The passing of Burt Reynolds in 2018 left a profound impact on millions worldwide. The iconic actor had been battling various health issues for years.
Burt Reynolds left behind a tremendous legacy, cherished by former co-stars and friends. Among those deeply affected was Sally Field, his on-and-off-again girlfriend, who recently turned 76. While Sally had remained silent about their relationship for decades, Burt’s passing prompted her to open up about their time together.
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Reynolds revealed that Sally Fields was his one true love. They first met on the set of “Smokey and the Bandit” in 1977. Reynolds fell head over heels for Fields and even fought to get her cast in the film when the filmmakers were initially skeptical about her suitability for the role.
The high-profile couple appeared to be a perfect match and continued to star in movies together, but their relationship eventually faced challenges. Sally Fields later shared in her memoir, “In Pieces,” that Burt’s stardom had turned him into a controlling figure in her life. Despite his numerous proposals, she knew his heart wasn’t truly in it, leading them to separate in 1980.
After the breakup, both went on to date other people, but Burt never forgot Sally. He expressed regret for his actions, admitting that he had probably been the cause of their fallout. Despite this, Sally chose not to have any contact with him for decades.
Upon Burt’s passing, Sally finally spoke out about their time together, expressing how indelible their years had been in her memory. She acknowledged his significance in her life, though they were together for only a brief period.
In another interview with NPR, Sally further revealed her true feelings about Burt and their relationship, describing him as “confusing, complicated, and hurtful.” She admitted that she was glad Burt passed away before she published her memoir, as some passages may not have been well-received by him.
In 2018, Burt Reynolds, aged 82, reportedly passed away due to a heart attack, surrounded by his family. His passing marked the end of an era, and Sally Field expressed her condolences by saying, “Rest, Buddy.”
Ultimately, their love story, though brief, left an enduring impact on Sally’s life and shaped her as a person.
