Why Burt Reynolds Was the Most Despised Man in Hollywood

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Summary

  • Burt Reynolds‘ career was equally prolific as it was tumultuous, marked by a series of feuds and conflicts with various individuals in the entertainment industry.
  • His relationships with fellow actors, directors, and critics were typically strained, leading to a reputation for being difficult to work with. Reynolds’ personality and lack of respect for others in the industry contributed to his struggles to maintain lasting relationships and professional collaborations.
  • Despite his success as an actor, his self-destructive personality and contentious nature ultimately left a lasting impact on his career and personal life.

I’ve had the chance to delve into the fascinating life of Burt Reynolds, a man who defied conventions and lived his life on his own terms, leaving a trail of feuds and controversies in his wake. From his early days as a Trans-Am racing champion to his meteoric rise as a leading man in Hollywood, Reynolds was never one to shy away from a challenge or a good fight.

In the 1970s, Burt Reynolds was an undisputed megastar worldwide for his quick wit and charming persona, adored by many. However, this wasn’t the case among SAG-AFTRA members. Reynolds managed to rise through the ranks of Hollywood despite alienating some in the industry. For those with grudges against him, this success must have felt like a bitter pill. Reynolds’ fame came at a cost, both professionally and personally, but it did come with the perk of an awesome car. This is a prime example of how public image and personal relationships can differ greatly.

As a huge fan of his versatile acting skills, I’d say that throughout his illustrious career (setting aside Cop and a Half), Reynolds showcased an impressive range by delving into various characters and genres in movies like Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run, and Boogie Nights. However, his luck took a turn for the worse in the ’80s. Yet, despite the struggles, he finally earned some respect from his peers in the ’90s. But Reynolds couldn’t have been less interested. The most enticing and meticulously crafted role he ever received held little significance to him. He paid back the director who offered him a thoughtfully written part with disdain and a near physical altercation.

Money, fame, and the affection of countless strangers might lead one to assume a more contented and less petty existence for Reynolds. However, contrary to this belief, Reynolds would argue otherwise. Hidden beneath his mustache, charming grin, and cowboy hat was a man who held his profession in as much esteem as the Amish regard modern technology. For an individual renowned for comedy, his life was filled with nothing but turmoil. The animosity between Reynolds and Los Angeles is profound. He had been provoking Hollywood elites long before he became a familiar face to the public.

Crafting the Burt Reynolds Persona

In various TV shows, magazine articles, and photoshoots, some of which featured him in his bare form, he effectively marketed himself without relying on a public relations team. His authentic self occasionally emerged during interviews, such as when he splashed water on a co-guest on The Tonight Show hosted by Jay Leno, causing friction following a perceived insult. For those curious about why talk shows generally discourage having multiple guests on set at once, this infamous interview is a must-watch example of chaos at its finest.

I’ve observed people in my life who have a knack for creating drama wherever they go. And one man who comes to mind is this Hollywood star, Reynolds. He had quite the colorful past, especially when it came to his professional relationships.

It seemed like almost everyone disliked him, not just those in the Hollywood scene in L.A. His ability to alienate people was exceptional, reaching far beyond film directors and the media. Reynolds openly acknowledged his mistreatment of others in his autobiography, “But Enough About Me.” He candidly discussed the harm caused by his unchecked egotism, yet couldn’t resist boasting about his greatness in his characteristic manner.

In 1978, I had the fortune of having four movies simultaneously screening across the country. If we had crossed paths back then, I apologize. I was living life to the fullest, trying to savor every experience. My only defense is that I was at the pinnacle of success, where the atmosphere is less dense.

At any point, the actor was involved in approximately ten disputes. He didn’t choose sides; anyone who pressed him for additional takes or questioned his decisions faced his wrath. It’s no surprise he refused to collaborate with Stanley Kubrick. In his later career, Reynolds joined the voice-acting world, contributing to projects such as “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.” The developers of this beloved UK production took offense when Reynolds disrespected their director, ultimately leading them to eliminate his character in retaliation.

The Brando-Burt Beef That Lasted Decades

In the early 1970s, the true extent of the opposition to the rising star Burt Reynolds from “Deliverance” was revealed. This became clear when rumors emerged that he was being considered for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” (Part I). However, this idea seems implausible today. Given what we now know about Francis Ford Coppola, it’s highly unlikely that he would have cast a jock from Florida as the central figure in an Italian-American family from New York. Marlon Brando, the star at the time, issued an ultimatum to the producers, threatening to withdraw if Reynolds was given the part. With two men of such large egos on set together, disaster was almost inevitable.

During an interview on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen in 2018, Reynolds shared that Brando’s disdain for him was the most satisfying retaliation. In an unofficial recording from the set of “Apocalypse Now,” Brando spoke at length about his dislike for Reynolds. Brando was irritated by Reynolds using Native American children as props to publicize his movie, which went against Brando’s belief in respectful representation of indigenous people. Upon hearing Reynolds’ name, Brando is heard on tape saying “Don’t mention that name near me … He’s obsessed with his own narcissism,” and then launching into a lengthy critique about a man he admittedly hadn’t even met personally.

A far more logical explanation for the animosity is likely found in an episode of the CBS anthology The Twilight Zone, in which a then-unknown Reynolds played an insufferable, self-absorbed method actor, clearly meant to evoke the image of the most recognizable method-acting practitioner of the ’50s. Of course, this could only refer to Mr. Brando. In return, Brando would talk smack for the next couple of decades, Burt living rent-free in his head.

A Self-Destructive Personality to the End

Regrettably, Reynolds’ disregard for the significance of films and award shows extended to his personal life as well. While dating Sally Field, he belittled her acting skills, according to Field herself in Dave Karger’s “50 Oscar Nights.” This behavior may have contributed to their broken relationship, as Reynolds disparaged her at a pivotal moment in her career when she was recognized for her outstanding performance in “Norma Rae” with multiple award nominations in 1979. He made light of Field’s chances of winning, advising her against attending the ceremonies. Ironically, she went on to win awards at both the Oscars and Cannes.

Burt strongly disapproved of my plans to go to Cannes. He tried to prevent me from attending the festival, expressing doubts about my chances of winning any awards. During the Oscars, his attitude towards me became unpleasant, and he refused to accompany me.

As a big fan of Mark Wahlberg and Paul Thomas Anderson’s work, I must admit that when Burt Reynolds received an Oscar nomination for his role in “Boogie Nights,” I was taken aback by his reaction. Rather than feeling elated or grateful, he dismissed the accolade with a wave of his hand. In private, he even criticized the film, which left me quite surprised. It wasn’t due to humility; instead, he genuinely didn’t believe Boogie Nights was exceptional. This perspective became apparent when he clashed with director Paul Thomas Anderson on set and almost came to blows during principal photography.

For many young moviegoers unfamiliar with his Trans-Am racing past, Mark’s acting career in “Boogie Nights” would be defining. He viewed acting in prestigious films, voicing animated characters in video games, and throwing pies on talk shows as all just sources of amusement, money, women, and fast cars. Mark didn’t spend six decades in Hollywood to make friends, and his unconventional attitude towards the industry was that of an outsider unwilling to soften his rough edges or conform to the norms – he was too cool to care about the rules. Ironically, these very qualities that endeared him to fans made him a target for ridicule within the film community, who saw him merely as a rude jerk.

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2024-07-21 01:02