burt reynolds smokey and the bandit role

#Burt reynolds smokey and the bandit role movie#

His most personal role was in the 1979 comedy 'Starting Over,' playing the divorced Phil Potter opposite Jill Clayburgh and Candice Bergen. That 'was the closest to me, in terms of, I see myself in that character and it was a classic film,' Reynolds told USA TODAY. 'It had some beautiful women and all the good things.' Leading roles in box-office hits followed, including 'Smokey' and 'Semi-Tough' in 1977, and continued through banner years such as 1981 when 'The Cannonball Run,' 'Paternity' and 'Sharky's Machine' all hit the big screen. 'The public treated guests the way he treated you.' But it didn’t really take off until the 'Tonight Show.' And that was because of the way Johnny treated me,' Reynolds said. Reynolds insisted that it was his frequent appearances with Carson on the 'Tonight Show,' including serving as host in Carson's absence, that shot him to true stardom. And it was done with a crazy leading man.' 'It didn’t make as much money as a lot of the others,' Reynolds said. 'But it was a very difficult picture to make it. In 1972, he made his breakthrough performance in the Oscar-nominated 'Deliverance,' the film he remained the most proud of throughout his career.

He moved into movie stunts and eventually small acting parts in TV and movies. Reynolds excelled in football and was a star halfback at Florida State University before an injury derailed his career.

#Burt reynolds smokey and the bandit role movie#

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