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Burt Reynolds Was Laid to Rest… 3 Years After His DeathBurt Reynolds was larger than life. To car enthusiasts, he wasn’t just a Hollywood star—he was the guy who made the Pontiac Trans Am a legend in Smokey and the Bandit and turned cross-country racing into high-octane comedy in Cannonball Run.
But in a strange and unexpected twist, the man who inspired a generation of car lovers wasn’t laid to rest until nearly three years after his death.
The Bandit’s Legacy
For gearheads, Reynolds wasn’t just an actor. His easygoing grin and rebellious charm made the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am more than just a muscle car—it became an icon. The chase across the Mulberry Bridge in Smokey and the Bandit remains one of the most recognizable car stunts ever filmed, and his films helped cement America’s love affair with fast cars and freedom.
When Burt passed away on September 6, 2018, at the age of 82, tributes poured in from fans around the world. Many expected a big public memorial for the man who had been larger than life both on and off-screen.
But that didn’t happen.
A Delayed Burial
For reasons never fully explained, Burt Reynolds wasn’t laid to rest until February 2021—two and a half years after his death.
Family members reportedly attended the small, private ceremony via Zoom, and a temporary marker was placed at his final resting place. Plans for a public ceremony, including a bronze bust, have been discussed, but details remain vague.
The delay has raised questions among fans. Burt died before COVID-19 restrictions halted large gatherings, so why the long wait? Was it family disagreements, financial arrangements, or simply a desire to hold a public memorial later?
No official explanation has ever been given.
A Career Cut Short
At the time of his death, Reynolds was preparing to join Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, proving he was still in demand in his later years. His passing was described as “unexpected,” even though he had faced previous health issues.
It’s a quiet, strange ending for a man who lived life at full throttle.
Remembering Burt Reynolds
Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding his delayed burial, Burt Reynolds’ impact on car culture will never fade. He was the Bandit, the lovable outlaw who could outrun Smokey with a smile and a wave, and the man who made countless kids (and adults) dream of owning a black-and-gold Trans Am.
As Burt himself once said:
"They told me I had to behave, and I’m good at a lot of things, but I am lousy at that."
And that’s exactly why we loved him.
What’s Your Favorite Burt Reynolds Movie?
Burt Reynolds will forever be remembered as an icon of car culture and Hollywood charm.
What’s your favorite Burt Reynolds car movie? Smokey and the Bandit? Cannonball Run? Comment below and let us know!
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