When we remember actors and actresses, it can be tricky to capture the essence of the person behind the characters they play. Fortunately, we have interviews like this one to give us a better sense of the person they were.
Burt Reynolds is often remembered for his stunning performances over his many years on the big screen. His rise to stardom began in 1962 when he starred in the television series Gunsmoke.
From that point on it seemed like there was no part Burt Reynolds could not play. At the height of his career, the annual Top Ten Money-Making Stars Poll awarded him with the title of the world’s number one box-office star from 1978 to 1982.
But Burt Reynolds’s career did not stop with acting. He had his hand in every part of the movie-making world. He directed 15 films throughout his career, wrote for the screen and produced several films.
None of these things tell us about the man who did these things, which is why this interview is so important. This conversation with John Barbour gives us a peek behind the curtain.
Burt Reynolds, despite all of his accolades and his experience in front of and behind the screen, was a grounded person. He did not take himself or his industry seriously.
“I enjoy doing what I’m doing,” said Burt. “I enjoy people, and I like people.” And from a few minutes of watching Burt banter with John, the charm that won the hearts of so many Americans is plain to see.
