Actor Burt Reynolds (above in Semi-Tough) has passed away, according to multiple news reports. He was 82.
Many in Hollywood have already paid tribute to Reynolds, according to THR, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mark Wahlberg and Billy Dee Williams. Wahlberg starred with Reynolds in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights; Reynolds earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance.
Reynolds began his television career in the late 1950s and then began appearing on the big screen, too, in the 1960s. It wasn't until his knockout role in Deliverance, however, that audiences realized his true dramatic potential.
Perhaps because he was already a seasoned performer, Reynolds easily switched from drama to romance to comedy, making him a versatile star in movies like The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, Shamus and The Longest Yard.
Born in Michigan, his family subsequently moved to Florida, where he became a star athlete. He tapped into his upbringing and became known as a charming, 'good old boy' from the South in popular hits like Gator, Smokey and the Bandit and Hooper.
Reynolds made his feature debut as a director on Gator. He also helmed The End (an underseen favorite) and Sharky's Machine, among others.
After Boogie Nights reminded people of how good he could be in the right kind of role, he kept busy acting. We can only touch on a few of his roles here, but Burt Reynolds surely will be remembered for his fine permanent record in films and television.
