The loss of Burt Reynolds in 2018 was deeply felt by countless individuals globally. The iconic actor passed away after struggling with various health problems for many years.
He left behind a significant legacy, filled with cherished memories held by his former co-stars and friends. One of the most touching tributes came from his on-and-off girlfriend, Sally Field.
Now at 79, Sally has kept quiet about their relationship over the years, but after Burt’s death, she has begun to share her thoughts…
Although Reynolds experienced numerous romantic encounters throughout his life, he confessed that there was one genuine love. In a surprisingly open interview with Vanity Fair, he shared that Hollywood actress Sally Fields was the woman he would cherish forever.
They first crossed paths on the set of Smokey and the Bandit in 1977.
Reynolds fell deeply in love with Field, and he later disclosed that he was the one who fought to bring Field on board for Smokey and the Bandit. However, the filmmakers were not convinced and felt that the actress was not “sexy enough”. Nevertheless, Burt defended the actress, and Fields ultimately secured the role.
“He gave me a feeling that I was sexy, and I wanted to be everything he ever desired.”
The high-profile couple appeared to be a perfect match and continued to star in films together, including 1978’s Hooper and The End. For a time, Fields was very content with Burt. She expressed her desire to be everything he “ever wanted” and mentioned that he made her feel “sexy”.
The media closely tracked every move the couple made as Burt and Sally had an on-and-off relationship for nearly five years. However, in 1980, they chose to part ways. Unfortunately, the fairytale romance didn’t pan out, and it turned out to be far more complex than most people thought.
In her memoirs, Sally disclosed how much the charming, award-winning actor dominated his girlfriend.
“By the time we met, the burden of his fame had become a means for Burt to exert control over everyone around him, and from the instant I entered his life, it was a way to control me. We were a perfect blend of imperfections,” Sally Fields wrote in her memoir, In Pieces, and continued:
“I blindly fell into a pattern that had long been established on my path, a conditioned response as if in some previous life I had made a soul-binding promise to this man.”
What could have marked the start of something wonderful and a love story for the ages turned into a nightmare for Sally.
“What occurred was that I ceased to exist. I dressed up for him, searched for him, and walked for him. He proposed to me multiple times, [but] I realized his heart wasn’t truly in it,” she shared. “We would have ended up feeling awful.”
After their breakup, both actors moved forward and began seeing other individuals. However, Burt never forgot Sally Fields and confessed that the aftermath was likely his fault.
“I miss her deeply,” he expressed. “Even now, it’s tough for me. I don’t understand why I was so foolish. Men tend to be like that, you know. You find the ideal person, and then you do everything possible to ruin it.”
The actor held onto his regret for over 40 years, while Sally chose to cut off all communication with him during the final years of Burt’s life. In fact, she didn’t speak to him for decades, and the Steel Magnolias actress was not interested in rekindling any sort of relationship with her ex-boyfriend.
The true reason for their break-up has never been made clear, but there were whispers that Burt had been unfaithful to Fields. For Sally, the emergence of these reports was quite humiliating, leaving her feeling foolish.
However, following his death, Fields ultimately decided to share her thoughts and revealed something that likely would have shattered Burt’s heart.
According to reports, she expressed: “There are moments in life that are so unforgettable, they never disappear. They remain vivid, even after forty years. My time with Burt is always on my mind. He will forever be a part of my history and my heart, for as long as I exist. Rest in peace, Buddy.”
In 2018, the beloved actor, who was 82 years old, reportedly passed away due to a heart attack while surrounded by his family.
For NPR, Sally, now 79, shared more about her genuine feelings for Burt and their relationship.
“I’ve always remembered him with a sense of nostalgia… He played a significant role in my life, albeit for a brief period. I was with him for around three years, and then we had another two years of on-and-off moments. Yet, it was incredibly significant in my personal journey and development as an individual.
Sally expressed her relief that Burt passed away prior to her publishing her memories. She mentioned that Burt might not have liked certain sections of the book.
Sally expressed her relief that Burt passed away prior to her publishing her memories. She mentioned that Burt might not have liked certain sections of the book. For instance, she characterized her former love as “confusing, complicated, and hurtful.”
“I was thankful that he wouldn’t be reading it, he wouldn’t be questioned about it, and he wouldn’t have to defend himself or react negatively, which he likely would have done,” she shared.
