Heavy heart today as we say goodbye to a screen icon of my youth and an actor I’ve always enjoyed watching in the movies. I never hide the fact that I do like my 1970’s action stars and Burt was one of the best and of course one of the biggest movie stars in the world during that era.
I’ve featured him here many times since starting up this blog. Here’s a recap in the hopes that these might spark some interest in seeking out some of his films to remember him by.
Movie Posters From the Burt Reynolds Era
Time to sit back and watch White Lightning and crack a cool one.
Mike's Take On the Movies 
Mike, I wasn’t aware of this ’til I saw your post…a heavy heart indeed. Along with Clint Eastwood, a favorite of mine in the ’70s and ’80s…I saw quite a few of his films back then, especially his action/adventure films: Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, Sharky’s Machine, Stick…and believe it or not, I’ve never seen Hooper, so now I’ll have to rectify that oversight. I felt I had to honor him somehow, so I just now purchased Smokey and the Bandit on-line…one that wasn’t part of my collection yet. Thanks for the tribute…I’ll be checking out your links over the next few days.
Sorry to be the news breaker but it sure travelled fast. Been watching all kinds of clips people are posting on face book. You can feel the love. Always liked Hooper and it’s got a solid cast to boot.
Very sad news. A huge name back in the day and always an entertaining and personable guy whenever he was interviewed. He made some poor choices with hs movies in the 80s but that doesn’t overshadow his best work.
RIP
It was sad to see his career fall off as we got further into the 1980’s. Love that laugh and he was always fun on his late night talk show appearances.
Sad news. I wasn’t the biggest fan of his, but he was certainly a likeable screen presence.
Fair enough. Like any actor there’s always some gems in there even if they’re not your favorite.
Agreed. I do like Smokey and the Bandit and Deliverance.
Sad news. Your tribute did him justice.
Did you watch “The Last Movie Star”? I really enjoyed it and, of course, it offers additional relevance now.
I’m aware of it but haven’t seen it surface. Duly noted. Thanks.
I was never the biggest Burt Reynolds fan, but you can’t deny he had charisma. I was actually quite sad to hear that he died.
This is a nice tribute, Mike. I’m going to check out your Burt Reynolds “Starter Kit”. (Great idea!)
He did indeed have that and as a country music fan, liked the fact that he did some work there to with some of the greats in a round table show he had on the old TNN network. Loved one episode where he had Harry Dean Stanton and George Jones on together talking movies and country music.
Yes so very sad but he left a great legacy. Top tribute buddy.
Will always be Deliverance and The Longest Yard as my top two from him.
But have watched the Gator films and a lot of the 80’s ones on VHS rental. City Heat, Sharky’s Machine and Stick. And what would growing up been like if there wasn’t Cannonball Run or Smokey and Bandit!!!???
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas brings back fun memories as a teenager. I wonder what that is like nowadays? Oh and don’t tell anyone I’ve seen Cop and Half too lol.
Two I really fancy and I hope to get to one day are 100 rifles and Fuzz both for obvious reasons 🙂
PS Didn’t you do a post on “The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing” I love that poster for that but still am to see it!
I need to see Deliverance again. Been years but Longest Yard was a multiple viewing experience growing up alongside Salp Shot with all my buddies. Watched Sharky last night with my sons. Not great but good cast and Burt looks about as mean as he ever did in this one. No post on Cat Dancing but yup the poster was flashed on my Burt Poster gallery. Have Fuzz, City Heat and a number of others as well on tap for future posts. Loved Dolly’s statement on line about his passing. She’s a real life angel in voice, looks and personality. I won’t tell on you and about Cop and a Half if you don’t tell on me. Shhhhh
Our secret is safe!
Oh how sweet are those Dolly words. I just went and read them. “…………You will always be my favorite sheriff…..” Yes it was the Burt picture gallery I had seen. Another top poster that…. “Deliverance” is way due for rewatch if it’s been a long time. I’m tempted myself.