Burt Reynolds, circa 1975. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
(JTA) — Burt Reynolds, one of the most successful actors of the ’70s, known for his roles in films such as “The Longest Yard,” “Deliverance” and “Smokey and the Bandit,” passed away Thursday at age 82.
Despite his ample and Semitic chest hair, made famous in a now iconic nude Cosmopolitan centerfold, Reynolds wasn’t Jewish — though he did have plenty of Jewish collaborators and co-stars, including actress Goldie Hawn, who was his good friend. One of his last films, “The Last Movie Star,” was directed by Jewish filmmaker Adam Rifkin.
Rifkin and many other Jewish stars paid tribute to him on social media.
I wrote a few words about my friend Burt Reynolds. I miss him. #RIPBurtRenyolds https://t.co/O5BTmIsLIG
— Adam Rifkin (@AdamRifkin) September 7, 2018
Burt Reynolds, you are the glorious dictionary definition of a golden man. Thank you for spreading your glow
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) September 6, 2018
