Dolly Parton And Other Stars Paid Tribute To The Late Burt Reynolds

It’s hard to really imagine if you weren’t there to witness it, but there was no one bigger in 1970s America than the late Burt Reynolds. His movies were always money-gobblers: The Longest Yard, Smokey and the Bandit, Hooper. Even Starting Over, the 1979 bougie comedy where he ditches Candice Bergen for Jill Clayburgh, made bank.

Before his Oscar-nominated turn in 1997’s Boogie Nights, his films were rarely serious. Sometimes were —see 1981’s Sharky’s Machine, which directed by Reynolds, too — but as evidenced by his iconic laugh, he liked to have fun and liked to make movies that were, first and foremost, fun.

Reynolds’ passing, at the age of 82, has opened the floodgates, with fans pouring several out for one of history’s great movie gods. Among those fans were fellow actors and filmmakers, many of whom worked with him over his long career.

Sally Field was not only his Smokey and the Bandits co-star; they were former lovers, who began dating after the series’ first film in 1977. They were a couple for five years. Field released a statement, caught by Variety. “There are times in your life that are so indelible, they never fade away,” Field said. “They stay alive, even 40 years later. My years with Burt never leave my mind. He will be in my history and my heart, for as long as I live. Rest, Buddy.”

Many more clogged social media, including this, from Dolly Parton, his co-star in 1982’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas:

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 6, 2018

There were others who worked with him as well, including Mark Wahlberg.

— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) September 6, 2018

And there were contemporaries who recognized game:

— Sylvester Stallone (@TheSlyStallone) September 6, 2018

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

If you received a star in your crown for bringing people laughter and fun in films, Burt Reynolds' crown would weigh him down. May such memories soon bring peace to replace the grief for his loved ones. May he Rest In Peace. #BurtReynolds #RIP pic.twitter.com/egGRBmLc4v

— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) September 6, 2018

There were even those who famously impersonated him on Saturday Night Live:

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) September 6, 2018

And there were friends:

— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) September 6, 2018

“Stroker Ace was born to race”

Much respect to you Burt Reynolds. RIP pic.twitter.com/w8FlIShmIR

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 6, 2018

So sad hearing about the passing of Burt Reynolds. Such a nice man, true friend & a good soul! You left this world with wonderful memories..We will miss you my friend- RIP

— ERIK ESTRADA (@ErikEstrada) September 6, 2018

My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in my peace my friend. I’ll never forget the wonderful times we spent together. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/DXzIchYDjl

— Reba (@reba) September 6, 2018

There were also many who simply looked up to him as they were starting out in Hollywood:

— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) September 6, 2018

I owe my career, at least in part, to the great Burt Reynolds. Heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was one of a kind. A fun loving, charismatic talent who did many good deeds quietly, without personal expectation but rather out of the kindness of his extraordinary heart. RIP

— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) September 6, 2018

There were those who got to work with him, however briefly:

Burt was kind and generous, and a truly fantastic actor.

— Seth Green (@SethGreen) September 6, 2018

I finally got to work with one of my heroes in 2006. #BurtReynolds led a really fun cast in Spokane and we laughed all day, every day he was on the set. A wry humor and a warm heart defined this wonderful man. He will be sorely missed. #RIPBurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/6ShGb2w2a6

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 6, 2018

I worked with Burt Reynolds on a beer commercial about a dozen years ago. I knew he'd be hilarious, but I was shocked and pleased to find him also to be a warm, humble, generous man with a deep appreciation for all he'd been given in this world. He was an inspiration to me. P

— Farrelly Brothers (@farrellybros) September 6, 2018

RIP Burt Reynolds. You were one of a kind. I was lucky to work with you.

— Lauren Holly (@LaurenHolly) September 6, 2018

And there were just fans who were sad or just upset that he was gone:

— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds & Clint Eastwood were fired from GUNSMOKE & RAWHIDE at the same time. Burt was told he couldn't act and Clint his neck was too skinny. In the parking lot, Burt said to Clint, "I dunno what you're gonna do, but I'm gonna take acting lessons." #RIPBurtReynolds

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 6, 2018

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

This has broken my heart. I loved #BurtReynolds. #BestLittleWhoreHouseInTexas was my favorite of his films. Losing so many heroes. This sucks. It really sucks. https://t.co/5357j5B4op

— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds, you are the glorious dictionary definition of a golden man. Thank you for spreading your glow

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) September 6, 2018

Wow!!! He was my childhood. RIP ❤https://t.co/BExjQUk95Q

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 6, 2018

As THE movie star of my childhood, the Bandit stole our hearts for decades. I always loved how Burt Reynolds worked with his friends as often as he could and then showcased the fun of movie-making in the end credits of his flicks. He was true American icon. Hate to see him go… https://t.co/jaMZjJA4e8

— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) September 6, 2018

What a traumatic week. Now today. My good friend Bert Reynolds has passed away. Feeling super emotional right now. Long live The #Legend #Bandit #BurtReynolds you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JcJZ5VmU1J

— Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) September 6, 2018

Some greeted the news of Reynolds’ passing by sharing stories about meeting him.

— Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry) September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds, movie star who played it for grins, dies at 82.

Burt! Met him on Burn Notice. He was the real deal. It was an honor to work with him and get to know the man a little bit. Ride on, Bandit! https://t.co/oag9ZC3pqR

— Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) September 6, 2018

Some came bearing favorite clips or personal anecdotes:

— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) September 6, 2018

RIP to another legend. Grew up with my parents, my brothers and a worn out VHS copy of Cannon Ball Run, watched Deliverance on my first date with my wife (don’t ask) & revisit Boogie Nights every few months to marvel at his performance. A very great loss. https://t.co/rmwoCHJcNM

— Josh Gad (@joshgad) September 6, 2018

Some came bearing photos they had done imitating Reynolds’ iconic 1972 nude Cosmopolitan spread:

— Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) September 6, 2018

Some came ready for a mustache-off:

— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) September 6, 2018

Some had great thread stories:

Anyhow, Atta boy, Burt. RIP

— Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) September 6, 2018

But we’ll leave you with this one:

— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 6, 2018