Burt Reynolds's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Burt Reynolds.

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

1953: All-State Fullback

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

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.

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".

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1973: White Lightning

In 1973, Burt Reynolds played a leading role in the financial success White Lightning.

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1973: White Lightning and Rise in Popularity

In 1973, Burt Reynolds starred in White Lightning, which he called "the beginning of a whole series of films made in the South, about the South, and for the South." The film's success led to car-chase movies becoming his most profitable genre. At the end of 1973, he was voted into the list of the 10 most popular movie actors in the US at number four.

1974: The Longest Yard

In 1974, Burt Reynolds played a leading role in the financial success The Longest Yard.

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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".

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1977: Smokey and the Bandit and Semi-Tough

In 1977, Burt Reynolds had the biggest success of his career with the car-chase film Smokey and the Bandit, directed by Hal Needham. He followed it with a comedy about football players, Semi-Tough.

1978: Top Movie Actor

From 1978, Burt Reynolds was voted the world's number-one movie actor in the annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll.

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".

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1981: Honorary Doctorate from Florida State University

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

1982: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Best Friends

In 1982, Burt Reynolds starred in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Best Friends with Goldie Hawn. He was voted the most popular actor in the US for the fifth year in a row.

1982: Top Movie Actor

Until 1982, Burt Reynolds was voted the world's number-one movie actor in the annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll, a six-year record he shares with Bing Crosby.

1983: 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: People's Choice Award

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

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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1991: Golden Globe Nomination for Evening Shade

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

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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".

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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.

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