History of Burt Reynolds in Timeline

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Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds, an American actor, rose to prominence during the 1970s and 1980s. He gained initial recognition through television series appearances, including Gunsmoke, Hawk, and Dan August. Reynolds transitioned to leading film roles, with early appearances in Navajo Joe and 100 Rifles. His breakthrough performance arrived with his portrayal of Lewis Medlock in the film Deliverance.

1963: Married Judy Carne

In 1963, Burt Reynolds married English actress Judy Carne.

1965: Divorced Judy Carne

In 1965, Burt Reynolds divorced English actress Judy Carne.

1968: Relationship with Miko Mayama

In 1968, Burt Reynolds began a relationship with actress Miko Mayama.

1971: Ended Relationship with Miko Mayama and Began Relationship with Dinah Shore

In 1971, Burt Reynolds ended his relationship with Miko Mayama and began a relationship with Dinah Shore.

1971: Nominated for Golden Globe for Dan August

In 1971, Burt Reynolds was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Television Series-Drama for Dan August.

1972: Authored Hot Line: The Letters I Get...And Write!

In 1972, Burt Reynolds was credited as the author of Hot Line: The Letters I Get...And Write!, a mass market paperback book featuring semi-nude photos of the actor.

HOT LINE: The Letters I Get...And Write!
HOT LINE: The Letters I Get...And Write!

1973: Invested in Po' Folks Restaurant Chain

In 1973, Along with music industry executive Buddy Killen, Burt Reynolds invested in Po' Folks, a Southern regional restaurant chain named after a Bill Anderson song. Reynolds later invested in Daisy's Diner as well, losing $20 million in total.

1973: Released Ask Me What I Am Album

In 1973, Burt Reynolds released the country/easy listening album Ask Me What I Am.

1974: Success in The Longest Yard

In 1974, Burt Reynolds achieved success in the original version of The Longest Yard. This success was later referenced in the 2005 remake.

1975: Ended Relationship with Dinah Shore

In 1975, Burt Reynolds ended his relationship with Dinah Shore.

1975: Sang in At Long Last Love

In 1975, Burt Reynolds sang in the movie musical At Long Last Love.

1975: Nominated for Golden Globe 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.

1976: Began Relationship with Sally Field

In 1976, Burt Reynolds began a relationship with actress Sally Field, during which they appeared together in four films.

1978: Starred in Hooper

In 1978, Burt Reynolds starred in the movie Hooper, which is subtitled on the poster "The Greatest Stuntman Alive."

1979: Opened Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre

In 1979, Burt Reynolds opened the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre in Jupiter, Florida, to train young performers.

1980: Continued Relationship with Sally Field

In 1980, Burt Reynolds continued his relationship with Sally Field.

1980: Nominated for Golden Globe 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.

1981: Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Florida State University

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

February 11, 1982: Featured on The Tonight Show

On February 11, 1982, an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson featuring an interview and skit with Burt Reynolds was broadcast.

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1982: Minority Owner of Tampa Bay Bandits

From 1982, Burt Reynolds was a minority owner of the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL. The team's name was inspired by the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy and Skoal Bandit.

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1982: Ended On-and-Off Relationship with Sally Field

In 1982, Burt Reynolds ended his on-and-off relationship with Sally Field.

1982: Sang in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

In 1982, Burt Reynolds sang in the movie musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

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1983: Won People's Choice Awards

In 1983, Burt Reynolds won two People's Choice Awards as Favorite Motion Picture Actor and Favorite All-Around Male.

1984: Opened Burt & Jacks Restaurant

In 1984, Burt Reynolds opened a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, named Burt & Jacks, which he co-owned with Jack Jackson.

1984: Injured During Filming of City Heat

In 1984, Burt Reynolds was struck in the face with a metal chair while filming City Heat, resulting in temporomandibular joint dysfunction and addiction to painkillers.

1984: Won People's Choice Award

In 1984, Burt Reynolds won a People's Choice Award as Favorite Motion Picture Actor (tied with Clint Eastwood).

1986: Ended Ownership of Tampa Bay Bandits

In 1986, Burt Reynolds' ownership of the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL ended.

1988: Married Loni Anderson

In 1988, Burt Reynolds married American actress Loni Anderson and they adopted a son, Quinton.

1989: Hired Michael Chiklis for B.L. Stryker

In 1989, Burt Reynolds hired Michael Chiklis for a role in B.L. Stryker after Chiklis was "blackballed" for his portrayal of John Belushi in Wired, rescuing Chiklis's acting career.

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1989: Stopped Operating Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater

In 1989, Burt Reynolds stopped operating the Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater, but continued to lease it out.

1991: Nominated for Golden Globe for Evening Shade

In 1991, Burt Reynolds received a Best Actor in a TV series nomination for Evening Shade.

1991: Won People's Choice Award

In 1991, Burt Reynolds won a People's Choice Award as Favorite Male Performer in a New TV Series.

1991: Won Emmy Award for Evening Shade

In 1991, Burt Reynolds won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series for Evening Shade.

1992: Nominated for Emmy Award for Evening Shade

In 1992, Burt Reynolds was nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series for Evening Shade.

1992: Won Golden Globe 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: Nominated for Golden Globe for Evening Shade

In 1993, Burt Reynolds received a Best Actor in a TV series nomination for Evening Shade.

1994: Divorced Loni Anderson

In 1994, Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson divorced after he became infatuated with Pam Seals, leading to lawsuits.

1994: Published Autobiography My Life

In 1994, Burt Reynolds published his autobiography, My Life.

1996: Stopped Leasing Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater

In 1996, Burt Reynolds stopped leasing the Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater.

1996: Sued by CBS and Filed for Bankruptcy

In 1996, CBS sued Burt Reynolds for failing to repay a $3.7 million loan and he subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, due to an extravagant lifestyle, divorce, and failed investments.

1997: Co-Authored Barkley Unleashed: A Pirate's Tail

In 1997, Burt Reynolds co-authored the children's book, Barkley Unleashed: A Pirate's Tail, which illustrates the importance of perseverance, friendship, and imagination.

Barkley Unleashed: A Pirate's Tail
Barkley Unleashed: A Pirate's Tail

1998: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar

In 1998, Burt Reynolds was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Boogie Nights, but lost to Robin Williams.

1998: Won Golden Globe for Boogie Nights

In 1998, Burt Reynolds won a Golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actor in Boogie Nights.

2002: Roles in Snapshots, Time of the Wolf, and Johnson County War

In 2002, Burt Reynolds was top-billed in Snapshots, featured in Time of the Wolf, and had a supporting role in Johnson County War.

2003: Roles in Hard Ground and Miss Lettie and Me

In 2003, Burt Reynolds featured in Hard Ground and had a supporting role in Miss Lettie and Me.

2004: Role in Without a Paddle

In 2004, Burt Reynolds played a supporting role in Without a Paddle, which referenced his earlier role in Deliverance.

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2004: Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater Became Maltz Jupiter Theatre

In 2004, the Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater became the Maltz Jupiter Theatre after a series of ownership changes.

2005: Roles in The Longest Yard and The Dukes of Hazzard

In 2005, Burt Reynolds appeared in The Longest Yard, a remake of his 1974 film, and The Dukes of Hazzard, playing Boss Hogg.

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2006: Lead and Supporting Roles in Movies

In 2006, Burt Reynolds played lead roles in Cloud 9 and Forget About It, and supporting parts in End Game, Grilled, and Broken Bridges.

2007: Supporting Role in In the Name of the King

In 2007, Burt Reynolds had a supporting role in the movie In the Name of the King.

2008: Lead Roles in Movies

In 2008, Burt Reynolds played lead roles in Deal and A Bunch of Amateurs.

2009: Underwent Back Surgery

In 2009, Burt Reynolds underwent back surgery.

February 2010: Underwent Quintuple Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

In February 2010, Burt Reynolds underwent a quintuple coronary artery bypass surgery.

2010: Guest Role in Burn Notice

In 2010, Burt Reynolds had a guest role in an episode of Burn Notice titled "Past & Future Tense".

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August 16, 2011: Merrill Lynch Filed Foreclosure Papers

On August 16, 2011, Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation filed foreclosure papers, claiming Burt Reynolds owed US$1.2 million on his home in Hobe Sound, Florida.

2011: Supporting Parts in Movies

In 2011, Burt Reynolds had supporting parts in Not Another Not Another Movie and Reel Love.

2011: Voiced Mayor of Steelport in Saints Row: The Third

In 2011, Burt Reynolds voiced himself as the Mayor of Steelport in Saints Row: The Third, where players could recruit him as a "homie".

2012: Voiced Himself in Archer

In 2012, Burt Reynolds voiced himself in the animated series Archer, in the episode "The Man from Jupiter". The character Sterling Archer was inspired by Burt Reynolds.

April 2014: Burt Reynolds Ranch Rezoned

In April 2014, the 153-acre Burt Reynolds Ranch was rezoned for residential use, and the Palm Beach County school system was empowered to sell it.

2014: Top Billed in Category 5

In 2014, Burt Reynolds was top billed in Category 5.

2015: Key Role in Hollow Creek

In 2015, Burt Reynolds could be seen in a key role in Hollow Creek.

2015: Published Autobiography But Enough About Me

In 2015, Burt Reynolds published his autobiography, But Enough About Me.

But Enough About Me: A Memoir
But Enough About Me: A Memoir

2015: Awarded Richard "Diamond" Farnsworth Award

In 2015, the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures awarded Burt Reynolds the Richard "Diamond" Farnsworth Award, named after stunt man Richard Farnsworth.

2016: Considered Sally Field the Love of His Life

In 2016, Burt Reynolds stated that he regarded Sally Field as the love of his life.

2016: Roles in Elbow Grease, Pocket Listing, Hitting the Breaks, and Apple of My Eye

In 2016, Burt Reynolds was top billed in Elbow Grease and could be seen in Pocket Listing and Apple of My Eye. He also returned to a regular role on TV in Hitting the Breaks.

2017: Lead Role in The Last Movie Star

In 2017, Burt Reynolds took the lead in The Last Movie Star.

May 2018: Joined Cast of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

In May 2018, Burt Reynolds joined the cast of Quentin Tarantino's movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as George Spahn, but he died before filming his scenes and was replaced.

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2018: Florida State Football Team Honored Reynolds

In 2018, the Florida State football team honored Burt Reynolds with helmet decals in the style of the Smokey and the Bandit license plate.

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2019: Posthumous Appearance in An Innocent Kiss

In 2019, Burt Reynolds appeared posthumously in the movie An Innocent Kiss.

2020: Posthumous Appearance in Defining Moments

In 2020, Burt Reynolds appeared posthumously in the movie Defining Moments, which includes his final performance.

2020: Niece Produced I Am Burt Reynolds Documentary

In 2020, Burt Reynolds' niece, Nancy Lee Hess, produced a biography and documentary about Reynolds titled I Am Burt Reynolds.

February 11, 2021: Interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

On February 11, 2021, Burt Reynolds was interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.