Burt Reynolds And Sally Field: A Hollywood Romance To Remember

Let’s talk about one of the most iconic love stories in Hollywood history. Even though they never walked down the aisle, Burt Reynolds and Sally Field shared a romance that’s etched into the annals of Tinseltown. Their five-year relationship, which spanned from 1977 to 1982, was nothing short of passionate, tumultuous, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about love, loss, and the complexity of human relationships.

A Love Story That Captivated the World

Theirs was a love that started on set and quickly became the talk of Hollywood. Sally Field, best known for her role in Mrs. Doubtfire, and the late Burt Reynolds, whose legacy includes unforgettable performances in films like Boogie Nights, first met on the set of Smokey and the Bandit in 1977. From that very moment, Burt became a pivotal force in Sally’s life, someone she described as "the most important influence that came into my life other than my children." That’s high praise, right?

From Screen to Reality: Their Love Blossoms

After working together on Smokey and the Bandit, Burt and Sally began dating, igniting a whirlwind romance that would define their lives for years to come. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real-life passion, and they continued to reunite on the big screen in films like The End (1978), Hooper (1978), and Smokey and the Bandit II (1980). These movies weren’t just collaborations—they were extensions of their relationship, a testament to the bond they shared both in front of and behind the camera.

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Behind the Scenes: The Struggles of Stardom

But as with any great love story, there were challenges. By 1982, their romance had come to an end. On the surface, they seemed like the perfect couple, but behind closed doors, things weren’t as rosy. Sylvia Resnick, the author of Burt Reynolds: An Unauthorized Biography and The Evolution of the Hollywood Heartthrob, shed some light on their breakup. “Burt got restless. He had a very self-destructive streak,” she explained. “Sally thought she could live with it, but it made her too upset and anxious.” It’s a reminder that even the brightest stars face the same struggles as the rest of us.

Life After Love: Moving On, But Never Forgetting

After their breakup, both Burt and Sally went on to marry other people. Burt tied the knot with actress Loni Anderson in 1983, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1988. Sally, meanwhile, married Alan Greisman in 1984, and their marriage lasted until 1994. Both had been married before—Burt to Judy Carne from 1963 to 1965 and Sally to Steven Craig from 1968 to 1975. Despite these new chapters in their lives, fans couldn’t help but wonder if Burt and Sally would ever reconnect.

A Final Chance: The Desire to Reconnect

As the years passed, the question lingered: Could Burt and Sally find their way back to each other? Before Burt’s passing in September 2018, a close friend revealed that he longed for a reunion with his former flame. “Burt and Sally ended on a bad note when they split in 1982, but he’d love a visit from her,” the source shared in July 2018. “He would be incredibly touched if she came and they could talk over old times—the good times.” It’s a poignant reminder of how even the strongest relationships can leave a lasting impact, even years after they’ve ended.

A Legacy of Love

Though they never rekindled their romance, the love story of Burt Reynolds and Sally Field remains one of Hollywood’s most memorable. It’s a tale of passion, heartbreak, and the enduring power of love. As we reflect on their relationship, it’s clear that their time together shaped them in ways that no one else could. Scroll through the gallery below to see the timeline of their unforgettable love story.