Burt Reynolds

Did you know that before he became a prominent figure in Hollywood, Burt Reynolds was an accomplished football player? It’s hard to imagine Hollywood without Burt Reynolds, but if it wasn’t for that injury, he may have never pursued his acting career, and he’d be known today for his accomplished football career. They say when one door closes, another one opens – and this was definitely the case for Reynolds.

Burt Reynolds was a pioneer when it came to breaking down gender roles in Hollywood. He starred opposite many strong female leads, such as Sally Field in Smokey and the Bandit, who he championed during the production of the film. His willingness to go against the grain and challenge traditional gender roles made him a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. He will always be remembered for his groundbreaking career, which changed the course of film and television forever.