Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Dee Williams, Steve Harvey Among Stars Paying Tribute to Burt Reynolds
Dolly Parton, James Woods, Reba McEntire and more public figures took to social media to share their thoughts on the late actor.
Hollywood stars were heartbroken over the news of Burt Reynolds' death on Thursday and took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor. Reynolds, who is most recognized for his roles in Boogie Nights and Deliverance, died at Jupiter Medical Center in Florida, his manager, Erik Kritzer, told The Hollywood Reporter. The actor was 82.
The accomplished actor was notorious for starring in a variety of action films and romantic comedies, including Starting Over (1979) opposite Jill Clayburgh and Candice Bergen; The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) with Dolly Parton; Best Friends (1982) with Goldie Hawn; and The Man Who Loved Women (1983) with Julie Andrews. Reynolds won a Golden Globe and was ranked as Hollywood’s top-grossing star every year from 1978 through 1982.
"If I had to put only one of my movies in a time capsule, it would be Deliverance," Reynolds wrote in his 2015 memoir, But Enough About Me. "I don't know if it's the best acting I've done, but it's the best movie I've ever been in. It proved I could act, not only to the public but me."
Reynolds’ Smokey and the Bandit co-star and former love Sally Fields said of Reynolds in a statement: “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.”
"My uncle was not just a movie icon; he was a generous, passionate and sensitive man who was dedicated to his family, friends, fans and acting students," Reynolds' niece, Nancy Lee Hess, said in a statement. "He has had health issues, however, this was totally unexpected. He was tough. Anyone who breaks their tailbone on a river and finishes the movie is tough. And that’s who he was. My uncle was looking forward to working with Quentin Tarantino [in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood] and the amazing cast that was assembled."
The creator of Evening Shade, in which Reynolds starred, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, and director Harry Thomason said in a statement on Thursday, "The critically acclaimed series, Evening Shade, was created expressly for and with the incomparable help of Burt Reynolds. Burt won the Emmy for best actor during our first season. He was sweet, brash, exasperating, hot-tempered, generous and wickedly talented. To be sure, it was a wild ride. R.I.P. Burt. May your star never go out."
After news broke of Reynolds' death, Hollywood stars took to social media to express their condolences for the late actor.
“Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes. He was a trailblazer,” tweeted Arnold Schwarzenegger. “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."
“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,” wrote Steve Harvey.
Billy Dee Williams also paid tribute, writing, “Burt Reynolds was a friend of mine, sad to hear of his passing.”
On The Late Show on Thursday night, host Stephen Colbert noted that he had just learned about Reynolds' passing after the show's rehearsal was ending. "For those of you who are too young to know, Burt Reynolds was the no. 1 star of the 1970s. ... He was charming, he was talented, he was handsome [when] all of us were wearing sleeveless scuba vests."
Colbert continued, "As sad as Burt's passing is, there's so much happening in the world right now ... right before I got on stage tonight, I checked my Twitter feed and 17 of 19 top trending stories right now were about Burt Reynolds. So America's priorities are in the right place right now."
After the audience applauded, Colbert concluded, "Thank you, Burt."
See what else Hollywood stars and other public figures are saying about Reynolds' death, below.
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
Burt Reynolds was a friend of mine, sad to hear of his passing.
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) 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
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
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
Beyond sad to hear of the passing of such a legend... RIP sir
Burt Reynolds, Movie Star Who Played It for Grins, Dies at 82 - The Hollywood Reporter https://t.co/ynSJzzqZnx
— Kristen Renton (@KristenRenton) September 6, 2018
God bless, sir. RIP https://t.co/oW5aTZBC39
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) September 6, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of legend, Burt Reynolds.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) 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
RIP Burt Reynolds. Another one of my all time favorites growing up. Thanks for the memories. I met Burt a few times at his theatre in Jupiter. Such an engaging and funny guy plus a huge mentor to young actors in Jupiter. His Carson shows were hilarious. Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/ikUM9s5pdr
— Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry) 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 was the last of his kind. There was only one way to describe him. He was a GODDAMN MAN!!! A true ICON. #RIP #LEGEND pic.twitter.com/ykTBLE5ejT
— Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) 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
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
“Stroker Ace was born to race”
Much respect to you Burt Reynolds. RIP pic.twitter.com/w8FlIShmIR— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) 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
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
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
Damn, R.I.P. Burt Reynolds
— Freddie Prinze Jr (@RealFPJr) 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
A sad day, my friend BURT REYNOLDS Has passed away. I remember him back in 1979, he always reminded me that I should’ve cast him as Colonel Trautman in FIRST BLOOD , I said that’s… https://t.co/zlAEfpAiaP
— Sylvester Stallone (@TheSlyStallone) 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
RIP to the legend. The smirk and the swagger, the good time fun loving king of awesome. https://t.co/1Ae7AIdt4j pic.twitter.com/Dv6wpTzD2Q
— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) 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
Big Burt is up in heaven slapping around little Bert. #onefewerB*rt inthispooroldworld
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) 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
I never met Burt Reynolds but only ever heatd the nicest things about him. RIP Burt
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) September 6, 2018
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) 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
Mr. Burt gave me my first job. I went into the audition & right then & there he asked me to be on his show “Evening Shade”. I was 4 years old. He was fun and kind and always made me feel important! You are a legend Mr Reynolds and will be missed and well remembered. #BurtReynolds
— Alexa PenaVega (@alexavega) September 6, 2018
I’m saddened to hear about the loss of actor Burt Reynolds, who passed away today after going into cardiac arrest at the age of 82. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on through his iconic films.
— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) September 6, 2018
Im 19. I get a few lines in a movie. The megastar on set was really nice and cool to this punk actor(me) for no reason. The director called me before the movie came out to tell me I had hit the cutting room floor. But I never forgot that Star. Thanks Burt. RIP
— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) September 6, 2018
I was lucky enough to work with #BurtReynolds who was a true gem. He brought Dom Deluise to #RobotChicken & this was the result:https://t.co/XW6MPwBw0Q
Burt was kind and generous, and a truly fantastic actor.
— Seth Green (@SethGreen) September 6, 2018
Thank YOU, Burt Reynolds for sharing your stories, your laughs, your talent and your humanity with all of us. https://t.co/hyQP9KskKm
— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) September 6, 2018
Fair you well Burt Reynolds no one had more fun & made it fun for everybody else...Rest In Peace old friend. condolences to the family and everyone who loved him..
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) September 6, 2018
R.I.P Burt Reynolds . He was a friend of mine. R.I.P Judge, R.I.P Old Bear, R.I.P Innocence,
R.I.P Youth.
Remembering every member of the Mystery, Alaska cast and crew, what a lovely community that was, I hope you are all happy and busy .— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 6, 2018