Burt Reynolds

Graduate of Palm Beach High School, Palm Beach, Florida, Class of 1954.

Is a 1958 graduate of Florida State University.

Met one of his heroes, Spencer Tracy, while filming "Riverboat" . Tracy was filming Inherit the Wind on the same lot and Reynolds used to watch him walk from the set to his trailer everyday. After a while, Tracy finally turned to him and said, "Come on, kid." For the next several weeks the two would meet and talk about sports and, every once in a while, acting.

Met one of his heroes, Spencer Tracy, while filming "Riverboat" (1959). Tracy was filming Inherit the Wind (1960) on the same lot and Reynolds used to watch him walk from the set to his trailer everyday. After a while, Tracy finally turned to him and said, "Come on, kid." For the next several weeks the two would meet and talk about sports and, every once in a while, acting.

Was the first actor ever asked to guest-host "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" . Prior to Reynolds, only comedians had been invited. His first (?) guest was his ex-wife Judy Carne, whom he hadn't spoken to in over six years after a very bitter divorce.

Was the first actor ever asked to guest-host "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (1962). Prior to Reynolds, only comedians had been invited. His first (?) guest was his ex-wife Judy Carne, whom he hadn't spoken to in over six years after a very bitter divorce.

Early in career appeared as a contestant on "The Dating Game" .

Early in career appeared as a contestant on "The Dating Game" (1965).

In 1968, Burt Reynolds tested for a role in the horror film Rosemary's Baby , but Roman Polanski ended up casting John Cassavetes for the part.

In 1968, Burt Reynolds tested for a role in the horror film Rosemary's Baby (1968), but Roman Polanski ended up casting John Cassavetes for the part.

Was seriously involved with actress Inger Stevens shortly before her suicide in 1970. Has to this day respectfully refused to discuss the relationship.

After having worked with director John Boorman in Deliverance , Burt Reynolds was cast by Boorman one year later to play the title character in the science-fiction Zardoz. Later, Reynolds had to pull out due to illness, and Sean Connery got the part. Burt and John Boorman almost worked together again, this time in 1980, when Boorman was attached, for some time, to direct him in "Sharky's Machine '. When Boorman left the picture, Reynolds directed the film himself.

When Francis Ford Coppola decided to make a project about the life of the famous Preston Tucker, he wanted Burt Reynolds to play Tucker. They discussed a lot about the movie and made plans, but the film never got made, until 1988, this time with Jeff Bridges in the role. Burt Reynolds only got Lewis Medlock's role in Deliverance after the stars who were originally chosen to play the lead, such as Marlon Brando, Henry Fonda and James Stewart declined the part, after they heard about the risks of the Chattooga River.

He bared almost all for a Cosmopolitan centerfold in 1972.

When Francis Ford Coppola decided to make a project about the life of the famous Preston Tucker, he wanted Burt Reynolds to play Tucker. They discussed a lot about the movie and made plans, but the film never got made, until 1988, this time with Jeff Bridges in the role. Burt Reynolds only got Lewis Medlock's role in Deliverance (1972) after the stars who were originally chosen to play the lead, such as Marlon Brando, Henry Fonda and James Stewart declined the part, after they heard about the risks of the Chattooga River.

After having worked with director John Boorman in Deliverance (1972), Burt Reynolds was cast by Boorman one year later to play the title character in the science-fiction Zardoz (1974). Later, Reynolds had to pull out due to illness and Sean Connery got the part. Burt and John Boorman almost worked together again, this time in 1980, when Boorman was attached, for some time, to direct him in Sharky's Machine (1981). When Boorman left the picture, Reynolds directed the film himself.

Ironically, while Reynolds was nominated for a 'Best Motion Picture Actor - Musical or Comedy' Golden Globe for his performance as Paul Crewe in the 1974 version of "The Longest Yard", he was nominated for a Razzie Award for 'Worst Supporting Actor' for his performance in the 2005 remake. Here, he played Coach Scarboro to' Adam Sandler''s Paul Crewe.

Ironically, while Reynolds was nominated for a "Best Motion Picture Actor - Musical or Comedy" Golden Globe for his performance as "Paul Crewe" in the 1974 version of The Longest Yard (1974), he was nominated for a Razzie Award for "Worst Supporting Actor" for his performance in the 2005 remake. Here, he played "Coach Scarboro" to Adam Sandler's "Paul Crewe".

Was director Milos Forman's first choice for the lead in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest but United Artists believed his appeal with average moviegoers might prevent the film from attracting the critical attention they felt was necessary for the film to be a box-office hit. Jack Nicholson was cast instead in the role that won him his first Best Actor Oscar. A decade later, Reynolds was writer-director James L. Brooks' first choice for the role of amorous astronaut "Garrett Breedlove" in Terms of Endearment . This time, Reynolds passed on the project, clearing the way for Nicholson to win his second Oscar, this one for Best Supporting Actor.

Was director Milos Forman's first choice for the lead in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) but United Artists believed his appeal with average moviegoers might prevent the film from attracting the critical attention they felt was necessary for the film to be a box-office hit. Jack Nicholson was cast instead in the role that won him his first Best Actor Oscar. A decade later, Reynolds was writer-director James L. Brooks' first choice for the role of amorous astronaut "Garrett Breedlove" in Terms of Endearment (1983). This time, Reynolds passed on the project, clearing the way for Nicholson to win his second Oscar, this one for Best Supporting Actor.

Canadian electronics store Future Shop referred to his Smokey and the Bandit car and set up as, "the Burt", to demonstrate its 2008 HDTV and sub-woofer; when playing the movie.

Sales of the Pontiac Trans Am increased by 500% after Smokey and the Bandit . Pontiac was so grateful to Burt Reynolds that they promised him a new Trans Am every year in perpetuity. The promise lasted five years. He drove a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am Limited Edition in these movies.

Turned down the role of "Han Solo" in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope .

Turned down the role of "Han Solo" in Star Wars (1977).

Sales of the Pontiac Trans Am increased by 500% after Smokey and the Bandit (1977). Pontiac was so grateful to Burt Reynolds that they promised him a new Trans Am every year in perpetuity. The promise lasted five years. He drove a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am Limited Edition in these movies.

Canadian electronics store Future Shop referred to his Smokey and the Bandit (1977) car and set up as, "the Burt", to demonstrate its 2008 HDTV and sub-woofer; when playing the movie.

Was named the #1 top money-making star at the box office in Quigley _Publications' annual poll of movie exhibitors for five consecutive years from 1978 - 1982, equaling the record set by Bing Crosby from 1944 - 1948. Only Tom Cruise, who was named #1 six times between 1986 and 2001, has won more box office crowns. Both Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks also have been #1 five times, but non-consecutively.

Was named the #1 top money-making star at the box office in Quigley _Publications' annual poll of movie exhibitors for five consecutive years from 1978 - 1982, equaling the record set by Bing Crosby from 1944 - 1948. Only Tom Cruise, who was named #1 six times between 1986 and 2001, has won more box office crowns. Both Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks also have been #1 five times, but non-consecutively.

Hit #88 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1980 with the song "Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial", from the film Smokey and the Bandit II .

Hit #88 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1980 with the song "Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial", from the film Smokey and the Bandit II (1980).

Mentioned in the theme song of the pilot version (4 Nov 1981) of the 1980s TV hit "The Fall Guy" .

Mentioned in the theme song of the pilot version (4 Nov 1981) of the 1980s TV hit "The Fall Guy" (1981).

Refused the role that earned Jack Nicholson an Oscar in Terms of Endearment . To this day, Reynolds comments that this was one of his most terrible mistakes. He also refused the role Kevin Kline played in Soapdish , with Sally Field, because his then wife, Loni Anderson, told him that the whole Hollywood would laugh at her, as Reynolds and Field once had a very publicised love affair.

Refused the role that earned Jack Nicholson an Oscar in Terms of Endearment (1983). To this day, Reynolds comments that this was one of his most terrible mistakes. He also refused the role Kevin Kline played in Soapdish (1991), with Sally Field, because his then wife, Loni Anderson, told him that the whole Hollywood would laugh at her, as Reynolds and Field once had a very publicised love affair.

Attended Elizabeth Taylor's "Commitment to Life" fund-raiser for AIDS research on 19 September 1985, where Burt Lancaster read Rock Hudson's statement announcing he had been diagnosed with AIDS. At one point Reynolds was booed when he read a telegram of support from President Ronald Reagan. Reynolds summed up the frustration of the lack of AIDS awareness when he angrily said, "If this were a benefit for cancer, reporters wouldn't be asking stupid questions like, "Why are you here?".

Attended Elizabeth Taylor's "Commitment to Life" fund-raiser for AIDS research on 19 September 1985, where Burt Lancaster read Rock Hudson's statement announcing he had been diagnosed with AIDS. At one point Reynolds was booed when he read a telegram of support from President Ronald Reagan. Reynolds summed up the frustration of the lack of AIDS awareness when he angrily said, "If this were a benefit for cancer, reporters wouldn't be asking stupid questions like, "Why are you here?".

During the mid-1980s, he tried to make a comeback with Heat , written by William Goldman. He hoped the movie, directed by Robert Altman, would mark a new phase in his career. Unfortunately, Altman had an altercation with producer Elliott Kastner and he left the project. The movie ended up being a box office failure.

Sidney Lumet wanted him for the main role in his 1986's film Power. Burt turned the part down, and Richard Gere was cast.

During the mid-1980s, he tried to make a comeback with Heat (1986), written by William Goldman. He hoped the movie, directed by Robert Altman, would mark a new phase in his career. Unfortunately, Altman had an altercation with producer Elliott Kastner and he left the project. The movie ended up being a box office failure.

Sidney Lumet wanted him for the main role in his 1986's film Power (1986). Burt turned the part down, and Richard Gere was cast.

Adopted a son, Quinton, in 1988.

Turned down the role of John McClane in Die Hard . The role went to Bruce Willis.

Turned down the role of John McClane in Die Hard (1988). The role went to Bruce Willis.

Burt met director David O. Russell in late 1995 for dinner, to discuss a possible role for him in the independent movie Flirting with Disaster. Although the two felt very enthusiastic about Burt playing a part, negotiations fell through.

Filed for bankruptcy in 1996, citing $4.5 million in liabilities.

Lost the 1997 Razzie award for Worst Supporting Actor to Marlon Brando by a mere single vote. Reynolds was nominated for his performance in Striptease and Brando for his role in The Island of Dr. Moreau . The vote was cast by Razzie awards founder John Wilson, who always chooses to vote last.

Lost the 1997 Razzie award for Worst Supporting Actor to Marlon Brando by a mere single vote. Reynolds was nominated for his performance in Striptease (1996) and Brando for his role in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996). The vote was cast by Razzie awards founder John Wilson, who always chooses to vote last.

Immediately after his artistic comeback with Boogie Nights , Burt did a number of indie films, and was attached to star in a number of independent movies. One of this projects was the comedy The Oh in Ohio . Parker Posey, who was a fan of Reynolds, personally offered him a part in the film, but Burt's commitment to another project made impossible for him to play the role. Danny DeVito got the part.

Although Burt Reynolds and Paul Thomas Anderson's working relationship was very good during the making of the film, he hated Boogie Nights so much, he fired his agent immediately after viewing a screening of the film. This was before the critical raves after the New York Film Festival occurred. He was then convinced by Anderson to promote the film on a radio tour and was further enraged at Anderson's behavior (constantly not letting Reynolds speak). This was the final straw for Reynolds, who, after a week or so of promoting the film, punched Anderson in the face and stopped promoting the film. As a result, he refused to participate in Anderson's next project, Magnolia .

Although Burt Reynolds and Paul Thomas Anderson's working relationship was very good during the making of the film, he hated Boogie Nights (1997) so much, he fired his agent immediately after viewing a screening of the film. This was before the critical raves after the New York Film Festival occurred. He was then convinced by Anderson to promote the film on a radio tour and was further enraged at Anderson's behavior (constantly not letting Reynolds speak). This was the final straw for Reynolds, who, after a week or so of promoting the film, punched Anderson in the face and stopped promoting the film. As a result, he refused to participate in Anderson's next project, Magnolia (1999).

Immediately after his artistic comeback with Boogie Nights (1997), Burt did a number of indie films, and was attached to star in a number of independent movies. One of this projects was the comedy The Oh in Ohio (2006). Parker Posey, who was a fan of Reynolds, personally offered him a part in the film, but Burt's commitment to another project made impossible for him to play the role. Danny DeVito got the part.

Engaged to former waitress Pam Seals.

Engaged to former waitress Pam Seals. [January 1998]

In 1999, one of the projects that never realized for Burt was Bulls Night Out. The movie was supposed to be an old-fashioned cop drama about over-the-hill cops making justice with their own hands. It was to be directed by Burt himself, and to star him and a number of other veteran action stars. Roy Scheider, Danny Aiello, Louis Gossett Jr. and Charles Durning were all attached. It was supposed to be funded by a then new studio called Ray Art Studios, based on Cannoga Park. Unfortunately, the film wasn't made.

In 1999, one of the projects that never realized for Burt was Bulls Night Out. The movie was supposed to be an old-fashioned cop drama about over-the-hill cops making justice with their own hands. It was to be directed by Burt himself, and to star him and a number of other veteran action stars. Roy Scheider, Danny Aiello, Louis Gossett Jr. and Charles Durning were all attached. It was supposed to be funded by a then new studio called Ray Art Studios, based on Cannoga Park. Unfortunately, the film wasn't made.

His numerous achievements have been recognized by being named America's Favorite All Around Motion Picture Actor (People's Choice Award) for a record six consecutive years; the Most Popular Star for five years running; Star of the Year (National Association of Theatre Owners); and # 1 Box Office Star for five years in a row, still an unmatched record. He was recently honored with the 2007 Taurus World Stunt Award for "Lifetime Achievement for an Action Movie Star" and received this special citation from the Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

His numerous achievements have been recognized by being named America's Favorite All Around Motion Picture Actor (People's Choice Award) for a record six consecutive years; the Most Popular Star for five years running; Star of the Year (National Association of Theatre Owners); and # 1 Box Office Star for five years in a row, still an unmatched record. He was recently honored with the 2007 Taurus World Stunt Award for "Lifetime Achievement for an Action Movie Star" and received this special citation from the Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Underwent back surgery in May 2009.

Underwent quintuple heart bypass surgery in February 2010.