A Lesson That Shaped Burt Reynolds
When Burt Reynolds was caught fighting as a young man, his father, a no-nonsense police chief, decided to teach him a lesson that would leave a lasting impression. He locked Burt in jail for three long days. The late actor once recounted, “It was a rough three days. Every time he arrested a drunk, he threw them on top of me.” This experience was emblematic of the challenges Burt faced in earning the love and respect of those he cared about. It was a lesson that would haunt him throughout his life, driving his relentless pursuit of approval from his demanding father, the women he loved, and the Hollywood elite.
As a friend once shared with Closer, "He wanted it all — the fame and the respect. But, unfortunately, only the fame came his way." Burt's journey was one of yearning for something more, a deeper validation that often eluded him despite his immense success.
Burt's Roots: A Tough Upbringing in the South
Burt inherited his natural athleticism from his father, a military veteran who went on to become the chief of police in Riviera Beach, Florida. "He was a tough guy, old school, who wasn’t afraid to give Burt a whip when he needed it," explains Jon Winokur, coauthor of Burt’s memoir But Enough About Me. Growing up in such a strict environment, Burt learned early on that respect and affection weren't freely given. His father never hugged him or told him he loved him; instead, he made Burt work for every ounce of approval. "It was a Southern thing," Winokur elaborates. "Burt believed you weren't considered a man until your father said you were a man. And his father made him wait a really long time for that acknowledgment."
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Breaking Into Acting: A Teacher's Influence
It was a teacher who sparked Burt's passion for acting, putting him in his first play and setting him on a path to become more than just a stuntman. Determined to make it big, Burt moved to New York to pursue drama lessons. Interestingly, Marilyn Monroe was one of his classmates during this time. While in New York, he met Joanne Woodward while performing in summer stock productions. By 1962, Burt had made his way to Los Angeles, where he secured the role of Quint Asper on Gunsmoke, beating out 300 other actors for the part. Over the next decade, he juggled various roles in TV and film, many of which were forgettable. However, it was his charm and self-deprecating humor that truly set him apart, making him a popular guest on late-night TV. Johnny Carson played a pivotal role in boosting his career, with Burt becoming a regular guest and even being offered his own talk show, an offer he ultimately declined.
The Career Turning Point: 'Deliverance'
