Burt Reynolds' Hidden Gems: Movies People Might Not Remember Him Being In

Burt Reynolds, the iconic American actor, had a prolific career that spanned over five decades. However, not all of his roles were widely recognized or remembered. Here’s a deep dive into some of the lesser-known films where Burt Reynolds appeared, but made an impact nonetheless.

1. Bean (1997)

Bean, directed by Mel Smith and starring Rowan Atkinson as the titular character, is a comedy film where Burt Reynolds had a small but memorable role. He played the Army General, although his screen time was limited to a mere five minutes.

2. The Player

Another hidden gem is The Player, a black comedy film directed by Robert Altman. This movie is known for its numerous cameos, featuring celebrities of the time. In one of the cameo appearances, Burt Reynolds has a brief scene at a restaurant, adding an extra layer of intertextuality to the film.

3. The Longest Yard (1974)

While The Longest Yard is one of Burt Reynolds' more famous roles, which saw him play a prison guard who becomes a football coach, there were other less prominent appearances. Reynolds was rumoured to have a small role in the film where he may have played a character in the background, but he is not credited in the final product.

4. And the Biggest Movie: SMOKEY and THE BANDIT

Burt Reynolds co-starred with Burt Reynolds in SMOKEY and THE BANDIT. While this is a well-known film and series, it’s often remembered for its faster-paced chase scenes, action sequences, and star power. The movie is a comedy caper that combines car chases, motorcycles, and rural Southern stereotypes. However, it’s worth noting that his character's storyline is an integral part of the film's narrative.

5. Best Friends (1982)

In Best Friends, Burt Reynolds starred alongside Goldie Hawn. While the film is significant in Reynolds' career, it's one of his less recognized roles. His character, Woody, was a heartthrob who is dated and whisked away by his younger sister’s friend. This story line, while not as iconic as his roles in films like Hoosiers, Sunday Night, or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, still gave Reynolds a chance to play a charming, albeit flawed, character.

6. The Swimmer (1978)

The Swimmer was a film adaptation of the short story "The Swimmer" by John Cheever. Burt Reynolds played Barry Justice, who takes his lover on a day-long drinking marathon, swimming from his neighbor's pool to the next. This film received mixed reviews but played to Reynolds' strengths of building a complex character with emotional depth.

7. The Flame and the Arrow (1963)

This epic film, with Alan Ladd as the lead, also featured Reynolds in a small role. His character, Hrafn, was a Viking prince who played a supporting role in the story, adding to the film's mythical atmosphere and action sequences.

8. All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

Some may not know that Burt Reynolds did a voice for the character Charlie Barkin in All Dogs Go to Heaven. In this animated family film, Reynolds portrayed Charlie B. Barkin, a dog with a rich baritone voice, which added a unique nuance to the film's character design and story.

Conclusion

Burt Reynolds had a diverse filmography that spanned many genres. While some of his most famous roles earned him critical acclaim and box office success, others were more subtle and lesser-known. His ability to bring depth and charm to even the smallest of roles is a testament to his versatility and talent. The above-listed movies not only showcase his range but also offer a fascinating insight into his acting career, leaving fans and critics alike to appreciate his lesser-known roles.