The Untold Truth Of Burt Reynolds
Published -
- September 8, 2018
- 1:00 am
Not only was Burt Reynolds the quintessential 1970s and 1980s movie star, he was also the definitive macho stud of the ultimate macho era.
Rocking a legendary mustache and unrivaled swagger, Reynolds shot to fame after a stint on the TV western Gunsmoke and a role in the harrowing survival drama Deliverance, then became an international superstar with films like Smokey and the Bandit. Sadly, Reynolds passed away September 6th, 2018 at the age of 82 after a long battle with heart problems. Here’s a look back on his almost unbelievable life and career…
Icon | 0:34
He was the biggest star in the world | 1:17
Missed opportunities | 1:48
Death of a career | 2:36
Teacher and patron of the arts | 3:20
The love of his life | 4:00
The comeback kid | 5:00
What strategies did Burt Reynolds use to regain his status as a leading man in Hollywood after a period of career setbacks?
Burt Reynolds was a beloved actor, known for his handsome good looks, charming personality, and dynamic acting skills. Throughout his career, he starred in numerous iconic films and TV shows, earning him a devoted fan base and immense respect within the entertainment industry. However, despite his many achievements, there are some aspects of Reynolds’ life that remain untold. In this article, we will delve into the untold truth of Burt Reynolds.
One of the most prominent aspects of Reynolds’ life that many may not know about is his struggle with addiction. In his memoir “But Enough About Me,” Reynolds revealed that he began using drugs and alcohol in the late 1960s and continued to struggle with addiction for years. He went to rehab multiple times and, at one point, his addiction was so severe that he had to have his stomach pumped. Despite his battles with addiction, Reynolds managed to overcome his demons and maintain sobriety for the remainder of his life.
Another little-known fact about Reynolds is his strained relationship with his father. Reynolds’ father was a former Army captain who was often absent during his son’s childhood due to his military duties. When Burt was 12 years old, his father moved the family to Florida, where he worked as a police chief. However, their relationship remained complicated, and Reynolds later revealed that his father was emotionally distant and critical of him. Despite this, Reynolds credits his father with instilling in him a strong work ethic and determination to succeed.
In addition to his personal struggles, Reynolds also experienced significant setbacks in his career. In the mid-1980s, he went through a period of box office disappointments and critical flops, leading some to write him off as a has-been. However, Reynolds remained persistent, continuing to work hard and eventually regaining his status as a leading man in Hollywood. His resilience and determination serve as a reminder of why he was such an inspiration to so many.
Another lesser-known aspect of Reynolds’ life is his philanthropy. He was an avid supporter of numerous charities and organizations, donating millions of dollars throughout his lifetime. One cause close to his heart was the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre, which he founded in 1999 to provide opportunities for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
In conclusion, while Burt Reynolds was undoubtedly a Hollywood icon, there were many untold aspects of his life that make him even more inspiring. His struggles with addiction, complicated relationship with his father, career setbacks, and philanthropic efforts are all testament to the complexity of his character and his determination to overcome adversity. Reynolds will always be remembered as one of the greatest actors of his time, but it’s his untold story that truly makes him one-of-a-kind.
