Hit #88 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1980 with the song "Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial", from the film Smokey and the Bandit II (1980).
Immediately after his artistic comeback with Boogie Nights (1997), Burt did a number of indie films, and was attached to star in a number of independent movies. One of this projects was the comedy The Oh in Ohio (2006). Parker Posey, who was a fan of Reynolds, personally offered him a part in the film, but Burt's commitment to another project made impossible for him to play the role. Danny DeVito got the part.
In 1968, Burt Reynolds tested for a role in the horror film Rosemary's Baby (1968), but Roman Polanski ended up casting John Cassavetes for the part.
In 1999, one of the projects that never realized for Burt was Bulls Night Out. The movie was supposed to be an old-fashioned cop drama about over-the-hill cops making justice with their own hands. It was to be directed by Burt himself, and to star him and a number of other veteran action stars. Roy Scheider, Danny Aiello, Louis Gossett Jr. and Charles Durning were all attached. It was supposed to be funded by a then new studio called Ray Art Studios, based on Cannoga Park. Unfortunately, the film wasn't made.
Ironically, while Reynolds was nominated for a "Best Motion Picture Actor - Musical or Comedy" Golden Globe for his performance as "Paul Crewe" in the 1974 version of The Longest Yard (1974), he was nominated for a Razzie Award for "Worst Supporting Actor" for his performance in the 2005 remake. Here, he played "Coach Scarboro" to Adam Sandler's "Paul Crewe".
Is a 1958 graduate of Florida State University.
Like many other celebrities, he is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Lives in Hobe Sound, Florida.
Longtime friend of Charles Nelson Reilly.
Lost the 1997 Razzie award for Worst Supporting Actor to Marlon Brando by a mere single vote. Reynolds was nominated for his performance in Striptease (1996) and Brando for his role in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996). The vote was cast by Razzie awards founder John Wilson, who always chooses to vote last.
Member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Mentioned in Bruce Springsteen's song "Cadillac Ranch".
Mentioned in the theme song of the pilot version (4 Nov 1981) of the 1980s TV hit "The Fall Guy" (1981).
Met one of his heroes, Spencer Tracy, while filming "Riverboat" (1959). Tracy was filming Inherit the Wind (1960) on the same lot and Reynolds used to watch him walk from the set to his trailer everyday. After a while, Tracy finally turned to him and said, "Come on, kid." For the next several weeks the two would meet and talk about sports and, every once in a while, acting.
Once paid $12,200 for a custom hairpiece.
Refused the role that earned Jack Nicholson an Oscar in Terms of Endearment (1983). To this day, Reynolds comments that this was one of his most terrible mistakes. He also refused the role Kevin Kline played in Soapdish (1991), with Sally Field, because his then wife, Loni Anderson, told him that the whole Hollywood would laugh at her, as Reynolds and Field once had a very publicised love affair.
Sales of the Pontiac Trans Am increased by 500% after Smokey and the Bandit (1977). Pontiac was so grateful to Burt Reynolds that they promised him a new Trans Am every year in perpetuity. The promise lasted five years. He drove a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am Limited Edition in these movies.
The character design of the Comedian/Edward Blake in Alan Moore's graphic novel Watchmen is said to have been based on Reynolds. Reynolds was even considered for the role when the novel was in discussion to be film adapted.
Though their relationship did not work out, Reyonds still speaks fondly of actress Sally Field and he regards her as having been a positive influence on his life.
Turned down the role of "Han Solo" in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977).