Reynolds Reflects on Feud with Brando Despite Praise for Iconic Actor

London, UK – Hollywood has a long history of feuds among its stars, and the rivalry between Burt Reynolds and Marlon Brando stands out. Reynolds, who rose to fame in the 1970s, had a complicated relationship with Brando, one of his acting idols. This one-sided feud dates back to the 1960s.

Reynolds gained recognition for his role as Lewis Medlock in the 1972 film Deliverance, alongside actors Jon Voight and Ned Beatty. His career spanned from hits like 1977’s Smokey and the Bandit to 1997’s Boogie Nights, along with several less successful projects.

Before his breakout, Reynolds appeared in TV shows, including Riverboat, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, and The Twilight Zone, where he delivered a performance that seemed to mock Brando. Brando, known for his intense demeanor, did not take kindly to Reynolds. In fact, he went so far as to block Reynolds from auditioning for the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather, a film where Brando portrayed Vito Corleone.

The animosity continued with Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, where Brando insisted that Reynolds not be part of the project. Despite Brando’s disdain, Reynolds has never shied away from acknowledging Brando’s talent. In a recent interview, Reynolds told A24, “There were things that Brando did early on. Street Car, certainly. He was brilliant, and it was a work of art.”

Brando’s performance in A Streetcar Named Desire is often considered one of his greatest. His portrayal of Stanley Kowalski left a lasting impression, earning him an Oscar nomination. Reynolds called Brando’s performance “truth,” admiring his ability to surprise both his fellow actors and the director with unscripted moments.

However, Reynolds couldn’t resist a final jab, remarking, “But as he got older and he got richer, he got lazy and fat and tragic.” This exchange highlights the very nature of their complicated relationship—admiration mixed with rivalry.