Burt Reynolds boogied till his last night.
The veteran actor, who made himself a household name through films such as Smokey and the Bandit, Boogie Nights, and Striptease, passed away on Thursday as a result of cardiac arrest.
Born in Michigan on 11 February 1936, the 82-year-old starred in 187 projects, and directed 14, including Evening Shade which he also created and for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Comedy or Musical.
The news of Burt’s passing was met with messages of condolence from an array of celebrities.
His Smokey and the Bandit co-star — and ex-girlfriend of 5 years — Sally Field stated that Burt would be in her history and heart for as long as she lives.
Mile 22 star, Mark Wahlberg, referred to the late actor as a legend and a friend:
Rest in peace to a legend and a friend. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/HnmCCTv1d1
— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) September 6, 2018
Former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, acknowledged the advice he had received:
Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes. He was a trailblazer. He showed the way to transition from being an athlete to being the highest paid actor, and he always inspired me. He also had a great sense of humor – check out his Tonight Show clips. My thoughts are with his family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 6, 2018
Blade actor, Wesley Snipes, recalled the pair’s dinners and laughs:
I will never forget our dinners,laughs & gems you dropped. Meeting you was one of the greater joys of my adult life & artistic career. You were the “Man” then, now & forever in my book. 10-4 Bandit ,you’ve got nothing but open road now – love, WS. the Student. #burtreynolds 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/uhdAGjtH8H
— WS (@wesleysnipes) September 6, 2018
Director of Baby Driver, Edgar Wright, recognised just how underrated Burt was:
R.I.P. Burt Reynolds, underrated as a dramatic actor (Deliverance), underrated as a director (Sharkey's Machine), but also a rare movie star that seemed to be just having an absolute ball onscreen. Nobody broke frame with a bigger gleam in his eye. "Just watch ol' Bandit run." pic.twitter.com/L4NlRyqahb
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) September 6, 2018
And host of Family Feud, Steve Harvey, paid tribute to one of Burt’s greatest achievements — his moustache:
Very sad to hearing about the passing of Burt Reynolds. He was a great actor, a philanthropist and a pioneer of the cool mustache. Thank you, Burt. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/nuuFWMSnJg
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) September 6, 2018
All dogs go to heaven, and we’re sure that Mr. Reynolds will be in good company.