Burt Reynolds was an embodiment of the Hollywood Western movie star with an almost 60-year career as an actor and director. He was born in Michigan, but his family moved to Florida after World War II. Burt was an excellent athlete, but a series of injuries ended his football career. Burt left college and moved to New York to become an actor. He began his career with recurring roles in shows like Gunsmoke, Riverboat and Hawk. By the 1960s, he was securing multiple roles in Westerns films and TV shows. By the 1980s, he was a household name. His most widely known roles include Smokey and the Bandit, Navajo Joe, 100 Rifles and Sam Whiskey.
Hall of Great Western Performers
Inducted in 2022
