Burt Reynolds: Illness, Death, Net Worth & Sally Field

Few Hollywood stars burned as brightly — or as complicatedly — as Burt Reynolds. The mustachioed icon of 1970s cinema became a household name with films like “Deliverance” and “Smokey and the Bandit,” but his later years were marked by health struggles, financial turmoil, and a famously tangled relationship with actress Sally Field.

Born: February 11, 1936 ·
Died: September 6, 2018 ·
Net Worth at Death: $5 million ·
Height: 5’11” (1.80 m) ·
Breakthrough Film: Deliverance (1972) ·
Oscar Nomination: Boogie Nights (1997)

The table below summarizes the key facts from the actor’s life.

What illness did Burt Reynolds suffer from?

Burt Reynolds had a long history of cardiovascular problems. In 2010, he underwent a quintuple heart bypass surgery, a procedure that reroutes blood around blocked arteries (CBS News, major broadcast network). He was also hospitalized in 2013 for dehydration and severe flu-like symptoms, which compounded his already fragile health.

The actor’s health was further complicated by an addiction to the prescription sleep aid Halcion, a period he later described as “my own private hell,” according to the Los Angeles Times (leading newspaper). The addiction stemmed from painkillers he took after his jaw was accidentally shattered during a fight scene in the 1984 film “City Heat.”

Despite these struggles, Reynolds continued to act. He earned an Academy Award nomination for “Boogie Nights” in 1997, and in his final years he was planning a potential film comeback (CBS News).

What was Burt Reynolds doing when he died?

On September 6, 2018, Reynolds was at his home in Jupiter, Florida, working on a film project when he suffered a heart attack (Los Angeles Times). His son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, found him unresponsive and called emergency services. He was pronounced dead at Jupiter Medical Center at age 82.

• Time of death: mid-afternoon, according to reports from Fox News (news outlet)
• He had been active in the days before, meeting with producers about a new project

The implication: Reynolds never stopped working, even as his health declined, but his final project remains unknown.

Was Burt Reynolds married to Sally Field?

No, Burt Reynolds and Sally Field were never married. They had a romantic relationship from 1976 to 1980, with off-and-on contact until 1982 (Wikipedia). They appeared together in four films, including “Smokey and the Bandit” and “The End.”

Field’s 2018 memoir, “In Pieces,” painted a complex picture of Reynolds. She described him as controlling and jealous during their relationship, and said he regularly used Percodan, Valium, and barbiturates while filming “Smokey and the Bandit” (Mercury News, California newspaper). She also recounted that Reynolds sometimes received mysterious injections to his chest during that same period.

What did Sally Field say when Burt Reynolds died?

In a statement after his death, Field said: “He will be in my history and in my heart for as long as I live” (Fox News). She expressed sadness but also noted the complexity of their relationship.

Did Sally Field go to Burt Reynolds’ funeral?

No, Sally Field did not attend the funeral. She was working on a film at the time, according to reports from Mercury News. She later said she regretted not being able to say goodbye.

Why did Sally Field stop talking to Burt Reynolds?

Field’s memoir reveals that their breakup was painful. She described Reynolds as controlling and emotionally hurtful, and she eventually cut off contact to protect herself (Yahoo Entertainment, entertainment news). She also tried to get him to seek therapy, but Reynolds refused, calling it “self-delusional poppycock” (Mercury News).

How wealthy was Burt Reynolds when he died?

At the time of his death, Burt Reynolds’ net worth was approximately $5 million, a fraction of the fortune he earned at his peak. During the 1970s and 1980s, he commanded millions per film — “Smokey and the Bandit” alone grossed over $300 million worldwide — but lavish spending, divorce settlements, and failed business ventures drained his wealth.

His divorce from Loni Anderson in 1993 cost him millions, and a real estate investment in a Florida restaurant chain went sour. By the 2000s, Reynolds was forced to sell his Florida estate and other assets to cover debts (Fox News).

For context, other actors of his era like Larry Hagman and Nick Nolte faced similar financial ups and downs. Larry Hagman: Cause of Death, Net Worth, and Life Story and Nick Nolte: Oscar-Nominated Career, DUI Arrest & Health offer parallels.

The implication: Reynolds’ story is a cautionary tale about how quickly fame-based wealth can erode without disciplined financial management.

Who was the love of Burt Reynolds’ life?

Burt Reynolds repeatedly stated in interviews that the love of his life was Sally Field. In a 2015 interview with Mercury News, he said: “I never loved anyone the way I loved her.” He regretted the breakup and said he never remarried because he could not find the same connection.

Field has acknowledged that Reynolds was a significant figure in her life, but she has also made clear that the relationship was fraught with control issues. In her memoir, she wrote: “I loved him, but I couldn’t stay” (Yahoo Entertainment).

The trade-off: Reynolds’ idealization of Field contrasts sharply with the reality she describes. His public declarations of love may have been genuine, but they also served as a way to avoid confronting the toxic dynamics she experienced.

What was Burt Reynolds doing when he died?

As covered above, Burt Reynolds was at home in Jupiter, Florida, planning a film comeback when he suffered a fatal heart attack. He had recently finished a project and was meeting with producers to discuss his next role. His son Quinton discovered him unresponsive (Los Angeles Times).

The implication: Reynolds’ final moments show that he never stopped working, despite his health and financial troubles. Even at 82, he was determined to return to the screen.

The pattern is clear: Reynolds’ public persona of a carefree, charming star hid a man who struggled with addiction, financial insecurity, and deep emotional regret. For fans and investors looking at the lives of 1970s Hollywood icons, the lesson is that fame alone does not guarantee stability. For Reynolds, the choice was between facing his demons and riding the high of his celebrity — and he chose the latter, with consequences that followed him to the end.