The passing of Burt Reynolds in 2018 was a heartbreaking moment for millions of fans around the world. The legendary actor, known for his charm and charisma on-screen, died after a lengthy battle with multiple health issues. His death marked the end of an era in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy filled with iconic roles, unforgettable performances, and personal stories that continue to resonate with those who knew him best. Among these stories is his complicated and deeply emotional relationship with actress Sally Field, a woman Reynolds often described as the great love of his life.

Burt Reynolds and Sally Field first met in the late 1970s, during a time when both actors were experiencing major success in their respective careers. They starred together in the 1977 hit film Smokey and the Bandit, and their on-screen chemistry quickly blossomed into a real-life romance. Reynolds later admitted that he had been instrumental in convincing the filmmakers to cast Field in the role, even though the producers were hesitant. According to Reynolds, they didn’t think she was “sexy enough” for the part. Burt, however, stood his ground. He saw something in Sally that others did not. His belief in her talent and his unwavering support ultimately helped her land the role. Field would later reflect on how Reynolds made her feel, saying he “gave me a feeling that I was sexy, and I wanted to be everything he ever wanted.”

Their relationship, which lasted several years, was marked by intense passion and affection but also by turbulence and heartache. Reynolds often referred to Field as the one true love of his life. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, he confessed that although he had been involved in numerous relationships throughout his lifetime, none compared to what he had with Sally. He openly admitted that she was the woman he loved most and that he regretted many of the choices he had made that led to their breakup.

Despite the deep connection they once shared, the last three decades of Reynolds’ life were spent without any communication with Field. After their relationship ended, Field chose to distance herself from Burt completely. She refused to speak with him and maintained that silence for thirty years. While some speculated about the reasons behind this decision, Sally herself rarely spoke publicly about their time together until after Reynolds passed away.

Following his death, Sally Field broke her silence and offered heartfelt reflections on their complicated relationship. She described their time together as both joyful and challenging. Field acknowledged that although there had been much love between them, there was also pain. She hinted that their relationship was unhealthy at times, and she made the difficult decision to walk away for her own well-being. In her memoir, In Pieces, she detailed her experiences with Reynolds, shedding light on their struggles and the personal battles she faced while they were together. She admitted that ending things with Burt was one of the hardest decisions she ever made, but it was necessary for her personal growth and peace of mind.

Reynolds, for his part, never stopped loving Sally Field. Until his final days, he expressed regret over how their relationship ended. He often spoke about her in interviews, calling her the love of his life and reflecting on how much he missed her. Despite the distance that separated them for so long, Burt’s feelings for Sally never faded. He described her as the one person who truly understood him, and he often wondered what might have been had things turned out differently.

In the end, their love story remains one of Hollywood’s most poignant tales. It is a reminder that even the most passionate and profound relationships can be fraught with challenges that ultimately drive people apart. Yet, despite the silence that lingered between them for decades, Burt Reynolds and Sally Field’s connection was undeniable. Their story continues to capture the hearts of fans, a testament to a love that, while imperfect, was deeply real.