Burt Reynolds’ Heartfelt Reflections: A Life Filled with Regrets

Burt Reynolds, the iconic actor known for his roles in Smokey and the Bandit, passed away at the age of 82.

Before his death, he candidly shared his biggest regrets with PEOPLE in 2015, delving into the highs and lows of his life.

Amidst the fond memories of his illustrious career, Reynolds also revisited the mistakes that weighed heavily on his heart.

One area of regret for Reynolds was his relationships with the women he loved and lost.

He expressed remorse over his second wife, Loni Anderson, acknowledging that their relationship was far from perfect.

The actor also lamented the way things ended with Sally Field and Dinah Shore, admitting that he had moved on from them too quickly, while they held onto their feelings for him a little too long.

Reynolds never stopped carrying a torch for Fields, and even after his passing, he spoke openly about his deep affection for her.

He described their connection as genuine and expressed how special she was to him.

Reynolds recalled a conversation he had with Field's mother, who warned him about breaking her daughter's heart.

Despite his best intentions, he acknowledged that heartbreak can be inevitable, but emphasized the love and respect he still holds for Field.

The actor also had professional regrets, one of which was posing for a n^de centerfold in Cosmopolitan magazine in 1972.

He believed that this decision overshadowed his work in the film Deliverance, which was released just three months later.

Additionally, Reynolds admitted that he turned down the opportunity to play the role that earned Jack Nicholson an Oscar in Terms of Endearment (1983).

Reflecting on this choice, he acknowledged that it was a foolish decision and wished he had prioritized the film over other commitments.

Reynolds imparted some wisdom on how to cope with regrets, emphasizing the importance of genuine friendships.

He believed that true friends are a source of comfort and support, helping individuals navigate the consequences of their mistakes.

Reynolds is survived by his family, including his adult son Quinton, whom he adopted with ex-wife Loni Anderson.

His legacy as an actor and his candid reflections on his life will continue to resonate with fans around the world.