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Hollywood bids its charmer adieu
Hollywood celebrities mourned the death of Burt Reynolds, the moustachioed megastar who first strutted on screen more than half-a-century ago. Reynolds died at 82, after a cardiac arrest on Thursday.
Action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger posted on Twitter: “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.”
The Michigan-born star’s easy-going charm and handsome looks fetched him prominent roles in films such as Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and Boogie Nights (1997). Following the news of his death, there was an outpouring of grief and tribute from fans, including actors.
“Oh how sad I am today along with Burt’s millions of fans around the world as we mourn one of our favorite leading men. I know we will always remember his funny laugh, that mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and his quirky sense of humor. You will always be my favorite sheriff, rest in peace my little buddy. I will always love you,” posted singer-actor Dolly Parton, who also uploaded a photo of Reynolds in a sheriff’s uniform in their 1982 musical comedy The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
Actor Kevin Bacon tweeted about an early experience with Reynolds: “I’m 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.”
An iconic Hollywood sex symbol in front of the camera, Reynolds also tried his directorial hand behind it, and later earned a reputation for philanthropy after founding the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre in Florida. In an acting resurgence in recent years, he appeared in many films and TV shows. He was cast in the upcoming Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, set for release next year.