Burt Reynolds' Love Life, Romance With Sally Field To Highly Publicised Divorce With Loni Anderson

Burt Reynolds was one of the most famous American actors who ruled the industry during the '70s and '80s. He was a Hollywood icon, well known for his charismatic persona both on-screen and off-screen. He has gained a lot of attention through his stellar performances on both TV and the cinema. He is best known for his roles in TV series, including Gunsmoke, Dan August and Hawk. Some of his notable works in Hollywood are Smokey and the Bandit, Starting Over, The Cannonball Run, and The Best Little Wh*rehouse in Texas, which became box office hits.

Just like his professional front, Burt’s personal life also garnered a lot of limelight. From his long-standing romance with actress, Sally Field to his highly publicised separation from Loni Anderson, Burt had won many hearts. He was a heartthrob of many. Recently, he grabbed headlines for turning down a masterpiece, the 1972 M*A*S*H. In fact, his personal life has also become the talk of the town. Now that the Hollywood icon has been making headlines for both his professional and personal front, let’s have a look at his colourful love life.

Burt Reynolds' first marriage to English actress, Judy Carne ended in divorce within 2 years

In the late 1960s, Burt Reynolds met English actress, Judy Carne, while the two were working on the TV show, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. The couple tied the knot in 1963. But soon their marriage hit a rough patch, and they decided to end it in 1965. Recalling their troubled married life, Judy mentioned in her 1985 autobiography, Laughing on the Outside, Crying on the Inside: The Bittersweet Saga of the Sock-It-To-Me Girl, that the Hollywood icon was abusive.

However, she also mentioned that the duo fell in love instantly after their first meeting. In her autobiography, Judy offered many candid accounts of their short-lived marriage and how they faced the challenges as a young couple in the entertainment industry.

Burt Reynolds' long-standing romance with acclaimed actress and director, Sally Field

Burt met Sally Field in 1977, when the duo was shooting for the film, Smokey and the Bandit. The couple’s on-screen chemistry quickly transitioned into an off-screen romance and lasted for nearly five years. During the late '70s, Burt and Sally became one of Hollywood’s most admired couples. They did four films together, including The End, Hooper, and Smokey and the Bandit II. Burt often called Sally the love of his life, and even after their painful breakup, they remained connected.

Sally also attended the Hollywood legend’s funeral in 2018, paying tribute to their lasting bond. However, their breakup in the early 1980s was deeply emotional and heartbreaking. Sally revealed in her memoir, In Pieces that the Hollywood icon’s controlling nature and jealousy made her feel trapped in their relationship. Sally’s growing fame and independence created tension between the couple. Burt reportedly wanted a quieter, more devoted partner, which clashed with Sally’s successful career. He even avoided her in joining major events like the Oscars and Cannes.

Burt Reynolds' relationship with film producer, Kate Edelman Johnson came to an amicable end in the early 2000s

Burt Reynolds crossed paths with film producer and philanthropist, Kate Edelman Johnson at a charity event in Los Angeles. The duo dated through the late 1990s and early 2000s. In fact, the couple was often seen together at Hollywood events and charity functions. The Hollywood icon shared a warm and cordial bond with Kate’s children, who affectionately called him 'Uncle Burt.' For the unversed, Kate was married to TV executive Deane F. Johnson.

Burt Reynolds' highly publicised divorce from his second wife, Loni Anderson

Smokey and the Bandit star met actress, Loni Anderson in the early 1980s. Their relationship quickly caught the public eye. In 1988, after several years of dating, Burt proposed to his ladylove, Loni, with a 7-carat diamond ring that he designed himself. The couple tied the knot at Burt’s Florida ranch in a lavish ceremony. The duo’s wedding ceremony was one of Hollywood’s most expensive weddings. In the same year, the couple adopted a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds. Burt and Loni were often seen at red-carpet events and were celebrated as one of Hollywood’s golden couples. However, behind the glamour, their seemingly fairytale love story hit a rough patch.

In 1993, the Hollywood icon shocked everyone by announcing their separation, citing irreconcilable differences. Burt accused Loni of infidelity and overspending. He later admitted in a 2016 interview with Men’s Health that marrying Loni was a mistake and shared that his mother had warned him against it. On the other hand, Loni, in a 1995 interview with SFGate, accused Burt of domestic abuse and erratic behaviour, claiming that she had to hire nannies to protect their son, Quinton. She also claimed that the legendary actor had failed to pay child support after their split.

Burt Reynolds' short-lived relationships that caught media attention

In the early 1970s, Burt dated singer Dinah Shore. However, it was their 20-year age gap that stole the spotlight. The couple met at a golf tournament and shared a deep bond over sports and showbiz, calling it quits after a three-year romance. In the late 1970s, Burt had a brief relationship with country music legend, Tammy Wynette, who later appeared with him in the film, The Cannonball Run. Around the same time, he briefly dated Japanese-American actress, Miko Mayama. Burt was also linked to tennis star, Chris Evert after meeting her at a charity event. Though the duo’s relationship was short-lived, they remained good friends.

What are your thoughts on Burt Reynolds' colourful love life? Let us know.

Also Read: Karen Gillan's Love Life, Met Husband Nick On Instagram, Wrote Horror Story With Her Baby In Arms

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)