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But Enough About Me: A Memoir
Beginning with Reynolds s adolescence as a notable football player and the devastating car accident that ended his sports career, "But Enough About Me" takes readers from the Broadway stages where Reynolds got his start to his subsequent rise to fame."
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
425 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
Burt Reynolds
45 books12 followersBurton Leon "Burt" Reynolds was an American actor, director and producer. He starred in many television series and feature films, such as Deliverance, The Longest Yard, Smokey and the Bandit and Sharky’s Machine. He won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his role on the sitcom Evening Shade. He also won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film Boogie Nights. Reynolds graduated from Palm Beach High School in West Palm Beach, Florida and attended Florida State University on a football scholarship, and played halfback. He was married to actress Judy Carne from 1963 to 1965, and actress Loni Anderson from 1988 to 1993, with whom he adopted a son, Quinton.
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February 28, 2018
“B.L. Stryker is an ex-cop who lives on a broken-down houseboat in West Palm Beach. The boat was just a shell, no heart, no guts — just like Hollywood.” — Burt Reynolds
Not an autobiography but a memoir of reminiscences about the people in his life, the people he’s worked with and known, But Enough About Me is immensely enjoyable. Refreshingly candid, tempered by Burt Reynold’s charm and the wisdom that only comes with age, this is simply marvelous. Not only will anyone like myself, who is a big fan of Burt and his films enjoy it, but those who aren’t as familiar with the iconic star’s films and career will discover a genuine and likable person between these reminiscences. The stories and recollections reveal as much about Burt himself as they do about those he recalls. In that way, this is almost better than a bio, because the reader gets a sense of Burt himself, and we like him.
While this is by no means some salacious tell-all, he is candid. Even when on occasion it’s obvious Burt had issues with someone, however, he doesn’t try to belittle their achievements or talent, and tries to be fair, realizing that perhaps he only experienced one side, and we are all more than just one thing. No one knows this more than Reynolds, whose career and life has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, much of it played out in the public eye. “Kind” and “thoughtful” are two words which come to mind when you finish reading this memoir. “Honest” is another one, and he’s glaringly honest about his own life, mistakes of youth or temperament. You come away wishing this guy was your friend, and maybe that part of him came across on screen.
There are some wonderful stories and reflections on people Burt has known and occasionally some true insight. He’s picked delicious — not unsavory — moments at times to give you a sense of that person. Most often, it paints them in a good light, and when it doesn’t, he leaves it there, just relating his experiences without forcing his assessment of the person onto the reader. The names in this memoir range from great in stature to people you may not have ever heard of, but all of them are interesting. While you do get some sense of Burt’s youth, especially his relationship with his father, and even a moment of fate — a ticket for speeding as a teenager perhaps saved his life because of what happened up the road — this is mostly the adult Burt, and the star Burt, and all those great people.
Some of the memories are bittersweet, as in his recollections of Dinah Shore. A moment when he’s gifting a house to Charles Nelson Riley, then can’t bring himself to go inside because he suddenly realizes how much time he spent there with Sally Field (the great regret of his life, apparently) is quite telling. In the actors and movie stars section near the end of this memoir there is a very brief but incredibly illuminating Marilyn Monroe story that shows without doubt that there was much more to her than people realized, and she knew exactly what she was doing. There is a lot of humor here, not just from Burt, but also those he recalls, sometimes with great affection. Here’s a guy who feels bad that he didn’t stand up more for the lovely Catherine Deneuve, who he thought was splendid, when a director on a film they were making was giving her a rough time for no apparent reason.
Though there is never anything mean-spirited here, the discerning reader will come away not liking a few people — or perhaps liking them less than before. This is because it’s near impossible not to like Burt, and you can really tell he’s being honest here, rather than lashing out. If anything, he’s perhaps too fair. Mostly though, this is a book with warm, kind reminiscences of those who passed through Burt’s life, especially the ones who stayed, even through the lean years, the illnesses and other issues. It’s the kind of book that’s a pleasure to experience on your own. I walked away with a much different picture of the great Jim Brown after reading this, for example. Because it’s best not to ruin the experience of reading this, I’ll only share a couple of quotes. The first has been around, but it will be new to many. It involves Burt and Clint Eastwood being canned by Universal on the same day. The executive told Clint that his adam’s apple stuck out too far, and told Burt that he couldn’t act. As they are walking out of the studio, unemployed, this happens:
“You’re in a lot of trouble.” — Burt
“Why’s that?” — Clint
“Because, I can learn to act.” — Burt
One of the longest sections about anyone is the memory Burt has of Johnny Carson. It’s really terrific, and it shows just how much Burt hates these salacious tell-all, one-sided biographies that are written when a man or woman is no longer around to defend themselves:
“Since his death, things have been written portraying Johnny as a monster. That’s not the man I knew. I think he was a national treasure, and his contribution wasn’t fully appreciated until after he was gone. Only then did we begin to realize that he was a bigger part of our lives than we’d thought. Off-camera he may have been difficult at times, but I didn’t see that side of him. I saw a generous, loyal friend.”
You get a little of the films in this memoir, but a lot of impressions of the people who starred in them, made them, or were just around Hollywood. If you didn’t like Burt Reynolds before you read this, you might after finishing it. Maybe Johnny isn’t the only national treasure, after all…
Not an autobiography but a memoir of reminiscences about the people in his life, the people he’s worked with and known, But Enough About Me is immensely enjoyable. Refreshingly candid, tempered by Burt Reynold’s charm and the wisdom that only comes with age, this is simply marvelous. Not only will anyone like myself, who is a big fan of Burt and his films enjoy it, but those who aren’t as familiar with the iconic star’s films and career will discover a genuine and likable person between these reminiscences. The stories and recollections reveal as much about Burt himself as they do about those he recalls. In that way, this is almost better than a bio, because the reader gets a sense of Burt himself, and we like him.
While this is by no means some salacious tell-all, he is candid. Even when on occasion it’s obvious Burt had issues with someone, however, he doesn’t try to belittle their achievements or talent, and tries to be fair, realizing that perhaps he only experienced one side, and we are all more than just one thing. No one knows this more than Reynolds, whose career and life has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, much of it played out in the public eye. “Kind” and “thoughtful” are two words which come to mind when you finish reading this memoir. “Honest” is another one, and he’s glaringly honest about his own life, mistakes of youth or temperament. You come away wishing this guy was your friend, and maybe that part of him came across on screen.
There are some wonderful stories and reflections on people Burt has known and occasionally some true insight. He’s picked delicious — not unsavory — moments at times to give you a sense of that person. Most often, it paints them in a good light, and when it doesn’t, he leaves it there, just relating his experiences without forcing his assessment of the person onto the reader. The names in this memoir range from great in stature to people you may not have ever heard of, but all of them are interesting. While you do get some sense of Burt’s youth, especially his relationship with his father, and even a moment of fate — a ticket for speeding as a teenager perhaps saved his life because of what happened up the road — this is mostly the adult Burt, and the star Burt, and all those great people.
Some of the memories are bittersweet, as in his recollections of Dinah Shore. A moment when he’s gifting a house to Charles Nelson Riley, then can’t bring himself to go inside because he suddenly realizes how much time he spent there with Sally Field (the great regret of his life, apparently) is quite telling. In the actors and movie stars section near the end of this memoir there is a very brief but incredibly illuminating Marilyn Monroe story that shows without doubt that there was much more to her than people realized, and she knew exactly what she was doing. There is a lot of humor here, not just from Burt, but also those he recalls, sometimes with great affection. Here’s a guy who feels bad that he didn’t stand up more for the lovely Catherine Deneuve, who he thought was splendid, when a director on a film they were making was giving her a rough time for no apparent reason.
Though there is never anything mean-spirited here, the discerning reader will come away not liking a few people — or perhaps liking them less than before. This is because it’s near impossible not to like Burt, and you can really tell he’s being honest here, rather than lashing out. If anything, he’s perhaps too fair. Mostly though, this is a book with warm, kind reminiscences of those who passed through Burt’s life, especially the ones who stayed, even through the lean years, the illnesses and other issues. It’s the kind of book that’s a pleasure to experience on your own. I walked away with a much different picture of the great Jim Brown after reading this, for example. Because it’s best not to ruin the experience of reading this, I’ll only share a couple of quotes. The first has been around, but it will be new to many. It involves Burt and Clint Eastwood being canned by Universal on the same day. The executive told Clint that his adam’s apple stuck out too far, and told Burt that he couldn’t act. As they are walking out of the studio, unemployed, this happens:
“You’re in a lot of trouble.” — Burt
“Why’s that?” — Clint
“Because, I can learn to act.” — Burt
One of the longest sections about anyone is the memory Burt has of Johnny Carson. It’s really terrific, and it shows just how much Burt hates these salacious tell-all, one-sided biographies that are written when a man or woman is no longer around to defend themselves:
“Since his death, things have been written portraying Johnny as a monster. That’s not the man I knew. I think he was a national treasure, and his contribution wasn’t fully appreciated until after he was gone. Only then did we begin to realize that he was a bigger part of our lives than we’d thought. Off-camera he may have been difficult at times, but I didn’t see that side of him. I saw a generous, loyal friend.”
You get a little of the films in this memoir, but a lot of impressions of the people who starred in them, made them, or were just around Hollywood. If you didn’t like Burt Reynolds before you read this, you might after finishing it. Maybe Johnny isn’t the only national treasure, after all…
June 9, 2023
3.5 stars
Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds' rugged good looks helped propel him into a successful acting career, but young Buddy (as he was known to family and friends) had other ambitions in high school and college. Raised in South Florida, Buddy was a 'wild kid', frequently disciplined by his father Burton Reynolds Sr. - a war hero and cop.
Buddy and his friends got into fights; took dangerous joyrides on a homemade zipline; misbehaved in school; regularly dove fifty feet into the Boynton Beach inlet; went out on airboats to harass deer (which the author admits was cruel and stupid); swam in the vicinity of gators; and more. Buddy also channeled his energy into sports - playing football, baseball, and basketball through high school.
Burt Reynolds in high school
Buddy went to Florida State University on a football scholarship, hoping to join the pros. However a football injury and car accident dashed Buddy's sports dreams and he wound up at Palm Beach Junior College. There an English professor named Watson Duncan pushed Buddy into acting - and the rest is history.
Burt Reynolds played football in college
Burt Reynolds isn't shy about his youthful antics, which included dating lots and lots of girls (and a few 'older women') who apparently found him irresistible. 🙂 In fact much of Burt's life was driven by his eye for the ladies, and he admits that he often did movies because of the leading lady rather than the script. Burt admits this left him with a less than stellar oeuvre, but he has few regrets and says "Nobody had more fun than I did."
'But Enough About Me' is structured by topic rather than chronologically, and Burt writes about his family; friends; career; television shows; movies; romances; Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre; Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre (which housed his acting school); and more. Burt's father didn't approve of his acting career, thinking it was a job for sissies. However Burt carried on regardless, always striving to get an attaboy from his dad. Finally, towards the end of his life, Burt Sr. said "I'm proud of you"....and that was enough.
Burt Reynolds' mother and father
Like many young actors, twenty-year-old Burt headed for New York, where he got small parts on Broadway, 'said no' to Greta Garbo, and was roommates with the actor Rip Torn.
Greta Garbo
Rip Torn
Burt then went to Hollywood, where he starred in television shows like 'Riverboat' and 'Gunsmoke' before he made it big in movies, especially thrillers, westerns, and adventure films.
Burt Reynolds on 'Riverboat' with Darren McGavin (left)
Burt Reynolds in 'Gunsmoke' with James Arness (left)
Burt's role as outdoorsman Lewis Medlock in 'Deliverance' drove his career into high gear, and the actor relates many tales about the film's production and stars. Burt was a major box office attraction during the late 1970s and 80s, and his comedies - 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Cannonball Run' - did very well and garnered sequels. Burt received a single Academy Award nomination, for his role as a porn-film producer in 1997's 'Boogie Nights.'
Burt Reynolds in 'Deliverance'
Burt Reynolds in 'Smokey and the Bandit'
Burt Reynolds in 'Cannonball Run' with Dom Deluise (right)
Burt Reynolds in 'Boogie Nights'
At the height of his career Burt forewent a number of good opportunities. He could have been TV's 'Batman' and was offered starring roles in 'Die Hard', 'Pretty Woman', 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', and 'Terms of Endearment.' Burt admits he was more interested in having a good time than doing the best movies, and his career had its ups and downs. The actor muses: "When you're on top, you knows there's only one way to go, but you can't prepare yourself for it, in the same way you know your mother and father are going to die but it still comes as a shock when it happens."
Burt was ill-served by carelessness with money and people who took advantage of him, and he suffered through a humiliating bankruptcy. Burt recalls "There are people who kicked me when I was down, but I don't want to get even." (He doesn't mention who these people were.)
Burt Reynolds' career had ups and downs
In the 'major romance' department, Burt was briefly married to the British actress Judy Carne, known as the "Sock-It-To-Me Girl" on 'Laugh-In.' Burt also had a long-term relationship with the singer, actress, and television personality Dinah Shore, and implies that he broke up with her because he wanted to play around. Later, Burt got involved with Sally Field, but the love affair fizzled out after five years. Burt says "I'm sorry we couldn't make it work. It's the biggest regret of my life."
Judy Carnes was Burt Reynolds' first wife
Burt Reynolds had a long relationship with Dinah Shore
Burt Reynolds had a serious romance with Sally Field
Finally, Burt married Loni Anderson and they adopted a son Quinton, who Burt cherished. Still, Burt says he 'never liked' Loni and apparently married her with very cold feet. After the inevitable divorce, Loni made Burt sell off his personal memorabilia to pay off the divorce settlement.
Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson married and adopted a son named Quinton
During his career Burt met lots of show business people and those he knew best get a brief biography and a few reminiscences. For example:
• Spencer Tracy - Tracy gave Burt valuable acting advice: "Do what you want. F**k the director" and "Acting is great profession as long as nobody catches you at it." (In other words, don't look like you're acting.)
Spencer Tracy
• Darren McGavin - Burt recalls "He was an ornery son of a bitch and he threw his weight around. He went out of his way to make me look bad on camera."
Darren McGavin
• Bette Davis - "She loved to gossip about the people she worked with and she hated Joan Crawford. Bette would call people terrible names and if a director was incompetent she'd roll right over him." Burt says "I think part of the reason that we got along was that I wasn't intimidated by her."
Bette Davis
• Frank Sinatra - Burt notes "Frank could be so charming and thoughtful, it was scary. But he could also be unbelievably cruel. You could tell pretty quickly if it was a bad day, and you left him alone."
Frank Sinatra
• Johnny Carson - Burt writes "Almost everything good that happened in my career started with Johnny Carson. After my appearances on 'The Tonight Show' my public image went from a constipated actor who never took a chance to a cocky, wisecracking character."
Johhny Carson
• Clint Eastwood - Burt opines "As a director Clint knows what he wants and how to get it. He saves the studio more money than ten directors because he's good with actors." Burt recalls "One Christmas I gave Clint a basset hound. He fell in love with it and named it Grunk. They were perfect together."
Clint Eastwood
The book has additional observations about Burt's acting and directing career as well as his regrets about posing nude for 'Cosmopolitan' and doing his own stunts - which left him hurting and damaged in the end. Burt also relates lots more stories about people he knew - most of whom he talks about with affection. For people who 'did him wrong', Burt generally has few or no words.
Burt Reynolds posed nude for 'Cosmopolitan' (I cropped the photo to avoid offending anyone, though his hand covers his privates.)
Burt Reynolds did many of his own stunts
Towards the end of the book Burt discusses his dinner theatre in Jupiter, Florida - which put on stage shows for reasonable prices, and his acting school - where he taught until the end of his life. Sadly, Burt passed away in 2018 at the age of 82. A fitting epitaph can be taken from Burt's own words: "I'm proud of my accomplishments and disappointed by my failures. I always wanted to experience everything and go down swinging." And he did.
Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre
Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre
Burt Reynolds
I enjoyed the book, which is written in straightforward prose without a lot of flourishes. Burt had a story to tell, and - with the help of his co-writer Jon Winokur - he told it well. I'd recommend the book to fans of the actor and readers who like celebrity memoirs.
Your can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
October 11, 2018
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
WARNING: THIS IS 127% GIFS. IF YOU DON’T HAVE UNLIMITED DATA, STAY FAR FARRRRRRRR AWAY. (SORRY, CRICKET WIRELESS USERS LOL.)
Burt Reynolds had been appearing in movies/television shows for 20 years before I was even born. Due to my age, along with a pretty severe allergic reaction to most Western movies, his arrival in my life was marked by a film that would remain one of my favorites forever . . . .
When I got older I got a chance to experience his role in one of the most iconic films ever made . . . .
(And when I got reeeeeaaaaaallllllly old I even read the book.)
But Enough About Me covers nearly all the highs (and lows) of Burt Reynolds’ career. From good decisions such as appearing in the two aforementioned films - to things he would later determine were bad decisions such as . . . .
From great friends, both male . . . .
And female . . . .
To the one who got away . . . .
And the role that revamped a career (along with the line he didn’t want to say) . . . .
What’s different from other memoirs is that Burt tells these stories with himself playing second fiddle. He focuses on the person he is speaking about at the time and their impact on his life rather than the other way around. He’s not afraid to tell it like it is – especially when it comes to his opinion of Marlon Brando and a handful of others - but does his best to gloss over his failed marriage with Loni Anderson rather than dragging her through the mire. At times his ego shows through and I definitely have a hard time believing he was quite the choir boy he attempts to make himself out to be when it comes to the fairer sex. But he’s Burt so somehow it all works.
I put myself on the wait list for this after hearing of Burt Reynolds’ passing. I wanted to hear him talk to me a little more, I guess, and tell me about his life on my way to and from work. It was like having coffee with an old friend. If you’re a fan, I highly recommend.
WARNING: THIS IS 127% GIFS. IF YOU DON’T HAVE UNLIMITED DATA, STAY FAR FARRRRRRRR AWAY. (SORRY, CRICKET WIRELESS USERS LOL.)
Burt Reynolds had been appearing in movies/television shows for 20 years before I was even born. Due to my age, along with a pretty severe allergic reaction to most Western movies, his arrival in my life was marked by a film that would remain one of my favorites forever . . . .
When I got older I got a chance to experience his role in one of the most iconic films ever made . . . .
(And when I got reeeeeaaaaaallllllly old I even read the book.)
But Enough About Me covers nearly all the highs (and lows) of Burt Reynolds’ career. From good decisions such as appearing in the two aforementioned films - to things he would later determine were bad decisions such as . . . .
From great friends, both male . . . .
And female . . . .
To the one who got away . . . .
And the role that revamped a career (along with the line he didn’t want to say) . . . .
What’s different from other memoirs is that Burt tells these stories with himself playing second fiddle. He focuses on the person he is speaking about at the time and their impact on his life rather than the other way around. He’s not afraid to tell it like it is – especially when it comes to his opinion of Marlon Brando and a handful of others - but does his best to gloss over his failed marriage with Loni Anderson rather than dragging her through the mire. At times his ego shows through and I definitely have a hard time believing he was quite the choir boy he attempts to make himself out to be when it comes to the fairer sex. But he’s Burt so somehow it all works.
I put myself on the wait list for this after hearing of Burt Reynolds’ passing. I wanted to hear him talk to me a little more, I guess, and tell me about his life on my way to and from work. It was like having coffee with an old friend. If you’re a fan, I highly recommend.
August 2, 2021
5 Stars for But Enough About Me: A Memoir (audiobook) by Burt Reynolds and Jon Winokur read by Burt Reynolds.
I really recommend this as an audiobook. Hearing all the emotion in Burt Reynolds’s voice was really special. There were issues that he needed to set straight and regrets to be expressed. He led an amazing life and he will forever be missed by his fans.
I really recommend this as an audiobook. Hearing all the emotion in Burt Reynolds’s voice was really special. There were issues that he needed to set straight and regrets to be expressed. He led an amazing life and he will forever be missed by his fans.
June 22, 2025
"I may not be the best actor in the world, but I'm the best Burt Reynolds in the world"
This actor is perhaps a guilty pleasure to enjoy in his movies, but I know that movies like Hooper, Smokey & the Bandit, Cannonball Run still make me laugh out loud today as they did in the past. In the past with my dad, who did not laugh loud but started shaking while silent tears ran down his face. And hé watched BL Stryker movie and was annoyed there were not more of them. Burt Reynolds is not so much an actor as a movie star who seemed to enjoy life to the max.
This book is not so much an autobuography but more a tale about Hollywood and some of its characters. It is a book that tells a lot but shows mostly the kindness of Burt Reynolds and his reflections upon himself, not always showing himself in the best lighting and the people hé met and worked with.
The book contains some very funny memories and hé remenbers most people in their best way possible.
I really enjoyed his stories and for anybody who enjoyed his movies as I did it is a nice window on Hollywood.
This actor is perhaps a guilty pleasure to enjoy in his movies, but I know that movies like Hooper, Smokey & the Bandit, Cannonball Run still make me laugh out loud today as they did in the past. In the past with my dad, who did not laugh loud but started shaking while silent tears ran down his face. And hé watched BL Stryker movie and was annoyed there were not more of them. Burt Reynolds is not so much an actor as a movie star who seemed to enjoy life to the max.
This book is not so much an autobuography but more a tale about Hollywood and some of its characters. It is a book that tells a lot but shows mostly the kindness of Burt Reynolds and his reflections upon himself, not always showing himself in the best lighting and the people hé met and worked with.
The book contains some very funny memories and hé remenbers most people in their best way possible.
I really enjoyed his stories and for anybody who enjoyed his movies as I did it is a nice window on Hollywood.
January 20, 2016
The single achievement that eluded Mr. Reynolds over the course of his fifty years as a working actor was the Academy Award. And he wanted one. He wanted one very badly. The problem, in retrospect, was that his most successful films were box-office goldmines of the action/comedy variety - Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run, Stroker Ace, Semi-Tough. Because they were so popular and so ridiculously lucrative, he made quite a number of them. And while the film industry was more than willing to laud his commercial viability (he held the title of Top Box Office Attraction for five years running; a notable Hollywood honor bestowed by movie exhibitors), the bulk of his work was not viewed as "serious" performance, or at least performance of the caliber found among any given year's field of Oscar nominees. One could argue (many have) the merits of his roles in Deliverance, The Longest Yard, Starting Over...none of which garnered him that coveted slot on the Academy's ballot. This would happen once, and only once, at the tail-end of his career.
I'd venture to bet that you had to be a denizen of Los Angeles in the late seventies and early eighties to truly appreciate the manner in which Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights nailed the zeitgeist of the Valley's B-, C-, and D-list film communities. He took on the Southern California porn industry, but it could just as easily have been Roger Corman's low-budget, counter-culture cinema or the independent works of John Cassavetes, or even the initial grist of George Lucas. These under-the-radar companies were very much families; close-knit, seat-of-the-pants concerns, the most successful of which were led by charismatic father figures - a role that could not possibly have been better inhabited than it was here by Reynolds. This part brought him his sole nomination. In another film season, one without Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting, he might easily have won.
But Enough About Me is not the memoir. The memoir was published in 1994 under the title My Life. This is an addendum; a loose skitter around the periphery of his Hollywood experience. In it Reynolds shares his passions, his progressions and his personal take on the people he encountered - some recognizable (Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis, Sinatra, Eastwood) and some largely not (Hal Needham). As with many retrospective celebrity endeavors, he's getting his final truths out and setting the record straight. Few, if any, punches are pulled - including those he throws at his younger self for certain foolish choices and unfortunate remarks. It's an interesting read I would recommend to fans, though offer merely as a consideration for those in search of standard autobiographical fare.
I'd venture to bet that you had to be a denizen of Los Angeles in the late seventies and early eighties to truly appreciate the manner in which Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights nailed the zeitgeist of the Valley's B-, C-, and D-list film communities. He took on the Southern California porn industry, but it could just as easily have been Roger Corman's low-budget, counter-culture cinema or the independent works of John Cassavetes, or even the initial grist of George Lucas. These under-the-radar companies were very much families; close-knit, seat-of-the-pants concerns, the most successful of which were led by charismatic father figures - a role that could not possibly have been better inhabited than it was here by Reynolds. This part brought him his sole nomination. In another film season, one without Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting, he might easily have won.
But Enough About Me is not the memoir. The memoir was published in 1994 under the title My Life. This is an addendum; a loose skitter around the periphery of his Hollywood experience. In it Reynolds shares his passions, his progressions and his personal take on the people he encountered - some recognizable (Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis, Sinatra, Eastwood) and some largely not (Hal Needham). As with many retrospective celebrity endeavors, he's getting his final truths out and setting the record straight. Few, if any, punches are pulled - including those he throws at his younger self for certain foolish choices and unfortunate remarks. It's an interesting read I would recommend to fans, though offer merely as a consideration for those in search of standard autobiographical fare.
November 22, 2015
Burt Reynolds made 100 movies and I don't think I missed any. I liked his movies because unlike many Hollywood types today, he never took himself too seriously, was a fun loving guy and always entertaining. His autobiography is fun reading as well with anecdotes about his life, the actors and directors he worked with, the movies he made and the women he knew and loved. He comes across as a very humble kind of former superstar who enjoyed great friendships and lovers while very candidly discussing his lifetime regrets. Most of all though, Burt Reynolds tells great stories. If you like movies and movie history of the the last 50 years, read this book. You won't be disappointed.
November 22, 2015
This isn't a true memoir but more of a collection of random musings and anecdotes about the people he's known and worked with over the years--Sally Field, Loni Anderson, Dinah Shore, Clint Eastwood, Hal Needham, Johnny Carson, Bette Davis, and many more big names.
For the most part Burt seemed fairly candid about his relationships but got little coy in talking about some of his personal issues, such as his use of toupees and his penchant for "fisticuffs" when it came to female relationships. He also contradicted himself by saying he and Sally Field never actually lived together but kept their own homes, then later on after giving one of his Florida houses to a friend, said he couldn't even step into the house as he and Sally lived there together.
This was entertaining but take it with a grain or two of salt.
For the most part Burt seemed fairly candid about his relationships but got little coy in talking about some of his personal issues, such as his use of toupees and his penchant for "fisticuffs" when it came to female relationships. He also contradicted himself by saying he and Sally Field never actually lived together but kept their own homes, then later on after giving one of his Florida houses to a friend, said he couldn't even step into the house as he and Sally lived there together.
This was entertaining but take it with a grain or two of salt.
January 3, 2016
I always liked Burt Reynolds, and reading his memoir, But Enough About Me, was a good time and an enjoyable look back. He tells stories about good times and other kinds of times with actors, directors, and stuntpeople he has spent time with throughout his career. The book brought back a lot of good memories from the different times he talks about in his book. I found it funny in quite a few places, I have always loved his sense of humor. I didn't realize how far back his career actually went in Hollywood, and many of the Old Hollywood types he knew back then. There were 2 sections of pictures in the book, which were nice to see too. Love his infectious laugh still. Liked the sections relating to his love life, and reading about his family.
November 26, 2019
A nice read due to the conversational tone, the focus on people around him and the non-chronological telling of events - parts that I enjoyed very much. It is a more open-hearted (and at points even candid) book than I guessed - but then I know very little about the person Burt Reynolds. When I was (much) younger he was 'The Bandit' and as I got (a tad) older he was Lewis Medlock and after that he sang with Dolly Parton, but I wasn't really interested by then.
There is an interesting and varied smattering of names throughout and plenty of fun trivia. I did feel like it all got told though and the final 2-3 chapters felt more like name dropping than the intriguing beginning. It's an OK read though, no matter if your a fan or just a tiny bit curious.
There is an interesting and varied smattering of names throughout and plenty of fun trivia. I did feel like it all got told though and the final 2-3 chapters felt more like name dropping than the intriguing beginning. It's an OK read though, no matter if your a fan or just a tiny bit curious.
December 30, 2015
4.25-stars
I thought this was pretty excellent. I’ve always been a fan of Burt Reynolds ,and having heard he had released a new book, I had to take a peek. I ended up reading it all the way through in one sitting.
I was born in 1973, so when I was a little kid Burt Reynolds was essentially a rock star. I wouldn't have known of his appearances on THE TONIGHT SHOW or DELIVERANCE or anything else about him, but I had seen SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT and THE LONGEST YARD (couldn’t say which I saw first), and from that moment on I was a fan. To this day I’ll stop and watch those movies anytime I come across them.
Burt Reynolds was number one at the box office for 5 years in a row then. That really says it all. That kind of success can not be sustained, and certainly he didn’t even come close. But he didn't have to either; he's still one of my all-time favorites.
In the book, chapters are grouped by people he has known throughout his life. It’s all pretty interesting with tons of fascinating anecdotes, some of which really blew me away, but I think what I find most mind-blowing, is just to think about what a diverse and incredible group of people he's known by virtue of him “making it” in the era he did. Because I would probably be wowed if someone (anyone at all) told me about an encounter they had with some famous celebrity, but just imagine having known, say, Rocky Marciano or Marylin Monroe or John Wayne or Roy Rogers or Frank Sinatra or Jim Brown or Johnny Carson, or any of many other icons of the 20th century. He knew them all and considered them friends. The life he's lived, the people he's known, the stories he can tell because of that, surely the view from which he's seen things is as incredible as anyone could ever hope for in a life. And what I thought was really excellent about the book--and I can’t even explain how this works--is that the magic that was Burt Reynolds on the screen all those years ago, the thing that made me like him, the cockiness, the swagger, the charm--someone else described him best when they said he had a unique blend of cockiness and self-deprecating humor--it's evident in his written words today. I see it, and I’m still a fan.
I thought this was pretty excellent. I’ve always been a fan of Burt Reynolds ,and having heard he had released a new book, I had to take a peek. I ended up reading it all the way through in one sitting.
I was born in 1973, so when I was a little kid Burt Reynolds was essentially a rock star. I wouldn't have known of his appearances on THE TONIGHT SHOW or DELIVERANCE or anything else about him, but I had seen SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT and THE LONGEST YARD (couldn’t say which I saw first), and from that moment on I was a fan. To this day I’ll stop and watch those movies anytime I come across them.
Burt Reynolds was number one at the box office for 5 years in a row then. That really says it all. That kind of success can not be sustained, and certainly he didn’t even come close. But he didn't have to either; he's still one of my all-time favorites.
In the book, chapters are grouped by people he has known throughout his life. It’s all pretty interesting with tons of fascinating anecdotes, some of which really blew me away, but I think what I find most mind-blowing, is just to think about what a diverse and incredible group of people he's known by virtue of him “making it” in the era he did. Because I would probably be wowed if someone (anyone at all) told me about an encounter they had with some famous celebrity, but just imagine having known, say, Rocky Marciano or Marylin Monroe or John Wayne or Roy Rogers or Frank Sinatra or Jim Brown or Johnny Carson, or any of many other icons of the 20th century. He knew them all and considered them friends. The life he's lived, the people he's known, the stories he can tell because of that, surely the view from which he's seen things is as incredible as anyone could ever hope for in a life. And what I thought was really excellent about the book--and I can’t even explain how this works--is that the magic that was Burt Reynolds on the screen all those years ago, the thing that made me like him, the cockiness, the swagger, the charm--someone else described him best when they said he had a unique blend of cockiness and self-deprecating humor--it's evident in his written words today. I see it, and I’m still a fan.
August 26, 2018
My wife took me to an all-expenses-paid visit to a bookstore for my 60th birthday this week.
All right, so she took me to a local zoo, a picnic table, a steakhouse and the backyard for a little leisurely yard work.
The yard work was my idea. It took my mind off of things.
One of the books I grabbed was this one, from the bargain table. I had originally wanted to buy it when it first came out - because I am an old fart - only I am on a budget these days, so I waited until I could pick it up cheaply.
I'm halfway through and enjoying the hell out of this book. Some great stories on a lot of celebrities that old farts such as myself still remember. Burt - via his ghost writer - stayed mostly humble and down-to-earth throughout the whole read, so far. I haven't found any elements of phoniness or Hollywoodier-than-thou misrepresentation.
I'd recommend it for old farts, such as myself, because younger farts would have Google way too many times!
yours in storytelling,
Steve Vernon
All right, so she took me to a local zoo, a picnic table, a steakhouse and the backyard for a little leisurely yard work.
The yard work was my idea. It took my mind off of things.
One of the books I grabbed was this one, from the bargain table. I had originally wanted to buy it when it first came out - because I am an old fart - only I am on a budget these days, so I waited until I could pick it up cheaply.
I'm halfway through and enjoying the hell out of this book. Some great stories on a lot of celebrities that old farts such as myself still remember. Burt - via his ghost writer - stayed mostly humble and down-to-earth throughout the whole read, so far. I haven't found any elements of phoniness or Hollywoodier-than-thou misrepresentation.
I'd recommend it for old farts, such as myself, because younger farts would have Google way too many times!
yours in storytelling,
Steve Vernon
October 10, 2018
I live near Jupiter Florida and Burt was definitely Jupiter's favorite son. After seeing that he recently passed away I wanted to read his memoir. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It came across as warm and sincere. I especially loved his recollections of growing up in South Florida. The book was equal parts personal stories and stories about famous people he knew. I think he let Loni Anderson off pretty easily. Even though there was a lot of acrimony she actually did host his funeral along with their son.
My girlfriend and I went on a Burt Reynolds field trip. He lived across the street from the park he fondly recounted swimming in with the alligators but where he lived is in a gated community so we couldn't see the house. His ranch where Smokey and the Bandit was filmed has been sold for a housing development. The closest we got was taking our picture in front of the sign at Burt Reynolds Park. Burt gave a lot back to the community of Jupiter. He will be sorely missed.
My girlfriend and I went on a Burt Reynolds field trip. He lived across the street from the park he fondly recounted swimming in with the alligators but where he lived is in a gated community so we couldn't see the house. His ranch where Smokey and the Bandit was filmed has been sold for a housing development. The closest we got was taking our picture in front of the sign at Burt Reynolds Park. Burt gave a lot back to the community of Jupiter. He will be sorely missed.
January 5, 2025
Burt Reynolds was mentioned in the autobiography book by David A.R. White from 2016 in a positive light. So, I thought I would look into Reynolds' book since it was similar in dates published and learn more about this legendary film actor and Hollywood superstar. When I found Burt's book on the online platform Libby, I then saw that Sally Field had her memoir out there as well from 2018. So, why not read hers at the same time since she and Burt have some obvious history together. Very fascinating how each treated the other in their respective books. Sally went into quite the detail about her up and down relationship with Burt while Burt was mainly positive about their relationship in his book though much briefer in nature. And there were some major differences as you might expect how they remembered each other during that time. Overall, for this book he mentions many names throughout the pages and gives you a brief history about each one and how they met or how they interacted with each other (he tended though to ramble on and get lost in some of those chapters). Burt admits he made mistakes throughout his life but doesn't really go into detail what they were. He mentions how he passed and missed out on some great opportunities and also how his mysterious sickness really hurt him in the public eye (many people turned on him which made him unforgiving of those that chose that path). But the overall theme is he had fun throughout and tried to make people laugh. He really enjoyed his time on the Johnny Carson show including when he was the guest host. Plenty of fascinating stories about many of the famous personalities in the entertainment industry, but surprisingly he really focused in on his dad and how that relationship never really satisfied either one of them throughout his life. Plenty of pictures at the end of the book and the Index is very detailed.
May 7, 2021
This book is advertised as a sort of candid, no-holds-barred account of Burt Reynolds life and career but I found it to be more a series of anecdotes. Very funny anecdotes, in many cases, but I never felt like I got to know Burt Reynolds from what he told; however, there’s an awful lot you can get at by trying to read between the lines when essential information is missing.
Burt was a high-school football star who blew out his knee before getting his collegiate career started at Florida State and there’s a lot of jock-style anecdotes here; I don’t mean football and sports talk so much as the stories that men tell, a testosterone-driven mix of possible exaggerations and omissions that you might tell over a few beers but probably wouldn’t want your mother to hear. (Not particularly sexist or offensive but just the same…) As a long-time male and frequent participant in these types of conversations, I felt right at home. A little bragging with a heavy dose of b.s. never did anyone any harm and it can be entertaining as hell. However, it gave me an insight as to who Burt might have been and why he was so roundly disliked by much of Hollywood. So, here’s my theory: Burt was sarcastic, an ex-jock and a brawler, which could lead to intimidating and leaning on people he didn’t like or didn’t like him; after all, what could they do about it? He was a physical presence, a lady-killer and extremely profitable; even if people didn’t like him at times, Hollywood is very much money-driven so people could put up with a lot if he was making money for them but when he began to slide a bit, they could at last put the boot in. His greatest respect in the book went mostly to fellow machos and strong women who could give as well as take. He said he hated his near-Oscar-winning role in “Boogie Nights” because he didn’t like the role of a porn-film director but I think he also had to do with being bullied by the director (which may have been why his character seemed so real, someone doing work he was disgusted by – he was living it while he was making the film.)
My biggest question going in, after reading Sally Field’s autobiography, was what he would say about her? The answer is: almost nothing. There’s a lot about his relationship with Dinah Shore and his failed marriage to Loni Anderson but Sally is relegated to “the one who got away” without his version of why. She held off publishing until after his death because she didn’t want to hurt his feelings and I think he was still sensitive about her decision to just completely shut him out while still having affection for him but I think he just didn’t want to discuss the woman who he called “the love of his life.” So, there’s a whole chapter about all the men involved in making “Smokie and the Bandit” but not one word in that chapter about Sally Field, his co-star. This is followed by a very short chapter on her where he discusses nothing about what went wrong; basically, there’s almost nothing to contradict her version because there’s almost nothing written, period, just a short reference to when he was rumored to have AIDS and she didn’t come to his defense. The only point they both touch on is he saw “Norma Rae” as being award-winning material, exactly the opposite reaction to what Sally told. Basically, I read his part of the story, or what he told, is “I blew it”, and then finding some niggling point later on to nail her with.
I enjoyed the book, no question, and I can recommend it but a grain of salt might be in order in some parts because he was what he was, an ex-jock, ex-film star, telling stories with what he wants to tell and leaving the rest out. (By the way, his final film, “The Last Movie Star”, when he was on his last legs physically, serves better than this book as an apologia for being the asshole he frequently was. For all Burt-lovers, it’s something you ought not miss.)
Burt was a high-school football star who blew out his knee before getting his collegiate career started at Florida State and there’s a lot of jock-style anecdotes here; I don’t mean football and sports talk so much as the stories that men tell, a testosterone-driven mix of possible exaggerations and omissions that you might tell over a few beers but probably wouldn’t want your mother to hear. (Not particularly sexist or offensive but just the same…) As a long-time male and frequent participant in these types of conversations, I felt right at home. A little bragging with a heavy dose of b.s. never did anyone any harm and it can be entertaining as hell. However, it gave me an insight as to who Burt might have been and why he was so roundly disliked by much of Hollywood. So, here’s my theory: Burt was sarcastic, an ex-jock and a brawler, which could lead to intimidating and leaning on people he didn’t like or didn’t like him; after all, what could they do about it? He was a physical presence, a lady-killer and extremely profitable; even if people didn’t like him at times, Hollywood is very much money-driven so people could put up with a lot if he was making money for them but when he began to slide a bit, they could at last put the boot in. His greatest respect in the book went mostly to fellow machos and strong women who could give as well as take. He said he hated his near-Oscar-winning role in “Boogie Nights” because he didn’t like the role of a porn-film director but I think he also had to do with being bullied by the director (which may have been why his character seemed so real, someone doing work he was disgusted by – he was living it while he was making the film.)
My biggest question going in, after reading Sally Field’s autobiography, was what he would say about her? The answer is: almost nothing. There’s a lot about his relationship with Dinah Shore and his failed marriage to Loni Anderson but Sally is relegated to “the one who got away” without his version of why. She held off publishing until after his death because she didn’t want to hurt his feelings and I think he was still sensitive about her decision to just completely shut him out while still having affection for him but I think he just didn’t want to discuss the woman who he called “the love of his life.” So, there’s a whole chapter about all the men involved in making “Smokie and the Bandit” but not one word in that chapter about Sally Field, his co-star. This is followed by a very short chapter on her where he discusses nothing about what went wrong; basically, there’s almost nothing to contradict her version because there’s almost nothing written, period, just a short reference to when he was rumored to have AIDS and she didn’t come to his defense. The only point they both touch on is he saw “Norma Rae” as being award-winning material, exactly the opposite reaction to what Sally told. Basically, I read his part of the story, or what he told, is “I blew it”, and then finding some niggling point later on to nail her with.
I enjoyed the book, no question, and I can recommend it but a grain of salt might be in order in some parts because he was what he was, an ex-jock, ex-film star, telling stories with what he wants to tell and leaving the rest out. (By the way, his final film, “The Last Movie Star”, when he was on his last legs physically, serves better than this book as an apologia for being the asshole he frequently was. For all Burt-lovers, it’s something you ought not miss.)
December 29, 2015
"But Enough About Me" is Bert Reynolds (1936-) interesting quick read memoir mostly covering his long career film and television, his observations and stories about many of his equally famous celebrity friends and acquaintances, his start in the Hyde Park, NY acting program and rise to super stardom. Reynolds also talks about his teaching acting students while in retirement. This book follows his memoir "My Life" (1994).
Of the celebrity memoir genre, the book follows a typical style format. One of the best parts of the book as far as revealing personal life details, is at the beginning where Reynolds writes about his love for football and fast cars. His college education was paid for by a local business man and millionaire after his near death car accident while driving his fathers Buick. Unable to realize his dream of becoming an NFL football player due to a knee injury, his shift from sports to the theatre seemed nearly accidental as Reynolds discovered his natural gifts and talent as an actor. Soon he was meeting Tennessee Williams and working with Spencer Tracy, who, during that time period Tracy was struggling with depression and alcoholism.
Many of the actors and actresses Reynolds knew would become friends and sometime lovers. Reynolds has many good stories to tell regarding his encounters with Cary Grant, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Lee Marvin, Bette Davis, and a host of others. The stories behind the making of "Deliverance" (1972) his lifelong friendship with Jon Voight, and how Reynolds posing nude for the April 1972 issue of Cosmopolitan may have prevented the film from receiving award winning recognition.
The mega-hit "East Bound and Down" from the block buster film "Smokey and The Bandit" (1977) was written by his co-star Jerry Reed in one night, and he and Sally Field fell in love while making Bandit. We all know the outcome of the story, as Reynolds speaks candidly of his regrets, marriage and romance not working out. There is also a notable absence of Reynolds relationship with his only adopted son Quentin. Pages of great photos included.
With thanks to the Seattle Public Library.
Of the celebrity memoir genre, the book follows a typical style format. One of the best parts of the book as far as revealing personal life details, is at the beginning where Reynolds writes about his love for football and fast cars. His college education was paid for by a local business man and millionaire after his near death car accident while driving his fathers Buick. Unable to realize his dream of becoming an NFL football player due to a knee injury, his shift from sports to the theatre seemed nearly accidental as Reynolds discovered his natural gifts and talent as an actor. Soon he was meeting Tennessee Williams and working with Spencer Tracy, who, during that time period Tracy was struggling with depression and alcoholism.
Many of the actors and actresses Reynolds knew would become friends and sometime lovers. Reynolds has many good stories to tell regarding his encounters with Cary Grant, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Lee Marvin, Bette Davis, and a host of others. The stories behind the making of "Deliverance" (1972) his lifelong friendship with Jon Voight, and how Reynolds posing nude for the April 1972 issue of Cosmopolitan may have prevented the film from receiving award winning recognition.
The mega-hit "East Bound and Down" from the block buster film "Smokey and The Bandit" (1977) was written by his co-star Jerry Reed in one night, and he and Sally Field fell in love while making Bandit. We all know the outcome of the story, as Reynolds speaks candidly of his regrets, marriage and romance not working out. There is also a notable absence of Reynolds relationship with his only adopted son Quentin. Pages of great photos included.
With thanks to the Seattle Public Library.
December 17, 2015
Burt Reynolds is funny. He is self-deprecating, observant, witty, does not suffer fools gladly, and likes to tell a good story. This makes it sound like we are great friends, and reading his latest book, I kind of feel we are! His previous autobiography, My Life, was more straightforward, but But Enough About Me reveals his thoughts and feelings about the people who have inhabited his life. Mostly he talks about his fellow actors and directors, the vast majority of whom he has got on with very well, and he always has an entertaining tale to tell about them. Within this structure he revisits his life and career, his relationships, friendships and family. There are hardly any of the stories that he tells that didn't make me at least smile, and loads that made me laugh out loud - several times over the small section devoted to Peter Bogdanovich and Madeleine Kahn.
When I was growing up Burt Reynolds was one of the actors I thought of as a real movie star. I laughed at 'Smokey and The Bandit', was impressed by 'Deliverance', but 'The End', 'Lucky Lady', 'Starting Over' and 'Nickelodeon' wound up being my favourites. I may have expanded my ideas of movie stars by watching the classics on a Saturday afternoon with my mum, but I never stopped appreciating Burt's sense of humour and the tongue -in-cheek sexiness of the persona he created for the screen. This all comes over in the book, but so does a charming, almost old-fashioned gentleman, who is loyal and thoughtful and appreciates the good people he has known, and is happy to let them know it. A refreshing way to look at your life I think.
When I was growing up Burt Reynolds was one of the actors I thought of as a real movie star. I laughed at 'Smokey and The Bandit', was impressed by 'Deliverance', but 'The End', 'Lucky Lady', 'Starting Over' and 'Nickelodeon' wound up being my favourites. I may have expanded my ideas of movie stars by watching the classics on a Saturday afternoon with my mum, but I never stopped appreciating Burt's sense of humour and the tongue -in-cheek sexiness of the persona he created for the screen. This all comes over in the book, but so does a charming, almost old-fashioned gentleman, who is loyal and thoughtful and appreciates the good people he has known, and is happy to let them know it. A refreshing way to look at your life I think.
August 17, 2017
This book is a vast compilation of Burt Reynolds memories and so rewarding. Reynolds narrates his own audio book in a slow, gritty, and heartfelt drawl. The deliberate cadence captures each memory with great honesty. The slow pacing is what makes it special -- it just captures you in its spell. I found it most satisfying to listen to the audio book as I followed along with the ebook, and was pleasantly amused as he ad-libbed the audio in many places. His reflections are candid, his delivery pure, and it makes for a very special read. I would also suggest Hal Needham's "Stuntman" as a pairing. (Reynolds and Needham were best buds). As both talk about Hollywood, Reynolds' focus is on the people, Needham is all about the action. For anyone interested in Hollywood and movies, I highly recommend both books.
December 11, 2015
Totally pleasant collection of memories and anecdotes about famous friends and lovers from Burt Reynolds. His career runs from the late studio system to Boogie Nights -- he was hanging out in 1950s NYC with Strasberg people, got advice from lots of classic stars, and emerged in the 70s as, you know, BURT REYNOLDS. The man is low key but honest about his unusual life and accomplishments.
Also, one whole star for revealing that Charles Nelson Reilly survived the Hartford Circus Fire when he was 13.
Also, one whole star for revealing that Charles Nelson Reilly survived the Hartford Circus Fire when he was 13.
January 31, 2016
This isn't really an autobiography, but it does cover the actor's life from early childhood until around the present time. There's not much depth to it overall, and I'm not sure why I expected more. There are some amusing anecdotes here and there, the most interesting of which I found in the chapter about Smokey and the Bandit ("Smokey"). The rest is hit or miss, with some people rating whole chapters and others just a paragraph or two.
The ebook cost is outrageous, imho, and I'd recommend it only as a library book if you really want to read it.
The ebook cost is outrageous, imho, and I'd recommend it only as a library book if you really want to read it.
November 22, 2015
Good pr. That's what helps sell books. All the hype about about Burt still in love with Sally Fields? Yes, that's in this book but it doesn't end there...that's just the teaser. Sally said some negative things about Burt (which he doesn't puts in the book) but that doesn't make for hype. All in all, this is a mediocre memoir about his years as an actor and his reminiscences about better times. So, so.
December 14, 2015
I absolutely loved this book, almost as much as I love Burt Reynolds. He was always and still is one of my favorite actors. Lots of really nice stories about other actors, directors, etc. as far as autobiographies go, I really enjoyed this one so much.
July 21, 2018
Sort of shockingly emotional and regret-filled. The audio is good, but be prepared to be able to tell the difference between when Burt was caffeinated and fresh in the recording studio, versus when he’d clearly been at it for hours and was sleepy and mumbling.
November 22, 2015
It's about time!
This reads like Burt is talking to you. Very enjoyable read. I could not put it down. Anything that will make me stop playing candy crush has got to be awesome.
This reads like Burt is talking to you. Very enjoyable read. I could not put it down. Anything that will make me stop playing candy crush has got to be awesome.
December 29, 2015
Probably more of a 4 1/2. I listened to it, and he got very emotional at times, which is what made it so copelling for me. Burt Reynolds crying got to me, and he was a favorite of my parents:(.
April 18, 2019
Listened to the audio book version. It's a difficult review. Taken at face value it's not great quality. Burt's voice is often extremely weak and short of breath. You can tell he took frequent breaks, would get a second wind, sound stronger, then slide right back. You can frequently hear him shuffling pages or notes. But, there is a lot that is totally endearing about this book. It's like your dad or grandfather sitting you down and telling you the stories he wants you to know before it's too late. Yes, it helps if you were are a fan of his and I was. Loved him in Deliverance, The Longest Yard and yes even Cannonball Run. The man was cool before I knew what cool even meant. He talks of his high lights and the just as many low spots. Yes, sometimes he comes off as cranky when talking about people who he didn't like but, he is just as quick to note his own short comings. What really struck a chord with me was how heartfelt and choked up he got when he was talking about friends that have passed on like Dom DelLuise and loves that were lost like Dinah Shore. He chuckles at times and it's clear that he enjoys sharing his opinions. This wasn't just a good "read" it was a great experience.
May 22, 2025
A very entertaining read. It’s somewhat about Burt, his family and his start in acting, but...it’s 80% learning about a lot of celebrities that he met, befriended, worked with and disliked. It’s all here. Nothing is held back.
He had close relations: Sally Field, Dinah Shore, (Married) Loni Anderson. He went out with lots of actresses. He had a lot of friends (and met) in the movie business: Dom Deluise, Hal Needham, Jerry Reed, Carol Burnett, Jackie Gleason, Catherine Deneuve, Lee Marvin, Mel Brooks, Liza Minnelli, Madeline Kahn, John Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, Jim Brown, Jon Voight, Lee Marvin, Johnny Carson, Roy Rodgers, Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, Nelson C Riley, Bettie Davis, Farrah Fawcett, I Goldie Hawn, and on and on.
There are a lot of funny moments remembered here.
The book is very well written and anyone that’s a fan of movies 1930s-2010s will enjoy this book.
He had close relations: Sally Field, Dinah Shore, (Married) Loni Anderson. He went out with lots of actresses. He had a lot of friends (and met) in the movie business: Dom Deluise, Hal Needham, Jerry Reed, Carol Burnett, Jackie Gleason, Catherine Deneuve, Lee Marvin, Mel Brooks, Liza Minnelli, Madeline Kahn, John Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, Jim Brown, Jon Voight, Lee Marvin, Johnny Carson, Roy Rodgers, Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, Nelson C Riley, Bettie Davis, Farrah Fawcett, I Goldie Hawn, and on and on.
There are a lot of funny moments remembered here.
The book is very well written and anyone that’s a fan of movies 1930s-2010s will enjoy this book.
May 15, 2017
I took pause when I flicked through and saw the name ‘Donald Trump’ as a chapter heading in the contents. In a book where Burt Reynolds pays tribute to, and shares warm anecdotes of, various people who have crossed his path across the years, I wasn’t sure I was in the mood at the moment to read a cheery, fuzzy anecdote about Donald Trump. I needn’t have worried though. What we have in that chapter isn’t a hatchet job by any means, but nor is it any kind of ode. Burt says that he always likes meeting Trump, but always keeps his wallet close at hand when he does. He also shares the view that “Donald’s ego transcended his business sense” and then expresses the fervent hope that he never becomes President of the United States.
Say what you will about Burt Reynolds, but his judgement ain’t bad.
This is an amiable, insubstantial book which feels like what it is – an old man genially sharing anecdotes into a tape recorder, which someone else then types up. The structure does necessarily make the book a bit scattershot, and the whole is really a hint towards autobiography rather than autobiography itself. As such it doesn’t answer the most pertinent questions about Reynolds – how did he get so high, and then how did he fall so low and so fast? I can only hope that in years to come a sympathetic biographer steps up to shape what’s clearly a complex and interesting life into a work with depth.
If you get chance, please visit my blog for book, TV and film reviews - as well as whatever else takes my fancy - at frjameson.com
LIke my Facebook page
Or follow me on Twitter or Instagram: @frjameson.
Say what you will about Burt Reynolds, but his judgement ain’t bad.
This is an amiable, insubstantial book which feels like what it is – an old man genially sharing anecdotes into a tape recorder, which someone else then types up. The structure does necessarily make the book a bit scattershot, and the whole is really a hint towards autobiography rather than autobiography itself. As such it doesn’t answer the most pertinent questions about Reynolds – how did he get so high, and then how did he fall so low and so fast? I can only hope that in years to come a sympathetic biographer steps up to shape what’s clearly a complex and interesting life into a work with depth.
If you get chance, please visit my blog for book, TV and film reviews - as well as whatever else takes my fancy - at frjameson.com
LIke my Facebook page
Or follow me on Twitter or Instagram: @frjameson.
October 1, 2018
This book is not your typical autobiography or biography as it reveals more about other people in Reynolds life and only some info on his life both before and after he became an actor, but it is one of the best books on the ins and outs of the entertainment industry I have read in a long time. I loved the approach that Reynolds and his co-author took here in that it doesn't seem like you are reading a book but actually having a conversation with Reynolds himself.
I loved so many of the stories that he told and secrets he revealed. There were times I wished he had told more; he left me wanting to know more. If you had never seen Reynolds on the screen or in a TV interview you could pick up so much in this book about the personality of Burt Reynolds. He fills it with his own brand of goofiness and charm. He talks about his successes, his failures, his shoulda, woulda, couldas, his friends, the people he admired, the people he liked and the ones he didn't.
It's a fun and easy book to read, and often I had trouble putting it down.
I loved so many of the stories that he told and secrets he revealed. There were times I wished he had told more; he left me wanting to know more. If you had never seen Reynolds on the screen or in a TV interview you could pick up so much in this book about the personality of Burt Reynolds. He fills it with his own brand of goofiness and charm. He talks about his successes, his failures, his shoulda, woulda, couldas, his friends, the people he admired, the people he liked and the ones he didn't.
It's a fun and easy book to read, and often I had trouble putting it down.
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November 22, 2015It's Burt.
As someone who grew up watching Burt Reynolds on the Carson show and watching his movies( and enjoying him in both) I really liked reading about his life in show biz and the stars he came in contact with. A fast read and not great literature but an interesting look at the life of a screen icon.
As someone who grew up watching Burt Reynolds on the Carson show and watching his movies( and enjoying him in both) I really liked reading about his life in show biz and the stars he came in contact with. A fast read and not great literature but an interesting look at the life of a screen icon.
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