It’s hard to really imagine if you weren’t there to witness it, but there was no one bigger in 1970s America than the late Burt Reynolds. His movies were always money-gobblers: The Longest Yard, Smokey and the Bandit, Hooper. Even Starting Over, the 1979 bougie comedy where he ditches Candice Bergen for Jill Clayburgh, made bank.
Before his Oscar-nominated turn in 1997’s Boogie Nights, his films were rarely serious. Sometimes were —see 1981’s Sharky’s Machine, which directed by Reynolds, too — but as evidenced by his iconic laugh, he liked to have fun and liked to make movies that were, first and foremost, fun.
Reynolds’ passing, at the age of 82, has opened the floodgates, with fans pouring several out for one of history’s great movie gods. Among those fans were fellow actors and filmmakers, many of whom worked with him over his long career.
Sally Field was not only his Smokey and the Bandits co-star; they were former lovers, who began dating after the series’ first film in 1977. They were a couple for five years. Field released a statement, caught by Variety. “There are times in your life that are so indelible, they never fade away,” Field said. “They stay alive, even 40 years later. My years with Burt never leave my mind. He will be in my history and my heart, for as long as I live. Rest, Buddy.”
Many more clogged social media, including this, from Dolly Parton, his co-star in 1982’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas:
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 6, 2018
There were others who worked with him as well, including Mark Wahlberg.
Rest in peace to a legend and a friend. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/HnmCCTv1d1
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) September 6, 2018
And there were contemporaries who recognized game:
A sad day, my friend BURT REYNOLDS Has passed away. I remember him back in 1979, he always reminded me that I should’ve cast him as Colonel Trautman in FIRST BLOOD , I said that’s… https://t.co/zlAEfpAiaP
— Sylvester Stallone (@TheSlyStallone) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes. He was a trailblazer. He showed the way to transition from being an athlete to being the highest paid actor, and he always inspired me. He also had a great sense of humor – check out his Tonight Show clips. My thoughts are with his family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 6, 2018
If you received a star in your crown for bringing people laughter and fun in films, Burt Reynolds' crown would weigh him down. May such memories soon bring peace to replace the grief for his loved ones. May he Rest In Peace. #BurtReynolds #RIP pic.twitter.com/egGRBmLc4v
— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) September 6, 2018
There were even those who famously impersonated him on Saturday Night Live:
https://twitter.com/normmacdonald/status/1037790065718517760
And there were friends:
Burt Reynolds was a friend of mine, sad to hear of his passing.
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) September 6, 2018
“Stroker Ace was born to race”
Much respect to you Burt Reynolds. RIP pic.twitter.com/w8FlIShmIR— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 6, 2018
So sad hearing about the passing of Burt Reynolds. Such a nice man, true friend & a good soul! You left this world with wonderful memories..We will miss you my friend- RIP
— ERIK ESTRADA (@ErikEstrada) September 6, 2018
My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in my peace my friend. I’ll never forget the wonderful times we spent together. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/DXzIchYDjl
— Reba McEntire (@reba) September 6, 2018
There were also many who simply looked up to him as they were starting out in Hollywood:
Im 19. I get a few lines in a movie. The megastar on set was really nice and cool to this punk actor(me) for no reason. The director called me before the movie came out to tell me I had hit the cutting room floor. But I never forgot that Star. Thanks Burt. RIP
— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) September 6, 2018
I owe my career, at least in part, to the great Burt Reynolds. Heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was one of a kind. A fun loving, charismatic talent who did many good deeds quietly, without personal expectation but rather out of the kindness of his extraordinary heart. RIP
— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) September 6, 2018
There were those who got to work with him, however briefly:
I was lucky enough to work with #BurtReynolds who was a true gem. He brought Dom Deluise to #RobotChicken & this was the result:https://t.co/XW6MPwBw0Q
Burt was kind and generous, and a truly fantastic actor.
— Seth Green (@SethGreen) September 6, 2018
I finally got to work with one of my heroes in 2006. #BurtReynolds led a really fun cast in Spokane and we laughed all day, every day he was on the set. A wry humor and a warm heart defined this wonderful man. He will be sorely missed. #RIPBurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/6ShGb2w2a6
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 6, 2018
I worked with Burt Reynolds on a beer commercial about a dozen years ago. I knew he'd be hilarious, but I was shocked and pleased to find him also to be a warm, humble, generous man with a deep appreciation for all he'd been given in this world. He was an inspiration to me. P
— Farrelly Brothers (@farrellybros) September 6, 2018
RIP Burt Reynolds. You were one of a kind. I was lucky to work with you. 🙏🏻
— Lauren Holly (@LaurenHolly) September 6, 2018
And there were just fans who were sad or just upset that he was gone:
Not Burt Reynolds! This is too much. Give him back now!!!!
— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds & Clint Eastwood were fired from GUNSMOKE & RAWHIDE at the same time. Burt was told he couldn't act and Clint his neck was too skinny. In the parking lot, Burt said to Clint, "I dunno what you're gonna do, but I'm gonna take acting lessons." #RIPBurtReynolds
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 6, 2018
R.I.P. Burt Reynolds, underrated as a dramatic actor (Deliverance), underrated as a director (Sharkey's Machine), but also a rare movie star that seemed to be just having an absolute ball onscreen. Nobody broke frame with a bigger gleam in his eye. "Just watch ol' Bandit run." pic.twitter.com/L4NlRyqahb
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) September 6, 2018
This has broken my heart. I loved #BurtReynolds. #BestLittleWhoreHouseInTexas was my favorite of his films. Losing so many heroes. This sucks. It really sucks. https://t.co/5357j5B4op
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds, you are the glorious dictionary definition of a golden man. Thank you for spreading your glow 🙏
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) September 6, 2018
Wow!!! He was my childhood. RIP ❤https://t.co/BExjQUk95Q
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 6, 2018
As THE movie star of my childhood, the Bandit stole our hearts for decades. I always loved how Burt Reynolds worked with his friends as often as he could and then showcased the fun of movie-making in the end credits of his flicks. He was true American icon. Hate to see him go… https://t.co/jaMZjJA4e8
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) September 6, 2018
What a traumatic week. Now today. My good friend Bert Reynolds has passed away. Feeling super emotional right now. Long live The #Legend #Bandit #BurtReynolds you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JcJZ5VmU1J
— Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) September 6, 2018
Some greeted the news of Reynolds’ passing by sharing stories about meeting him.
RIP Burt Reynolds. Another one of my all time favorites growing up. Thanks for the memories. I met Burt a few times at his theatre in Jupiter. Such an engaging and funny guy plus a huge mentor to young actors in Jupiter. His Carson shows were hilarious. Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/ikUM9s5pdr
— Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds, movie star who played it for grins, dies at 82.
Burt! Met him on Burn Notice. He was the real deal. It was an honor to work with him and get to know the man a little bit. Ride on, Bandit! https://t.co/oag9ZC3pqR
— Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) September 6, 2018
Some came bearing favorite clips or personal anecdotes:
Dearest Burt Reynolds. This is my fave Burt & Dolly “Sneaking around with you" https://t.co/dCsoPzxlWL via @YouTube
— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) September 6, 2018
RIP to another legend. Grew up with my parents, my brothers and a worn out VHS copy of Cannon Ball Run, watched Deliverance on my first date with my wife (don’t ask) & revisit Boogie Nights every few months to marvel at his performance. A very great loss. https://t.co/rmwoCHJcNM
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) September 6, 2018
Some came bearing photos they had done imitating Reynolds’ iconic 1972 nude Cosmopolitan spread:
R.I.P Burt Reynolds. Honored to have been able to recreate this iconic photo for @People years back… #Legend #Deliverance #SmokeyAndTheBandit #CannonballRun #BoogieNights pic.twitter.com/T2iIVvVYw6
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) September 6, 2018
Some came ready for a mustache-off:
BURT REYNOLDS YOU HAVE THE 2ND BEST MOUSTACHE ON EARTH AND I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU pic.twitter.com/C4WEiAZT4S
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) September 6, 2018
Some had great thread stories:
Heard a Burt Reyonds story: He was doing VO for GTA IV, long session, tons of dialogue, he's sweating, tired.
Producer said, "Burt, need anything?"
Burt goes, "Every once in a while, just gimme an 'Atta boy, Burt.' Let me know I'm doing okay.'"Anyhow, Atta boy, Burt. RIP
— Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) September 6, 2018
But we’ll leave you with this one:
I met Burt Reynolds once in a video store in the 90s before he did “Boogie Nights.” He was by himself and no one seemed to notice him. I said, “I just want to thank you for many hours of entertainment.” He smiled so big and shook my hand and said, “You made my day. Thank you.”
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 6, 2018
