Burt Reynolds’ five essential movie roles

Once the world’s biggest star, actor showed his range in these portrayals

His signature mustache is forever, yet for younger generations, it might be hard to believe Burt Reynolds was once the biggest movie star in the world – a little Brad Pitt, a little George Clooney but all Burt. In honor of the Oscar-nominated Hollywood legend, who died Thursday at age 82, here are Reynolds’ five essential film roles:

‘Deliverance’ (1972)

The Michigan-born actor had an auspicious debut in one of the early 1970s’ most controversial films: Alongside Jon Voight, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox, Reynolds starred as one of four Atlanta pals who run afoul of some backwoods Georgia guys on a wilderness trip. The critically acclaimed movie is known for its depiction of male rape but also for giving Reynolds an allstar launch into a long cinematic career.

‘The Longest Yard’ (1974)

A halfback at Florida State during his collegiate days, Reynolds was able to put some of his gridiron know-how to use as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a jailed former pro quarterback forced by a sadistic warden (Eddie Albert) to put together a team of jailed misfits and take on an intimidating group of guards. Reynolds snagged a Golden Globe for his role in the movie.

‘Smokey and the Bandit’ (1977)

Way before the “Fast and Furious” movies, Reynolds burned up the highway – and fired up local law enforcement – as the speedy Bandit in the uberpopular action comedy. Armed with a smirk and enough charisma to fill an 18wheeler, the actor has a different and equally awesome chemistry with each of his fellow castmates, from love interest Sally Field to best friend Jerry Reed to portly foe Jackie Gleason.

‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ (1982)

Reynolds had a bunch of leading ladies on and off screen over the years, from Field to real-life wife Loni Anderson, but there was something special between him and Dolly Parton in this adaptation of the Broadway musical comedy. She’s the woman in charge of the Chicken Ranch brothel, and he’s the sheriff who looks the other way. Their magnetic push-and-pull is palpable.

‘Boogie Nights’ (1997)

While Reynolds stayed busy up until his death – his last role was to be in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” – the highlight of his later career is the one that earned him his lone Oscar nomination. Opposite Mark Wahlberg as adult-film wunderkind Dirk Diggler, Reynolds’ role as porn filmmaker Jack Horner in Paul Thomas Anderson’s drama showcased the same undeniable cool and addictive personality that made pop culture fall in love with him in the first place.

AP Burt Reynolds portrayed Lewis Medlock in 1972’s controversial and career-making “Deliverance.”

PARAMOUNT He put his football experience to good use in “The Longest Yard.”

NEW LINE CINEMA Mark Wahlberg, left, plays adult-film sensation Dirk Diggler and Burt Reynolds is porn director Jack Horner in “Boogie Nights.”

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Reynolds and love interest Sally Field burned up the screen in “Smokey and the Bandit.”

Jim Nabors, left, Dolly Parton and Reynolds at the premiere of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”