Sidney Lumet wanted him for the main role in his 1986's film Power (1986). Burt turned the part down, and Richard Gere was cast.
Adopted a son, Quinton, in 1988.
After having worked with director John Boorman in Deliverance (1972), Burt Reynolds was cast by Boorman one year later to play the title character in the science-fiction Zardoz (1974). Later, Reynolds had to pull out due to illness and Sean Connery got the part. Burt and John Boorman almost worked together again, this time in 1980, when Boorman was attached, for some time, to direct him in Sharky's Machine (1981). When Boorman left the picture, Reynolds directed the film himself.
Agent Richard Clayton was his personal manager for over 20 years.
Although Burt Reynolds and Paul Thomas Anderson's working relationship was very good during the making of the film, he hated Boogie Nights (1997) so much, he fired his agent immediately after viewing a screening of the film. This was before the critical raves after the New York Film Festival occurred. He was then convinced by Anderson to promote the film on a radio tour and was further enraged at Anderson's behavior (constantly not letting Reynolds speak). This was the final straw for Reynolds, who, after a week or so of promoting the film, punched Anderson in the face and stopped promoting the film. As a result, he refused to participate in Anderson's next project, Magnolia (1999).
Attended Elizabeth Taylor's "Commitment to Life" fund-raiser for AIDS research on 19 September 1985, where Burt Lancaster read Rock Hudson's statement announcing he had been diagnosed with AIDS. At one point Reynolds was booed when he read a telegram of support from President Ronald Reagan. Reynolds summed up the frustration of the lack of AIDS awareness when he angrily said, "If this were a benefit for cancer, reporters wouldn't be asking stupid questions like, "Why are you here?".
Attended Florida State University on a football scholarship, but only played in two seasons. He was a star running back. His college football career was ended by a knee injury.
Burt met director David O. Russell in late 1995 for dinner, to discuss a possible role for him in the independent movie Flirting with Disaster. Although the two felt very enthusiastic about Burt playing a part, negotiations fell through.
Canadian electronics store Future Shop referred to his Smokey and the Bandit (1977) car and set up as, "the Burt", to demonstrate its 2008 HDTV and sub-woofer; when playing the movie.
During the mid-1980s, he tried to make a comeback with Heat (1986), written by William Goldman. He hoped the movie, directed by Robert Altman, would mark a new phase in his career. Unfortunately, Altman had an altercation with producer Elliott Kastner and he left the project. The movie ended up being a box office failure.
Early in career appeared as a contestant on "The Dating Game" (1965).
Engaged to former waitress Pam Seals. [January 1998]
Filed for bankruptcy in 1996, citing $4.5 million in liabilities.
Graduate of Palm Beach High School, Palm Beach, Florida, Class of 1954.
Had a relationship with Sally Field for many years, but she refused his numerous proposals, and they eventually broke up.
Has been named to Quigley Publications' annual Top 10 Poll of Money-Making Stars 12 times, tying him for 10th place with Harrison Ford. John Wayne is #1 on the all-time list, with 25 appearances in the Top 10.
He bared almost all for a Cosmopolitan centerfold in 1972.
He had a long love affair with Dinah Shore.
His father was of Irish-Cherokee Indian descent, his mother was of Italian descent.
His numerous achievements have been recognized by being named America's Favorite All Around Motion Picture Actor (People's Choice Award) for a record six consecutive years; the Most Popular Star for five years running; Star of the Year (National Association of Theatre Owners); and # 1 Box Office Star for five years in a row, still an unmatched record. He was recently honored with the 2007 Taurus World Stunt Award for "Lifetime Achievement for an Action Movie Star" and received this special citation from the Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger.