'One of my heroes': Celebrities pay tribute to 'trailblazer' Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds was beloved in Hollywood.
Moments after news of his death hit the internet, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kate Hudson, Sylvester Stallone, Billy Dee Williams, and many more shared heartfelt messages about their friendships with the actor, whose prolific career stretched back to the ‘50s.
Actress Sally Field, who dated Reynolds on and off for several years after they met making 1977’s Smokey and the Bandit, released a statement to HuffPost: “There are times in your life that are so indelible, they never fade away. They stay alive, even forty years later. My years with Burt never leave my mind. He will be in my history and my heart, for as long as I live. Rest, Buddy.”
Schwarzenegger took to Twitter to call Reynolds a “trailblazer.” Hudson pulled out a charming photo that shows her and mom Goldie Hawn, his co-star in 1982’s Best Friends. Here are notable celebrity reactions to the news:
Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes. He was a trailblazer. He showed the way to transition from being an athlete to being the highest paid actor, and he always inspired me. He also had a great sense of humor – check out his Tonight Show clips. My thoughts are with his family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 6, 2018
A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone) on Sep 6, 2018 at 12:54pm PDT
My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in my peace my friend. I’ll never forget the wonderful times we spent together. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/DXzIchYDjl
— Reba (@reba) September 6, 2018
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 6, 2018
A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) on Sep 6, 2018 at 12:04pm PDT
Burt Reynolds & Clint Eastwood were fired from GUNSMOKE & RAWHIDE at the same time. Burt was told he couldn’t act and Clint his neck was too skinny. In the parking lot, Burt said to Clint, “I dunno what you’re gonna do, but I’m gonna take acting lessons.” #RIPBurtReynolds
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds was a friend of mine, sad to hear of his passing.
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) September 6, 2018
Dinner For Five S03E02 Pt1 – Kevin James, Richard Lewis, Burt Reynolds, … https://t.co/rv9X2JKUbA via @YouTube
Burt Reynolds ??Oh man. RIP.
Our laughter together spanned ages. You were showbiz royalty but the last to act that way. I treasure having made you laugh.🌈— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) September 6, 2018
So very sad to hear of the passing of a #legend #burtreynolds He was 82 and leaves a legacy of terrific movies. When we interviewed him, he was the essence of #hollywood #royalty He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/vvr1zVnFaG
— Al Roker (@alroker) September 6, 2018
I owe my career, at least in part, to the great Burt Reynolds. Heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was one of a kind. A fun loving, charismatic talent who did many good deeds quietly, without personal expectation but rather out of the kindness of his extraordinary heart. RIP
— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) September 6, 2018
“Stroker Ace was born to race”
Much respect to you Burt Reynolds. RIP pic.twitter.com/w8FlIShmIR— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 6, 2018
Big Burt is up in heaven slapping around little Bert. #onefewerB*rt inthispooroldworld
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) September 6, 2018
Very sad to hearing about the passing of Burt Reynolds. He was a great actor, a philanthropist and a pioneer of the cool mustache. Thank you, Burt. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/nuuFWMSnJg
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) September 6, 2018
Burt I can not stop my tears right now. You were one of the greatest guys I ever worked with, u had my back. I am grateful we got some time together last year & laugh about the old days of B.L. Stryker. I will always miss you. Get some rest friend I love ya so much. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/QhHWJiediT
— Kristy Swanson (@KristySwansonXO) September 6, 2018
Rest in peace to a legend and a friend. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/HnmCCTv1d1
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) September 6, 2018
So sad hearing about the passing of Burt Reynolds. Such a nice man, true friend & a good soul! You left this world with wonderful memories..We will miss you my friend- RIP
— ERIK ESTRADA (@ErikEstrada) September 6, 2018
This has broken my heart. I loved #BurtReynolds. #BestLittleWhoreHouseInTexas was my favorite of his films. Losing so many heroes. This sucks. It really sucks. https://t.co/5357j5B4op
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 6, 2018
RIP to another legend. Grew up with my parents, my brothers and a worn out VHS copy of Cannon Ball Run, watched Deliverance on my first date with my wife (don’t ask) & revisit Boogie Nights every few months to marvel at his performance. A very great loss. https://t.co/rmwoCHJcNM
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) September 6, 2018
As THE movie star of my childhood, the Bandit stole our hearts for decades. I always loved how Burt Reynolds worked with his friends as often as he could and then showcased the fun of movie-making in the end credits of his flicks. He was true American icon. Hate to see him go… https://t.co/jaMZjJA4e8
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) September 6, 2018
RIP Burt Reynolds. Seems his whole career was tongue in cheek. Always warm and funny.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds, movie star who played it for grins, dies at 82.
Burt! Met him on Burn Notice. He was the real deal. It was an honor to work with him and get to know the man a little bit. Ride on, Bandit! https://t.co/oag9ZC3pqR
— Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever worked with. He took me under his wing when I was first starting out as an actor and offered friendship, advice and guidance.
I’ll never forget how much that meant to me.— Paul Wesley (@paulwesley) September 6, 2018
R.I.P. Burt Reynolds, underrated as a dramatic actor (Deliverance), underrated as a director (Sharkey's Machine), but also a rare movie star that seemed to be just having an absolute ball onscreen. Nobody broke frame with a bigger gleam in his eye. "Just watch ol' Bandit run." pic.twitter.com/L4NlRyqahb
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) September 6, 2018
Wow!!! He was my childhood. RIP ?https://t.co/BExjQUk95Q
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds has died at 82 years old.
Worked with him doing some voiceover work for Brawny paper towels years ago.
Very, very funny guy.
Didn’t get any bigger than Burt Reynolds in the 1970s.
Total Hollywood legend.
Godspeed #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/MLzqfP9VjY— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) September 6, 2018
R.I.P Burt Reynolds. Honored to have been able to recreate this iconic photo for @People years back… #Legend #Deliverance #SmokeyAndTheBandit #CannonballRun #BoogieNights pic.twitter.com/T2iIVvVYw6
— Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) September 6, 2018
What a traumatic week. Now today. My good friend Bert Reynolds has passed away. Feeling super emotional right now. Long live The #Legend #Bandit #BurtReynolds you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JcJZ5VmU1J
— Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds, you are the glorious dictionary definition of a golden man. Thank you for spreading your glow 🙏
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) September 6, 2018
I finally got to work with one of my heroes in 2006. #BurtReynolds led a really fun cast in Spokane and we laughed all day, every day he was on the set. A wry humor and a warm heart defined this wonderful man. He will be sorely missed. #RIPBurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/6ShGb2w2a6
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 6, 2018
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Burt Reynolds. He was one of my heroes. God bless.#BurtReynolds
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) September 6, 2018
As a kid I must have seen Smokey and the Bandit 10 times in the theatre. Met Burt Reynolds a few years back… so glad I did. Deliverance, Boogie Nights… some great ones. RIP
— Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) September 6, 2018
SO SAD, 2 SAY GOODBYE 2 THE BANDIT: R.I.P. BURT REYNOLDS! THOUGH I NEVER MET THE MAN HIS ACTING & COMEDIC TIMING INSPIRED A GENERATION…& I WAS 1 OF THEM WHO GOT THRU A TROUBLED CHILDHOOD WATCHING HIS FILMS! HIS INFECTIOUS LAUGH WILL B 4EVER MISSED! https://t.co/Yjn1ES15NF
— Corey Feldman (@Corey_Feldman) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds. True legend. Our hero. Funny as hell and a for-real badass. So many great movies. So many great stories. Such a great Dad. Will be missed by all. Deepest condolences to his family.
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds was the best, funniest super hero on this planet…He was a friend and I’ll miss him!! Nobody was better than him…dashing, charming and just so lovable!! pic.twitter.com/1TjNHF021D
— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) September 6, 2018
I met Burt Reynolds once in a video store in the 90s before he did “Boogie Nights.” He was by himself and no one seemed to notice him. I said, “I just want to thank you for many hours of entertainment.” He smiled so big and shook my hand and said, “You made my day. Thank you.”
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 6, 2018
Burt Reynolds and my dad were close friends. BR gave my dad this FSU leather jacket around 95. The day I committed to The #Canes, @walterpayton came home, grab the jacket & said “time to get rid of this.” RIP BR 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/M9fsQDxg5h
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) September 6, 2018
RIP Burt Reynolds. You were one of a kind. I was lucky to work with you. 🙏🏻
— Lauren Holly (@LaurenHolly) September 6, 2018
I will never forget our dinners,laughs & gems you dropped. Meeting you was one of the greater joys of my adult life & artistic career. You were the “Man” then, now & forever in my book. 10-4 Bandit ,you’ve got nothing but open road now – love, WS. the Student. #burtreynolds 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/uhdAGjtH8H
— WS (@wesleysnipes) September 6, 2018
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Burt Reynolds – a true Hollywood legend. Just look at the smiles on our faces when I met Burt – he made me @RicFlairNatrBoy & @EBischoff feel like kids on Christmas morning! #RIPBurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/8z83j4HaY3
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 6, 2018
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