Burt Reynolds was one of the most recognizable stars in Hollywood history. With his trademark charm, confident screen presence, and unforgettable performances, he became a symbol of American entertainment during the 1970s and 1980s. Whether audiences knew him from Smokey and the Bandit, Deliverance, or The Longest Yard, Reynolds had a unique ability to connect with viewers. His journey included tremendous success, personal challenges, financial ups and downs, and a legacy that continues to influence the entertainment industry. This detailed look at his life explores Burt Reynolds net worth, family, son, career, and the cause of his death.
Quick Bio of Burt Reynolds
| Full Name | Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. |
| Known As | Burt Reynolds |
| Nickname | Buddy |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1936 |
| Birthplace | Lansing, Michigan, United States |
| Date of Death | September 6, 2018 |
| Age at Death | 82 Years Old |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Father | Burton Milo Reynolds Sr. |
| Mother | Fern H. Reynolds |
| Sibling | James Hooks Reynolds |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | Palm Beach Junior College, Florida State University |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | Quinton Anderson Reynolds |
| Famous For | Smokey and the Bandit, Deliverance, The Longest Yard, Boogie Nights |
| Burt Reynolds Net Worth | $3 Million–$5 Million |
Who Is Burt Reynolds?
Burt Reynolds American actor, director, producer and cultural icon active for over six decades. At the top of his fame, he was one the box office and highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Reynolds became a pop icon and sex symbol thanks to blockbuster films that defined an era in American cinema, gracing screens with his rugged handsomeness, signature mustache, playful wit and effortless charm. He was involved in action movies, comedies, dramas, television projects and work behind the camera.

Burt Reynolds Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2018, Burt Reynolds’ estimated net worth was believed to be between $3 million and $5 million.
For many fans, this figure came as a surprise. Considering that Reynolds was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1970s and 1980s, many assumed his fortune would be significantly larger.
How Did He Make His Money?
Throughout his career, Reynolds earned income from:
- Film salaries
- Television appearances
- Directing projects
- Producing credits
- Endorsements
- Business ventures
- Public appearances
At the height of his fame, Reynolds was among Hollywood’s top earners. Several of his films generated substantial box-office revenue and cemented his status as a major star.
Financial Challenges
Despite earning millions throughout his career, Reynolds experienced financial difficulties later in life.
Some of the factors that affected his wealth included:
- Unsuccessful business investments
- Costly real estate ventures
- Legal expenses
- Divorce-related costs
- Career slowdowns
Reynolds openly discussed financial mistakes during interviews, showing a level of honesty that many fans appreciated. While his financial situation fluctuated over the years, his reputation as an entertainment legend remained intact.
Early Life and Childhood
Burton Leon “Burt” Reynolds Jr. (born February 11, 1936) is an American actor and filmmaker from Lansing, Michigan He was born in Michigan but spent most of his formative years in Florida, where his family has since relocated.
Burton Milo Reynolds Sr. was a police chief who had a strict but fair style of raising his family. One more thing Reynolds frequently mentioned was how his father impacted his mind and effort. His mother, Fern H. Reynolds, was a constant source of support and stability during his formative years.
The Success of Smokey and the Bandit
While Deliverance showcased his dramatic talent, Smokey and the Bandit turned Burt Reynolds into a mainstream superstar.
Released in 1977, the film became one of the biggest box-office hits of the year. Reynolds played the charming Bandit, a role perfectly suited to his personality and screen style.
Audiences loved the film’s humor, action, and energy. Reynolds’ chemistry with the cast helped make the movie a classic that remains popular decades later.
Other Notable Movies
Throughout his career, Burt Reynolds appeared in numerous successful films.
Some of his most famous projects include:
Deliverance (1972)
A gripping survival thriller that remains one of the most respected films of the decade.
The Longest Yard (1974)
A sports comedy-drama that became one of Reynolds’ most beloved performances.
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
The movie that helped define his superstar status.
The Cannonball Run (1981)
A comedy adventure that further strengthened his popularity with audiences.
Boogie Nights (1997)
A critically acclaimed film that introduced Reynolds to a new generation of viewers and earned him major award recognition.
Each of these projects contributed to his enduring legacy in Hollywood.

Hobbies and Interests
Outside of acting, Reynolds maintained a variety of interests.
Football remained one of his lifelong passions. Even after his playing days ended, he continued following the sport closely.
He also enjoyed:
- Film production
- Working with young actors
- Horse-related activities
- Supporting creative projects
Friends and colleagues often described him as someone who genuinely loved storytelling and entertainment.
Height and Physical Appearance
Burt Reynolds possessed a distinctive appearance that made him instantly recognizable.
His confident personality and rugged style contributed greatly to his appeal.
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 80 kg |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Build | Athletic |
His iconic mustache became one of the most famous facial features in Hollywood history.
A Timeline of Burt Reynolds’ Public Career
1936
Born in Lansing, Michigan.
1950s
Attended college and played football.
Early 1960s
Began pursuing acting opportunities.
1963
Married Judy Carne.
1972
Starred in Deliverance, earning widespread recognition.
1974
Appeared in The Longest Yard.
1977
Achieved massive success with Smokey and the Bandit.
Late 1970s
Became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
1981
Starred in The Cannonball Run.
1988
Married Loni Anderson.
1994
Divorced Loni Anderson.
1997
Received critical acclaim for Boogie Nights.
2018
Passed away at age 82.
Education
Education played an important role in Reynolds’ early life.
Palm Beach Junior College
After high school, Reynolds attended Palm Beach Junior College, where he continued pursuing football.
Florida State University
He later enrolled at Florida State University and played college football.
Many observers believed he had the talent to pursue a professional athletic career.
Career-Changing Injury
A serious injury altered those plans.
Unable to continue pursuing football at the level he envisioned, Reynolds turned his attention toward acting.
Final Word
Burt Reynolds was a zillion times more than a movie star. He was a cultural phenomenon whose trajectory represented tenacity, perseverance, skill and character. He achieved so much on the field and in life, propelled from dreaming of soccer as a child to becoming one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Despite the much publicised difficulties with money his legacy is much bigger than a net worth figure. Reynolds became one of the most well-known actors of his generation, starring in classic films like Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, The Longest Yard and Boogie Nights.
FAQs
What was Burt Reynolds’ net worth when he died?
Burt Reynolds’ estimated net worth was between $3 million and $5 million at the time of his death.
Who was Burt Reynolds’ son?
His son was Quinton Anderson Reynolds, whom he adopted during his marriage to Loni Anderson.
What was Burt Reynolds famous for?
He was famous for films including Smokey and the Bandit, Deliverance, The Longest Yard, The Cannonball Run, and Boogie Nights.
How old was Burt Reynolds when he died?
He was 82 years old when he passed away on September 6, 2018.
