Childhood and Education Journey of Burt Reynolds in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Burt Reynolds, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Burt Reynolds, an American actor, achieved stardom in the 1970s and 80s. He gained initial recognition in television, with roles in series like Gunsmoke, Hawk, and Dan August. He transitioned to leading roles in films like Navajo Joe and 100 Rifles, but his breakthrough came with his role as Lewis Medlock in the movie Deliverance. Reynolds became a major box-office draw, known for his charismatic persona and action-comedy roles.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 11, 1936: Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. Born

On February 11, 1936, Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. was born. He would later become an actor famous in the 1970s and 80s.

February 11, 1936: Birth of Burton Leon Reynolds Jr.

On February 11, 1936, Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. was born to Burton Milo Reynolds Sr. and Harriet Fernette "Fern" (née Miller).

1946: Family Relocation

In 1946, Burt Reynolds's family relocated to Riviera Beach, Florida, where he began a lifelong close friendship with Dick Howser.

1953: All-State Fullback

In 1953, Burt Reynolds was named a first-team All-State fullback at Palm Beach High School.

1954: First Start of the 1954 Football Season

Burt Reynolds earned his first start of the 1954 football season at right halfback in FSU's inaugural victory of the season against the University of Louisville, where he tallied a one-yard touchdown.

1954: The Seminoles

In 1954, the Seminoles were 8-4

1955: Injury and Car Accident

In 1955, Burt Reynolds suffered torn cartilage in his right knee and was critically injured in an automobile accident, suffering internal injuries, including a ruptured spleen.

1956: PBJC Drama Awards

In 1956, Burt Reynolds won a best actor award at the PBJC Drama Awards for his performance in a school play.

1956: Enrolls at Palm Beach Junior College

In early 1956, Burt Reynolds enrolled at Palm Beach Junior College (PBJC) to keep up with his studies.

October 12, 1957: End of Football Career

On October 12, 1957, after being blamed for the team's loss to North Carolina State University, Burt Reynolds quit the football team at Florida State University, convinced his playing days were over.

April 1972: Cosmopolitan Nude Layout

In April 1972, Burt Reynolds posed nude for Cosmopolitan magazine for "a kick" and because Deliverance was about to be released. He later expressed regret for the shoot, which along with talk-show appearances and the success of Deliverance, helped establish him as a major movie actor. He became a household name, the most talked-about star at the Academy Awards show.

1972: Desire to make a good movie

In 1972, Burt Reynolds expressed his desire to make a really good movie after making many bad pictures, saying he could not turn anyone down, and that the greatest curse in Hollywood is to be a well-known unknown.

1981: Honorary Doctorate from Florida State University

In 1981, Burt Reynolds was awarded an honorary doctorate from Florida State University.

1984: Injury on "City Heat" Set

In 1984, while filming "City Heat", Burt Reynolds suffered a severe on-set injury when struck in the face with a metal chair, leading to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a liquid diet, weight loss, and a subsequent addiction to painkillers.

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1989: Hiring Michael Chiklis for B.L. Stryker

In 1989, Burt Reynolds hired Michael Chiklis for a role in B.L. Stryker, which Chiklis credits with rescuing his acting career after being "blackballed" for his role in the movie Wired.

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2009: Back Surgery

In 2009, Burt Reynolds underwent back surgery to address ongoing health issues.

February 2010: Quintuple Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

In February 2010, Burt Reynolds underwent a quintuple coronary artery bypass surgery to address heart issues.

2015: Birthplace Statement

In 2015, Burt Reynolds stated that he was born in Lansing, Michigan, despite often claiming to have been born in Waycross, Georgia.

2015: Reynolds Interview with The Guardian

In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, Burt Reynolds discussed his relationship with Marlon Brando, stating that Brando didn't like him and that Reynolds didn't consciously imitate him. He even grew a mustache so that people would stop saying that he looked like Brando.