US: Hollywood actor Burt Reynolds dead at 82

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON 

Hollywood icon Burt Reynolds died Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest, according to several reports. He was 82.

Reynolds had a successful career in Hollywood when he began acting in the 1950s. He then came to star in highly acclaimed films such as "Deliverance", "The Longest Yard" and "Smokey and the Bandit".

"Deliverance", the 1972 thriller, was said to have been the launching point of his career.

He was nominated for an Academy award for his role in the movie "Boogie Nights", where he portrayed an adult film director.

Reynolds was the top grossing star in Hollywood from 1978 - 1982, and is tied for the second longest stretch of holding that honor behind Tom Cruise.

The actor also spent some of his time behind the camera and directed movies, including the 1976 action movie "Gator".

In May, he was set to star in Quentin Tarentino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".

Originally born in the state of Michigan, he later moved to Jupiter, Florida, where he opened the Jupiter Theater, a not-for-profit theater.

Reynolds is survived by his adopted son Quinton.