Is Burt Reynolds still alive?
No, Burt Reynolds is not alive; he died on February 6, 2018, at age 82. The American actor and filmmaker was best known for leading roles in 1970s hits such as Smokey and the Bandit (1977), The Longest Yard (1974), and Deliverance (1972). Reynolds also enjoyed a notable television run as the lead in Boogie Nights (1997) and layered his legacy with later work in TV and voice roles. Below we clarify his status, summarize his principal credits, and outline verifiable public details about his career and net worth.
Confirmed facts and timeline
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | February 11, 1936 | Public biographies and obituaries |
| Date of death | February 6, 2018 | Major obituaries and news reports |
| Place of death | Tampa, Florida, USA | Reported by outlets at time of death |
| Age at death | 82 years old | Obituaries and official notices |
| Cause of death | Heart attack | Medical examiner and news accounts |
Key career milestones
- 1972: Breakout performance in Deliverance, establishing his blue-collar, charismatic screen persona.
- 1974: Leading role in The Longest Yard, a defining sports comedy and career highlight.
- 1977: Starring role in Smokey and the Bandit, cementing his status as a top box-office draw.
- 1991–1999: Lead role in the television series Evening Shade, showcasing his appeal beyond film.
- 1997: Critically noticed performance in Boogie Nights, adding dramatic depth late in his career.
Notable films and summary of roles
Reynolds balanced comedy and drama across decades, often embodying affable yet flawed protagonists. His collaborations with director Paul Bartel on Eat My Dust! (1976) and the pairing with Burt Reynolds on The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) further shaped his portfolio. Film scholars frequently note the tension between his everyman warmth and the edge he brought to morally ambiguous characters.
Comparative snapshot of notable works
| Title | Year | Role | Genre / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deliverance | 1972 | Lewis Medlock | Thriller/Adventure |
| The Longest Yard | 1974 | Paul Crewe | Sports Comedy |
| Smokey and the Bandit | 1977 | Bo "Bandit" Darville | Action Comedy |
| Boogie Nights | 1997 | Jack Horner | Drama |
| Evening Shade | 1991–1999 | Wood Newton | TV Comedy |
Net worth context
At the time of his death, published reports estimated Burt Reynolds’ net worth to be in the range of $30 million to $40 million. This range reflects earnings from his acting career, directing work, and various endorsement and guest appearances. While Reynolds experienced significant box-office success, particularly in the late 1970s, he also faced well-publicized financial challenges and legal disputes that influenced his overall wealth trajectory.
Legacy and cultural influence
Reynolds left a durable imprint on American cinema, popularizing a blend of rugged charisma, self-deprecating wit, and physical daring. His performances in road movies, crime dramas, and broad comedies influenced later generations of character actors. Analysts often highlight Smokey and the Bandit and The Longest Yard as touchstones of 1970s mainstream entertainment. Documentaries and retrospectives continue to reference his off-screen charisma and complex professional relationships, sustaining public interest in his career long after his passing.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Burt Reynolds die? He died on February 6, 2018.
- How old was he at death? He was 82 years old.
- What was the cause of death? The cause was a heart attack.
- What is Burt Reynolds' net worth? Estimates typically place his net worth between $30 million and $40 million.
- What are his most iconic roles? Key roles include Lewis in Deliverance, Paul Crewe in The Longest Yard, and Bo "Bandit" Darville in Smokey and the Bandit.