will be featured in director Stephen Wallis's Defining Moments.
Reynolds was nothing short of a titanic figure in the industry, and it's terribly sad to see another icon go too soon. I was looking forward to seeing him in Tarantino's next project, but even without a true swan song to end his career, Reynolds's legacy will likely prove to be one of the most enduring in Tinseltown history.
He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Image: Warner Bros./IMDb
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