The Unlikely Rise and Fall of Burt Reynolds’ Career

London, UK — Burt Reynolds, an actor known for both his charm and controversial choices, significantly shaped Hollywood through his remarkable yet tumultuous career. Despite rejecting many iconic roles, his breakout came with the Oscar-nominated film ‘Deliverance‘ in the early 1970s, which set the stage for his journey as one of Hollywood’s leading men.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Reynolds became synonymous with blockbuster hits. He garnered the title of Hollywood’s biggest box-office draw for five consecutive years, establishing a fanbase that eagerly anticipated his thrillers, often featuring fast cars and thrilling escapades. Unfortunately, the highs of his career were not without notable lows, as Reynolds went through periods marked by film misfires and a marked decline in critical acclaim.

Reynolds received widespread recognition for his role in ‘Boogie Nights,’ garnering his only Academy Award nomination. Critics praised his performance, yet the film’s success did not revitalize his career in a sustainable way. Following ‘Boogie Nights,’ he starred in ‘Big City Blues,’ which experienced poor reception and was released straight to video.

Interestingly, Reynolds turned down numerous blockbuster roles throughout his career that could have altered his fate dramatically. He famously declined Jack Nicholson’s Oscar-winning role in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest‘ and passed on the chance to play Han Solo in ‘Star Wars.’ His reluctance to accept roles in major projects like ‘Pretty Woman‘ and the James Bond franchise further cements the notion that some of Hollywood’s biggest hits could have starred Reynolds.

By the 1990s, Reynolds found himself in a precarious position, often seen as a last resort for casting directors. For example, when producer Mike Lobell sought a veteran actor for the film ‘Striptease,’ Gene Hackman was the preferred choice until he declined the role. Reynolds was brought in for an audition, overcoming initial skepticism regarding his reputation and appearance.

“To be honest, we were not enthusiastic at first,” Lobell admitted. “There was the hair and his reputation, but we were curious.” Despite the odds, Reynolds succeeded in landing the part, exemplifying his enduring talent amidst an ever-changing landscape of Hollywood standards.

Even though ‘Striptease’ was short-lived regarding critical acclaim—with the film nominated for several Razzies—Reynolds was notably absent from the negative spotlight, indicating his somewhat resilient standing in the industry. Although he faced challenges later in his career, Reynolds’s legacy remains defined by a string of blockbuster hits, complicated decisions, and a uniquely charismatic on-screen presence.