Career Timeline of Burt Reynolds: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Burt Reynolds built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Burt Reynolds was a prominent American actor, achieving peak fame in the 1970s and 1980s. He gained initial recognition through television roles in series like *Gunsmoke*, *Hawk*, and *Dan August*. Reynolds transitioned to leading roles in films, including *Navajo Joe* and *100 Rifles*, with his breakthrough performance arriving as Lewis Medlock in the critically acclaimed film *Deliverance*.
1953: All-State Fullback
In 1953, at Palm Beach High School, Reynolds excelled in football and track. He was recognized as a first-team All-State fullback and received honorable mention in the All-Southern team selections.
1954: First Start and Touchdown
In 1954, Reynolds earned his first start as right halfback for Florida State University, achieving a 1-yard touchdown against the University of Louisville. Despite a mid-season shoulder separation, he concluded his freshman year with 134 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
December 1956: Cast in Mister Roberts Revival
In December 1956, Burt Reynolds was cast in a supporting role in a revival of 'Mister Roberts' at the New York City Center. Charlton Heston played the starring role, and Orson Bean played Ensign Pulver.
1956: Best Actor Award
In 1956, Burt Reynolds won a best actor award at the Palm Beach Junior College Drama Awards for his performance in the school play 'Outward Bound', which was directed by Watson B. Duncan III.
October 12, 1957: Departure from Football
On October 12, 1957, Reynolds was blamed for the team's loss to North Carolina State University. Immediately following the game, he informed his teammates that he was done with football.
1957: Movie Audition for Sayonara
In 1957, after 'Mister Roberts' closed, John Forsythe arranged a movie audition for Reynolds with Joshua Logan for the movie 'Sayonara'. However, Reynolds was told he couldn't be in the movie because he looked too much like Marlon Brando.
1959: Cast in Riverboat
In 1959, Burt Reynolds was cast alongside Darren McGavin in the television series 'Riverboat', playing Ben Frazer, the boat's pilot. Reynolds quit after 20 episodes due to disagreements with McGavin and the executive producer, as well as dissatisfaction with his role.
1961: Broadway Appearance
In 1961, Reynolds returned to Broadway to appear in 'Look, We've Come Through', directed by José Quintero, but it only lasted five performances.
1961: Starred in Angel Baby and Armored Command
In 1961, Reynolds starred in the low-budget film 'Angel Baby' and followed it with a role in the war film 'Armored Command'.
1962: Cast in Gunsmoke
In 1962, Burt Reynolds was cast as Quint Asper in 'Gunsmoke'. He was chosen over 300 other contenders. Reynolds left Gunsmoke in 1965.
1965: Leaves Gunsmoke
In 1965, Burt Reynolds left 'Gunsmoke', feeling he had served his apprenticeship and there was no room for two leading men.
1965: First Lead Role and Guest Appearances
In 1965, Reynolds had his first lead movie role in 'Operation C.I.A.'. He also guest-starred in the television series 'Flipper', 'The F.B.I.', and '12 O'Clock High'.
1966: Role in Navajo Joe
In 1966, Reynolds played another Native American in the Italian Western film 'Navajo Joe', which was filmed in Spain.
1966: Title Role in Hawk
In 1966, Reynolds was given the title role in the TV series 'Hawk', playing Native American detective John Hawk. The series ran for 17 episodes before being canceled.
1969: Expressed Interest in Garfield-like Roles
In 1969, Reynolds expressed interest in playing roles like the John Garfield part in 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', but he didn't receive the opportunity.
1969: Series of Movies
In 1969, Reynolds made a series of movies including 'Shark!', 'Fade In', 'Impasse' and 'Sam Whiskey'.
1969: Starred in 100 Rifles
In 1969, Reynolds starred alongside Jim Brown and Raquel Welch in the Western film '100 Rifles'.
1970: Declined M*A*S*H Role, Starred in Skullduggery
In 1970, Reynolds declined the leading role in the film 'M*A*S*H', which went to Elliott Gould. He instead starred in 'Skullduggery', filmed in Jamaica.
1970: Featured in Two TV Films
In 1970, Reynolds featured in two television films: 'Hunters Are for Killing' and 'Run, Simon, Run'. For 'Hunters Are for Killing' Reynolds requested his character not be Native American.
1970: Dan August
In 1970, Reynolds played the title character in the police television drama 'Dan August', produced by Quinn Martin. The series struggled in the ratings against 'Hawaii Five-0' and was not renewed.
1971: Golden Globe Nomination for Dan August
In 1971, Burt Reynolds was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Television Series-Drama for his role in "Dan August".
1973: Leading Role in White Lightning
In 1973, Reynolds played a leading role in the financially successful film 'White Lightning'.
1974: Leading Role in The Longest Yard
In 1974, Reynolds played a leading role in the financially successful film 'The Longest Yard'.
1975: Golden Globe Nomination for The Longest Yard
In 1975, Burt Reynolds was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy for "The Longest Yard".
1977: Smokey and the Bandit and Semi-Tough
In 1977, Reynolds starred in 'Smokey and the Bandit', which began a six-year box-office reign, and 'Semi-Tough'.
1978: Number One Movie Actor
From 1978, Reynolds was voted the world's number one movie actor in the annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll.
1978: The End and Hooper
In 1978, Reynolds played leading roles in the financial successes 'The End' and 'Hooper'.
January 1979: Brando Denies Thwarting Reynolds' Casting
In January 1979, Marlon Brando denied having played a role in thwarting the casting of Reynolds in 'The Godfather' movie, stating in a Playboy interview that Coppola would not have cast Reynolds in the part.
1979: Leading Role in Starting Over
In 1979, Reynolds played a leading role in the financially successful film 'Starting Over'.
1980: Golden Globe Nomination for Starting Over
In 1980, Burt Reynolds received a Golden Globe nomination as Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical/Comedy for "Starting Over".
1980: Smokey and the Bandit II
In 1980, Reynolds starred in 'Smokey and the Bandit II'.
1981: Honorary Doctorate from Florida State University
In 1981, Burt Reynolds was awarded an honorary doctorate from Florida State University.
1981: The Cannonball Run and Sharky's Machine
In 1981, Reynolds played leading roles in the financial successes 'The Cannonball Run' and 'Sharky's Machine'.
1982: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
In 1982, Reynolds played a leading role in the financially successful film 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas'.
1982: End of Reign as Number One Movie Actor
In 1982, Reynolds's reign as the world's number one movie actor in the annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll came to an end.
1983: People's Choice Awards
In 1983, Burt Reynolds won two People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor and Favorite All-Around Male.
1984: People's Choice Award
In 1984, Burt Reynolds won a People's Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture Actor, tied with Clint Eastwood.
1984: Cannonball Run II
In 1984, Reynolds starred in 'Cannonball Run II'.
1990: Featured in Evening Shade
In 1990, after box-office failures, Reynolds returned to television, featuring in the situation comedy 'Evening Shade'.
1991: Golden Globe Nomination for Evening Shade
In 1991, Burt Reynolds received a Best Actor in a TV series nomination for "Evening Shade".
1991: People's Choice Award
In 1991, Burt Reynolds won a People's Choice Award as Favorite Male Performer in a New TV Series.
1992: Golden Globe Award for Evening Shade
In 1992, Burt Reynolds won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor In A Television Series-Musical or Comedy for his role in "Evening Shade".
1993: Golden Globe Nomination for Evening Shade
In 1993, Burt Reynolds received a Best Actor in a TV series nomination for "Evening Shade".
1994: End of Evening Shade
In 1994, Burt Reynolds's role in the situation comedy 'Evening Shade' ended.
1997: Boogie Nights
In 1997, Reynolds's performance as Jack Horner in Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Boogie Nights' brought him renewed critical attention.
1998: Golden Globe Award for Boogie Nights
In 1998, Burt Reynolds won a Golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Boogie Nights".
2015: Richard "Diamond" Farnsworth Award
In 2015, the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures awarded Burt Reynolds the Richard "Diamond" Farnsworth Award.
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