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 who rose to 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, before achieving his breakthrough role as Lewis Medlock in the acclaimed film Deliverance.
1954: Reynolds's First Start and Touchdown
In 1954, Reynolds earned his first start of the football season at right halfback, scoring a one-yard touchdown in FSU's victory against the University of Louisville.
December 1956: Cast in "Mister Roberts"
In December 1956, Reynolds was cast in a supporting role in a revival of "Mister Roberts" at the New York City Center, starring Charlton Heston.
1956: Acting Debut and Award
In 1956, while at Palm Beach Junior College (PBJC), Reynolds was encouraged to try out for a school play and earned a best actor award at the 1956 PBJC Drama Awards for his performance in 'Outward Bound'.
1956: Enrollment at Palm Beach Junior College and Acting Debut
In early 1956, Reynolds enrolled at Palm Beach Junior College (PBJC). During his spring term, he enrolled in an English class and was cast in a school play, earning a best actor award at the 1956 PBJC Drama Awards.
1957: Rejection from 'Sayonara'
In 1957, after being recommended by director John Forsythe, Reynolds auditioned for Joshua Logan for the movie 'Sayonara' but was told he looked too much like Marlon Brando.
1959: Cast in Riverboat
In 1959, Reynolds was cast in the television series Riverboat, playing Ben Frazer, the boat's pilot, alongside Darren McGavin.
1961: Broadway Appearance in "Look, We've Come Through"
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: Roles in "Angel Baby" and "Armored Command"
In 1961, Reynolds starred in the low-budget film 'Angel Baby' and had a role in the war film 'Armored Command'.
1962: Joining the Cast of Gunsmoke
In 1962, Reynolds was cast as blacksmith Quint Asper in 'Gunsmoke', chosen from over 300 contenders.
1965: First Lead Movie Role and Guest Appearances
In 1965, Reynolds had his first lead role in the low-budget action movie 'Operation C.I.A.' and guest-starred on television series like 'Flipper', 'The F.B.I.', and '12 O'Clock High'.
1965: Departure from Gunsmoke
In 1965, Reynolds left 'Gunsmoke', feeling he had served his apprenticeship and that there wasn't room for two leading men.
1966: Role in Navajo Joe
In 1966, Reynolds played another Native American in the spaghetti 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. It ran for 17 episodes before being cancelled.
1969: Series of Movies
In 1969, Reynolds made a series of movies, including Shark!, Fade In, Impasse, and Sam Whiskey.
1969: Starring in 100 Rifles
In 1969, Reynolds starred with Jim Brown and Raquel Welch in the Western film '100 Rifles'.
1969: Desire for Different Roles
In a 1969 interview, Reynolds expressed interest in playing roles like the John Garfield part in 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', but did not receive the opportunity.
1970: Declining M*A*S*H Role and Starring in Skullduggery
In 1970, Reynolds declined the leading role in the film 'M*A*S*H', which went to Elliott Gould, and starred in the film 'Skullduggery', filmed in Jamaica.
1970: Roles in Television Films
In 1970, Reynolds featured in two television films: 'Hunters Are for Killing' and 'Run, Simon, Run'.
1970: Starring in Dan August
In 1970, Reynolds played the title character in the police television drama 'Dan August', produced by Quinn Martin.
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 Dan August.
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.
1980: Golden Globe Nomination for Starting Over
In 1980, Burt Reynolds was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical/Comedy for Starting Over.
February 11, 1982: Appearance on The Tonight Show
On February 11, 1982, Burt Reynolds was featured on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which included an interview and a "This Is Your Life"-style skit.
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 as Favorite Motion Picture Actor (tied with Clint Eastwood).
1989: Role in B.L. Stryker
In 1989, Burt Reynolds hired Michael Chiklis for a role in B.L. Stryker, which Chiklis credits for rescuing his acting career after being "blackballed" for portraying John Belushi in the movie Wired.
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.
1991: Emmy Award Win
In 1991, Burt Reynolds won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Evening Shade.
1992: Emmy Nomination
In 1992, Burt Reynolds was again nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Evening Shade, but lost to Craig T. Nelson in Coach.
1992: Golden Globe Win for Evening Shade
In 1992, Burt Reynolds won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series-Musical or Comedy for 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.
1998: Oscar Nomination
In 1998, Burt Reynolds was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role, but lost to Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting.
1998: Golden Globe Win for Boogie Nights
In 1998, Burt Reynolds won a Golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actor in Boogie Nights.
2015: Richard "Diamond" Farnsworth Award
In 2015, Burt Reynolds was awarded the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures' Richard "Diamond" Farnsworth Award.
2018: Death and Recognition
In 2018, the year of Burt Reynolds's death, Antenna TV re-broadcast his February 11, 1982, appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Local media highlighted his significant role in establishing Georgia as a prime filming location. The Florida State football team honored him with helmet decals inspired by the Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am license plate.
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