Legendary actor Burt Reynolds has died. He was 82 years old.
The actor starred in films such as Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, and Boogie Nights. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role of porn director Jack Horner in the latter.
According to his agent Todd Eisner, the star died after suffering a cardiac arrest on Thursday (September 6). In 2010, Reynolds underwent major heart surgery, undergoing a triple bypass.
The actor reportedly turned down huge roles in his career, including James Bond, Han Solo, and The Godfather‘s Michael Corleone. Speaking to CNN later in his career, he said: “I took the part that was the most fun… I didn’t take the part that would be the most challenging.”
Tributes have already started to come in on social media for the star, with stars from across the entertainment world paying their respects. “Underrated as a dramatic actor (Deliverance), underrated as a director (Sharkey’s Machine), but also a rare movie star that seemed to be just having an absolute ball onscreen,” wrote Baby Driver director Edgar Wright. “Nobody broke frame with a bigger gleam in his eye.”
Actor Elijah Woods added he was “sad to hear of the passing of legend, Burt Reynolds”, while Wesley Snipes called meeting the actor “one of the greater joys of my adult life & artistic career.”
Read those and more tributes below.
Burt Reynolds was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever worked with. He took me under his wing when I was first starting out as an actor and offered friendship, advice and guidance.
I’ll never forget how much that meant to me.— Paul Wesley (@paulwesley) September 6, 2018
R.I.P. Burt Reynolds, underrated as a dramatic actor (Deliverance), underrated as a director (Sharkey's Machine), but also a rare movie star that seemed to be just having an absolute ball onscreen. Nobody broke frame with a bigger gleam in his eye. "Just watch ol' Bandit run." pic.twitter.com/L4NlRyqahb
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) September 6, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of legend, Burt Reynolds.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) September 6, 2018
Rest in peace to a legend and a friend. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/HnmCCTv1d1
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) September 6, 2018
I will never forget our dinners,laughs & gems you dropped. Meeting you was one of the greater joys of my adult life & artistic career. You were the “Man” then, now & forever in my book. 10-4 Bandit ,you’ve got nothing but open road now – love, WS. the Student. #burtreynolds ?? pic.twitter.com/uhdAGjtH8H
— WS (@wesleysnipes) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds & Clint Eastwood were fired from GUNSMOKE & RAWHIDE at the same time. Burt was told he couldn't act and Clint his neck was too skinny. In the parking lot, Burt said to Clint, "I dunno what you're gonna do, but I'm gonna take acting lessons." #RIPBurtReynolds
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds, you are the glorious dictionary definition of a golden man. Thank you for spreading your glow ?
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) September 6, 2018
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
A sad day, my friend BURT REYNOLDS Has passed away. I remember him back in 1979, he always reminded me that I should’ve cast him as Colonel Trautman in FIRST BLOOD , I said that’s… https://t.co/zlAEfpAiaP
— Sylvester Stallone (@TheSlyStallone) September 6, 2018
This is a developing story and will be updated.