Sadly, reports are raining in that legendary actor and magnificent mustache cultivator, Burt Reynolds, has died today at the Jupiter Medical Center in Florida. Reynolds was 82 when he passed. As an icon of the 1970s, Reynolds was known to many for his charismatic screen presence, warm demeanor, and proclivity for stealing scenes with the greatest of ease.
As a cultural superstar, Reynolds lived his best life while being adored by many for not just his legendary acting roles, but as a man of firsts as well. As an example, Reynolds was the first major male celebrity to pose nude for Cosmopolitan Magazine in 1972. In addition to rockin' out with his cock out, Reynolds delivered a series of unforgettable performances while acting in films such as SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT, DELIVERANCE, and Paul Thomas Anderson's BOOGIE NIGHTS. During his time as a desirable Hollywood partner, Reynolds engaged in off-screen romances with such silver screen royalty as Sally Field and Dinah Shore.
Before contributing to films like SHAMUS, THE CANNONBALL RUN, STRIPTEASE, THE LONGEST YARD, and many more, Reynolds was considered to be a monster on the football field while playing for Florida State University. Unfortunately, a knee injury prevented him from going all the way with the sport, though he soon signed on for a series of television roles, where he quickly discovered that he was well-liked by the camera. Throughout his TV career, Reynolds lent his talents to shows such as RIVERBOAT, GUNSMOKE, HAWK, DAN AUGUST, OUT OF THIS WORLD, and much, much more.
The last role that Reynolds had completed was for a character named Chester in director Stephen Wallis' DEFINING MOMENTS, an upcoming comedy about that one single moment in time that changes you from who you were to who you'll be. Upon completing his contribution to DEFINING MOMENTS, Reynolds boarded Quentin Tarantino's ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD as the character George Spahn.
Reynolds will assuridly be missed by his family, friends, and countless fans. We here at JoBlo would like to extend our warmest condolences to all who loved him, and we wish Mr. Reynolds safe passage to the hereafter. The world has lost one of its greats, today.