Actor Burt Reynolds, known for movies like Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit and Boogie Nights, has passed away at age 82. This news comes after the star has battled some health issues over the past few years, starting in 2009 when he checked himself into rehab for addiction related problems. He underwent heart bypass surgery in 2010 and ended up in intensive care back in 2013, being treated for flu symptoms. His mobility had also been limited in recent years as he walked with a cane.
The 70’s movie star passed away on Thursday morning at Jupiter Medical hospital in Florida of a heart attack, his manager informed Hollywood Reporter. Reynolds is survived by his son, Quinton.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Adam Sandler and more have tweeted their admiration and condolences for the actor, along with many other friends and fans.
Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes. He was a trailblazer. He showed the way to transition from being an athlete to being the highest paid actor, and he always inspired me. He also had a great sense of humor – check out his Tonight Show clips. My thoughts are with his family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds. True legend. Our hero. Funny as hell and a for-real badass. So many great movies. So many great stories. Such a great Dad. Will be missed by all. Deepest condolences to his family.
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) September 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/Theorossi/status/1037786733096710144
What a traumatic week. Now today. My good friend Bert Reynolds has passed away. Feeling super emotional right now. Long live The #Legend #Bandit #BurtReynolds you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JcJZ5VmU1J
— Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds’ breakout role was in 1972’s Deliverance. He then went on to star in hits such as Smokey and the Bandit and Boogie Nights in 1997, in which his role got him an Oscar nomination. Although he achieved great success and sex symbol status, he is also known for turning down some of cinemas greatest roles. These include James Bond, Star Wars’ Han Solo, and the leading male role in Pretty Woman.
Reynolds also experienced a fair amount of turbulence in his life. By 1993 he had two divorces under his belt and was forced to file for bankruptcy due to a massive $11m in debts. In 2014 he resorted to selling famous memorabilia to make some cash, one item sold was his Golden Globe award.
Recently he had been filming on Quentin Tarantino‘s upcoming project. A movie based in Hollywood during the summer of the Manson family murders called Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.
At the end of his 2015 book, But Enough About Me, he wrote “Nobody had more fun than I did.”
RIP Burt Reynolds.