As images surfaced showing the iconic actor appearing frail and leaning on a cane, Burt Reynolds, known for his roles in hit movies like Deliverance and Smokey and the Bandit, confessed that he had no fear of death.
Reynolds, a Hollywood legend adored for his charisma and handsome looks, passed away at the age of 82 after suffering a heart attack.
Prior to his death, he had given interviews to promote his memoir, where he candidly discussed his views on mortality.
In an interview with the Mirror, Reynolds revealed, “I don’t fear dying.
I talk to God every night.
I just think of the luck I’ve had.
I’d like my epitaph to be, ‘He had a hell of a good time and he was a good friend’.”
The actor also humorously mentioned an unusual inheritance he would be leaving behind, pointing to his famous wig and jokingly saying, “It’s beautiful hair but it’s not mine.
When I die they’ll find this beautifully dressed man with this beautiful hair.
They’ll say, ‘Well, he left a note – ‘Pass this to his brother, he needs it badly.’”
Throughout his career, Reynolds performed his own stunts, which he attributed to his physical struggles later in life.
He shared with Jonathan Ross that his mobility issues were a result of the stunts he did in his films.
Following his passing, Reynolds’ niece Nancy Lee Hess acknowledged his history of health problems but expressed that his death came unexpectedly.
Despite undergoing surgeries for his spine and heart in the past, his decline caught many by surprise.
Reynolds was a prominent figure in the film industry, experiencing both highs and lows in his career.
After a period of success, he faced a downturn before making a comeback with an Oscar nomination for his role in Boogie Nights and winning an Emmy for Evening Shade.
Known for his rugged appearance and mustache, Reynolds became a symbol of masculinity in the 1970s.
His personal life often made headlines, including marriages to Loni Anderson and Judy Carne, as well as relationships with Sally Field and Dinah Shore.
Reynolds considered Deliverance as one of his finest works and expressed regret that the attention from his Cosmopolitan centerfold overshadowed the film’s impact.
He also gained recognition for his role in The Longest Yard and turned down various iconic parts in his career.
Despite some regrets about his film choices, Reynolds continued to work on new projects, including an upcoming film with Quentin Tarantino alongside top Hollywood stars.
The actor’s legacy lives on through his memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.
