Burt Reynolds was one of the most celebrated Hollywood icons, renowned for his charm both on and off-screen. Whether it was his thrilling role in Smokey and the Bandit or the heart-pounding fun in The Cannonball Run, Burt’s on-screen persona left a significant mark on pop culture. But beyond the glitz of Hollywood, his relationships often made headlines, shaping him into a legend.
Especially, among his other relationships, his romance with actress, Sally Field often stood out. It was not just for its intensity, but for the emotional complexities which ultimately led to their separation. Know what was the primary reason for the popular couple’s divorce.
Why did Burt Reynolds and Sally Field break up?
Burt Reynolds and Sally Field’s breakup was one of the most heartbreaking endings for a celebrity couple in Hollywood. After their breakup, Sally revealed that Burt, who was known to have a great pride and a vulnerable personality, struggled with her rising stardom. The actress, in her memoir, In Pieces, described that she felt suffocated by his controlling behaviour. She gradually realised that staying in the relationship became emotionally damaging for her. Another key reason for their separation was Burt’s discomfort with Sally’s stride for independence and success.
He reportedly wanted a partner who was more “quiet, devoted, and compliant,” which clashed with the actress’s ambition and confidence. Furthermore, she described how he once refused to accompany her to the 1980 Oscars or the Cannes Film Festival, citing jealousy and a lack of support. During another interview with The View, she revealed that Burt used to look over her interactions with other men, which left her feeling trapped. Over time, these patterns led to the end of their bond, which ultimately resulted in their quiet separation in the early 1980s.
How did Burt Reynolds fall in love with Sally Field?
Although Burt Reynolds and Sally Field’s romance ended unexpectedly, their romance and undeniable chemistry left the industry talking. They met while filming Smokey and the Bandit in 1977 and went on to star in three more films together. It included The End, Hooper, and Smokey and the Bandit II. Burt admitted after their breakup that he considered her to be the love of his life. On the other hand, Sally admitted in her memoir that their years together were complicated, yet they were an important chapter in her personal life.
Even after Burt Reynolds and Sarah Field’s breakup, they continued to have a strong connection, drawing public interest. Sally attended Burt’s funeral in 2018 and sat down for a conversation with PEOPLE to discuss the impact he had on her life. Apart from his relationship with Sarah, Burt married twice: first to Judy Carne and then to Loni Anderson, which ended in an expensive divorce. Burt Reynolds passed away in 2018 at the age of 82 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
What do you think about Sally Field’s revelations about her breakup with Burt Reynolds? Let us know.
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