Celebs React To Burt Reynolds' Death

Hollywood lost another great when Burt Reynolds passed away Sept. 6, 2018. Reynolds, who was known for both his acting gigs and his sex appeal, died after going into cardiac arrest in a Florida hospital, reported Us Weekly. His loved ones were said to be at his side when he passed on at age 82.

Reynolds amassed a large fan base throughout his decades in the entertainment business. He started his acting career in the late 1950s and 1960s, starring on television shows such as Riverboat and Gunsmoke before moving on to other TV series, including Hawk and Dan August. Reynolds, who boasted a total of 187 acting credits, became a household name with his movie roles in 1972's Deliverance and 1977's Smokey and the Bandit. In 1998, he earned an Oscar nomination for his role in Boogie Nights. Given his obvious influence on the world of Hollywood, it's no surprise that many celebrities have spoken out to mourn his passing and honor his legacy.

Blockbuster movie star and Boogie Nights' co-star Mark Wahlberg was one of the first celebrities to publicly address the Hollywood legend's death. Taking to Twitter, Wahlberg shared a photo with Reynolds from 1997's Boogie Nights and wrote a short but sweet message to the late actor: "Rest in peace to a legend and a friend," he said. Wahlberg has previously praised his co-star's Oscar-nominated work in Boogie Nights, though Reynolds infamously hated that film so much that he reportedly fired his agent over it. 

Clerks director Kevin Smith mourned the loss of Burt Reynolds soon after news about the actor's death first broke. Referencing Reynolds' role as Bandit in the popular Smokey and the Bandit film series, Smith tweeted, "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." Smith added, "He was true American icon. Hate to see him go..."

Steve Harvey — host of Celebrity Family Feud, Little Big Shots, and the Steve talk show — wasted no time in honoring the memory of Burt Reynolds after his unexpected passing. Posting a picture of a framed photo with Reynolds, Harvey called the star "a great actor, a philanthropist and a pioneer of the cool mustache." He went on, "Thank you, Burt. You will be missed."

Arnold Schwarzenegger responded to headlines about Reynolds' death by revealing that he'd looked up to the famous actor throughout his life. "Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes," tweeted the former governor of California and Terminator series star. "He was a trailblazer."

Schwarzenegger, one of the most well known professional bodybuilders of all time, also commented on Reynolds' college football career. "He showed the way to transition from being an athlete to being the highest paid actor, and he always inspired me," he said (via CBS Sports). Schwarzenegger also noted that Reynolds had "a great sense of humor" and encouraged followers to watch Reynolds' past Tonight Show appearances.

The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley opened up about his relationship with Burt Reynolds, with whom he'd worked on the 2006 comedy Cloud 9. Wesley said Reynolds helped him at the start of his acting career. "Burt Reynolds was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever worked with," he tweeted. "He took me under his wing when I was first starting out as an actor and offered friendship, advice and guidance." Wesley added, "I'll never forget how much that meant to me."

Actor Josh Gad, who starred as LeFou in Beauty and the Beast and voiced talking snowman Olaf in Frozen, also took to Twitter to honor Burt Reynolds. "RIP to another legend," he said. "Grew up with my parents, my brothers and a worn out VHS copy of [Cannonball] Run, watched Deliverance on my first date with my wife (don't ask) & revisit Boogie Nights every few months to marvel at his performance." Gad described Reynolds' death as a "very great loss."

Demolition Man star Wesley Snipes was also clearly upset to hear about Burt Reynolds' passing. Posting a photo of Reynolds on Twitter, Snipes said he'd always remember the Hollywood legend. "I will never forget our dinners, laughs & gems you dropped," Snipes tweeted. "Meeting you was one of the greater joys of my adult life & artistic career." He added, "You were the 'Man' then, now & forever in my book. 10-4 Bandit, you've got nothing but open road now."

Country music star Reba McEntire reacted to Burt Reynolds' sudden passing by sharing a photo with him on Twitter. Beside the image, which appeared to be from their 1993 TV movie The Man from Left Field, McEntire wrote, "My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in my peace my friend." She added, "I'll never forget the wonderful times we spent together."

Comedy icon Adam Sandler took to social media to share his thoughts about Hollywood great Burt Reynolds, with whom he starred in the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard. "Burt Reynolds. True legend. Our hero. Funny as hell and a for-real badass," Sandler tweeted to his more than 2 million followers. "So many great movies. So many great stories." The Wedding Singer star went on: "Such a great Dad. Will be missed by all. Deepest condolences to his family."