‘Smokey and the Bandit’ star Burt Reynolds dies aged 82

Legendary Hollywood actor Burt Reynolds known for classic 1970s films such as Smokey and the Bandit and The Longest Yard has died at the age of 82.

According to US Weekly, the popular star was at a hospital in Florida on Thursday when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

A source told the publication Reynolds was surrounded by family when he died. 

Tributes have already begun flowing in on Twitter for the iconic celebrity who also took on producer and director roles throughout his career. 

Fans from across the world and fellow actors have praised him for his fantastic acting that led him to receive an Oscar nomination for movie Boogie Nights.

“Rest in peace to a legend and a friend #BurtReynolds,” actor Mark Wahlberg, who starred alongside him in Boogie Nights, wrote.

“From “Deliverance” to “Smokey and the bandit” Burt Reynolds was an immensely talented actor. He was also a movie star. Not always the same thing. His self depreciation and sexuality so brilliantly woven. He won the hearts of men and women. RIP Burt Reynolds,” radio host Michael Des Barres added.

Rest in peace to a legend and a friend. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/HnmCCTv1d1

— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) September 6, 2018

From “Deliverance” to “Smokey and the bandit” Burt Reynolds was an immensely talented actor. He was also a movie star. Not always the same thing. His self deprecation and sexuality so brilliantly woven. He won the hearts of men and women. RIP Burt Reynolds.⭐️ pic.twitter.com/nwQpEIvSr7

— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) September 6, 2018

While fans shared clips from the actor’s well-known films and messages of condolence.

“So long, Bandit. Rest easy, Burt Reynolds,” one person said.

“RIP Burt Reynolds. You were an icon in my lifetime. Thanks for all you achieved,” another wrote.

Read more: Frail Burt Reynolds makes rare red carpet appearance

While Reynolds wasn’t in the best of health, it hasn’t stopped the star from continuing his acting career.

The much-loved actor is set to appear in move Defining Moments that is due for release in December. He was also currently filming a second movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, after only been cast in a role a few months ago.

The film also featuring Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio is expected on the big screens next year.

Just last year, Reynolds was spotted looking frail on the Red Carpet Robert De Niro and Chevy Chase.

Although he wasn’t in the best of health, it didn’t stop the actor from being in good spirits, even making some jokes.

“You don’t learn from young actors,” he said, according to the New York Daily News.

“You just tell them how to behave.”

Were you a fan of Burt Reynolds and his movies?