Burton Leon Reynolds Jr., known to millions as Burt Reynolds, became one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men—from Deliverance to Smokey and the Bandit—and later revitalized his career with Boogie Nights. By the time of his passing in 2018, his net worth had significantly diminished from its peak. This article offers a full 2025 portrait of his financial journey, biographical highlights, family life, and legacy.
Early Life & Age
Burt Reynolds was born on February 11, 1936, in Lansing, Michigan, though he often claimed Georgia as his birth state to fit his Southern persona. His family settled in Riviera Beach, Florida, where his father served as police chief, and his mother supported his intellectual curiosity.
Reynolds earned a football scholarship to Florida State University, but a knee injury and car accident ended his sports career. A drama scholarship later led him to acting school and eventually New York theater, launching his ascent in Hollywood.
He died on September 6, 2018, at age 82. In 2025 terms, had he lived, he would be 89 years old.
Career Highlights & Rising Fame
TV Beginnings & Early Roles
Reynolds began acting on television in the 1960s, appearing in series including Riverboat, Gunsmoke, Hawk, and Dan August—building a reputation as a ruggedly charming presence on the screen.
Major Film Breakthrough
His breakthrough came with Deliverance (1972), followed by The Longest Yard (1974), and later Smokey and the Bandit (1977)—a role that cemented his star status. For much of 1978 to 1982, he was Hollywood’s highest-paid actor, earning up to $10 million per film and dominating the box office.
Continued Success & Resurgence
Other notable hits included The Cannonball Run (1981) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982). In the 1990s, Reynolds starred in the sitcom Evening Shade (1990–1994), winning an Emmy for Lead Actor, and regained critical acclaim later with an Oscar nomination for Boogie Nights (1997).
He continued acting into his later years, with roles in The Last Movie Star (2017) and appearances in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (released posthumously).
Net Worth Evolution: From Millions to Modest Estate
Peak Wealth & Profit
At the height of his success, Reynolds’ net worth was estimated around $60 million—inflation-adjusted to nearly $150 million—supported by blockbuster paydays and luxury investments like a 153-acre Florida ranch and multiple estates.
His $15 million net worth was even codified in his 1988 pre-nuptial agreement with Loni Anderson.
Financial Turmoil & Bankruptcy
A turbulent investment in restaurant chains led to massive losses in the late 1990s. By 1996, Reynolds filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, wiping out much of his fortune, and was forced to relinquish properties and assets.
Net Worth at Death
At the time of his death in 2018, estimates placed his net worth at between $3 million and $5 million, significantly reduced from his former peak.
As of 2025, if he were still alive, comparable estimates of his estate would remain in that $3M–5M range, given his ongoing residuals and limited assets.
Family & Personal Life
Marriage to Loni Anderson & Son Quinton
Reynolds married actress Loni Anderson in 1988. The couple adopted a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, in the same year. Their high-profile marriage ended in divorce in 1993, followed by public allegations of financial abuse and infidelity from both sides. Despite falling outs, Reynolds later acknowledged Anderson’s care during his recovery from injury.
Previous Relationships
He was also married once before, briefly to actress Judy Carne (1963–1965). He had one child—Quinton—with Anderson, and no other known descendants.
Later Years & Causes
Reynolds became known for doing many of his own stunts, which contributed to chronic pain in later life. He acknowledged dependency on pain medication in his final years.
Physical & Public Profile
- Height: Approximately 5 ft 10 in (1.8 m)
- Public Presence: Inactive on platforms like Instagram or Twitter, though his legacy remains strong through WKRP, film archives, and fan communities.
- He maintained residences in Jupiter, Florida and other properties in California and Georgia until financial decline stripped away much of his real estate portfolio.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Star Persona & Film Legacy
Reynolds was a sex symbol of the 1970s—known for his playboy persona, including a naked centerfold for Cosmopolitan magazine in 1972. Later roles showed surprising depth, such as in Boogie Nights—earning him Golden Globes and critical respect.
Influence & Honors
He remains an icon of macho charm mixed with wit. Industry peers have cited his influence on buddy comedies and crossover genres. Though awards eluded him, his performances in Evening Shade and Boogie Nights won acclaim and awards.
Summary Table: Burt Reynolds At a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Burton Leon Reynolds, Jr. |
| Birthdate / Death | Feb 11, 1936 – Sep 6, 2018; age 82 at passing |
| Career Highlights | Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, Boogie Nights, Evening Shade |
| Net Worth Peak | $60 million ($150M adjusted) |
| Net Worth at Death | ~$3M–5M |
| Known For | Charisma, stuntwork, tenure as blockbuster star |
| Marriages / Children | Married Loni Anderson (1988–93), son Quinton |
| Personal Life Note | Known for chronic pain & financial missteps |
| Public Presence in 2025 | Legacy via film, no active social profiles |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Burt Reynolds’ net worth when he died?
Estimates place it between $3 million and $5 million, after declining from higher net worth earlier in his life.
How did Burt Reynolds lose his fortune?
Lavish spending, poor restaurant investments, and costly divorce settlements led to his bankruptcy in 1996.
Was Reynolds ever nominated for an Oscar?
Yes—he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Boogie Nights in 1997 and won a Golden Globe and critics’ awards for that performance.
Who inherited Burt Reynolds’ estate?
His son Quinton was intentionally omitted from the will but provided for via a trust. The remainder of his estate went to other beneficiaries, with a sizable portion likely devoted to debts and liabilities.
Was Burt Reynolds married more than once?
Yes—he was married to Judy Carne (1963–1965) and Loni Anderson (1988–1993). He had one child, Quinton, with Anderson.
Final Thoughts
Burt Reynolds soared to fame with his rough-hewn charm and comedic flair but faced dramatic financial and personal challenges later in life. By the end, his net worth had dropped to a modest estate, yet his cultural influence and memorable performances endure. He was more than a star; he was a storyteller whose blend of masculinity and humor made him beloved across generations.
Though his financial zenith faded, his movies, TV roles, and legacy live on—and his life remains both cautionary and inspiring as a testament to fame, doubt, and staying true to one’s own story.