Burt Reynolds' career declined in the mid-1980s because he became typecast as the 'good old boy' and stopped taking risks with his roles. Additionally, his image was tarnished by his earlier decision to pose nude for Cosmopolitan magazine, which made it difficult for Hollywood elites to take him seriously as an actor. He also had a series of high-profile, short-lived relationships that further damaged his public image.
Burt Reynolds' Cosmopolitan centerfold was groundbreaking as it was the first male centerfold in the magazine's history. It helped propel Cosmo into a new era of understanding women's sexuality and desire. However, the centerfold also cost Reynolds an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Deliverance,' as the photo became a sensation and made it difficult for Hollywood elites to take him seriously as an actor.
Burt Reynolds turned down several iconic roles, including Han Solo in 'Star Wars,' Rocky Balboa in 'Rocky,' James Bond in the 007 franchise, Richard Gere's role in 'Pretty Woman,' Travis Bickle in 'Taxi Driver,' Bruce Willis' role in 'Die Hard,' and Jack Nicholson's role in 'Terms of Endearment.' These decisions significantly impacted his career trajectory.
The Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater opened in January 1979 in Florida and was a venue where Reynolds' famous friends could perform plays and experiment with new roles without the scrutiny of New York theater critics. It featured productions with stars like Sally Field, Tyne Daly, Martin Sheen, and Farrah Fawcett. The theater closed in 1989 but was later revived as the Maltz Jupiter Theater, which continues to operate today.
Burt Reynolds and Marlon Brando feuded after Reynolds mocked Brando's signature style and mannerisms in a 1963 episode of 'The Twilight Zone.' Brando held a grudge and reportedly blocked Reynolds from being cast in 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now.' Reynolds later mocked Brando on 'Saturday Night Live,' further escalating the feud. Brando's disdain for Reynolds was publicly recorded during a diatribe on the set of 'Apocalypse Now.'
Burt Reynolds' breakthrough role was in the 1972 film 'Deliverance,' where he played one of four businessmen who face danger in the Georgia wilderness. The film was critically acclaimed, and Reynolds' performance earned him significant praise. However, his decision to pose nude for Cosmopolitan magazine around the same time overshadowed his work and cost him an Oscar nomination.
WELCOME TO EPISODE 27 OF THE GOLDEN GIRLS DEEP DIVE PODCAST! Starting from the beginning of the show, each week we recap an episode of The Golden Girls and we end each episode with a fully researched deep dive into something from the Golden Girls universe!
In this episode, the house is being fumigated and the ladies move to a hotel on Miami Beach. Blanche, having won tickets for herself, Dorothy, and Rose to meet Mr. Burt Reynolds, found a hotel that attracts a... different clientele. Shenanigans ensue when the ladies are mistaken for sex workers and land themselves in jail. Sophia comes to save the day... but it's gonna cost the gals dearly!
For this week's deep dive, Patrick is telling us all about the life and career of Mr. Burt Reynolds - how he became an actor almost by accident and then spent most of his career turning down what would go on to be some of the most iconic roles in movie history!
Our episodes are researched by Jess McKillop, Patrick Hinds, and Jennifer Simard. All of our sources can be found on our website. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @GoldenGirlsDeepDive
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