Legendary Actor Burt Reynolds Dead At 82

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/CBSNews) -- Legendary actor Burt Reynolds, the star of countless action and comedy films over a career spanning nearly half a century, died Thursday morning in Florida at the age of 82, his publicist, Jeffrey Lane, confirmed to CBSNews.

"I have been advised he died this morning," Lane said.

In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Reynolds' niece, Nancy Lee Hess, said his death was a shock to their family.

"My uncle was not just a movie icon; he was a generous, passionate and sensitive man, who was dedicated to his family, friends, fans and acting students," the statement reads. "He has had health issues, however, this was totally unexpected. He was tough. Anyone who breaks their tail bone on a river and finishes the movie is tough. And that's who he was."

Reynolds is known for many roles, including his work in films "Deliverance," "The Longest Yard" and "Smokey and the Bandit."

The actor, director and producer was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1936, and played football at Florida State University before an injury dashed hopes of a football career.

He launched his acting career with TV shows like "Gunsmoke" and "Dan August," but it was his breakout film role was in "Deliverance" in 1972 that launched him to stardom. He was Hollywood's top-grossing star each year from 1978 through 1982. He also became a sex symbol after posing nude for Cosmopolitan magazine in 1972.

Reynolds made a comeback in 1997 with Paul Thomas Anderson's "Boogie Nights," for which he was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor. Reynolds had mixed feelings about the film in spite of the acclaim. In 2015, he admitted to GQ that he did not get along with Anderson and said he most likely would not work with him again. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he was so unhappy when he first saw the film that he fired his agent over it. Though the actor lost the Oscar that year to Robin Williams, he did win a Golden Globe for the role.

Reynolds also won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for television show "Evening Shade" in 1992.

He recently starred in "The Last Movie Star," which was released in March, about the story of a forgotten Hollywood icon.

Reynolds suffered from several health issues over the past decade. In 2013, he was admitted to the intensive care unit of a Florida hospital due to dehydration and severe flu symptoms. In 2010, Reynolds underwent a quintuple heart bypass one year after entering rehab to end a reliance on prescription drug habit acquired after back surgery.

Stars Remember Burt Reynolds

Sally Fields, who starred with Reynolds in "Smokey And The Bandit" and dated him for five years, shared deep emotions with Entertainment Tonight.

"There are times in your life that are so indelible, they never fade away," she told ET. "They stay alive, even forty 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."

Dolly Parton starred with Reynolds in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and posted her wishes on Twitter.

"Oh how sad I am today along with Burt's millions of fans around the world as we mourn one of our favorite leading men. I know we will always remember his funny laugh, that mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and his quirky sense of humor. You will always be my favorite sheriff, rest in peace my little buddy. I will always love you, Dolly."

Mark Wahlberg starred with Reynolds in"Boogie Nights," a role for which Reynolds was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe award.

Other celebrities who posted their wishes: