Burt Reynolds died at age 82 on September 6, 2018. The actor and filmmaker, born February 11, 1936, in Rogers, Oklahoma, passed away from a heart attack at a hospital in Jupiter, Florida. His death followed a period of reported heart issues, and an official medical determination confirmed natural causes. This verified detail remains relevant for biographical records, public health discussions about cardiovascular risk in older adults, and historical accounts of Reynolds’s career. Below is a concise breakdown of the timeline and supporting evidence.
Key dates and age at death
Birth and death timeline
Reynolds was born on February 11, 1936. He died on September 6, 2018, at age 82 years, 6 months, and 26 days. This makes his age at death consistent across authoritative sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | February 11, 1936 | Biographical records |
| Date of death | September 6, 2018 | Obituary and news reports |
| Age at death | 82 years | Coroner/public health reports |
| Place of death | Jupiter, Florida, USA | Hospital and news reports |
| Reported cause | Heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) | Medical examiner |
Context about age reporting
In U.S. convention, age at death is typically stated in completed years, meaning the number of full years lived since birth. For Reynolds, this is 82. When comparing lifespans or conducting demographic research, using the verified age (82) and precise dates reduces confusion. In everyday reporting, headlines may emphasize the year or the celebrity status, but the factual age remains 82.
Biographical highlights relevant to legacy
Reynolds’s age at death situates his career within a long arc from 1960s television to 1970s and 1980s film megahits to later work in voice and supporting roles. His longevity in the industry, spanning more than five decades, is notable when considered alongside his age at death. Below is a high-level overview of career phases tied to age ranges.
- Early television work (late 1950s–mid-1960s): roughly ages 23–30
- Breakout and peak film success (1970s–early 1980s): roughly ages 34–46 for titles like Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
- Later film and television work (1990s–2010s): ages 50s through early 80s, including narrations and cameos
Medical and public health context
Heart attack is a leading cause of death among adults over 65, and Reynolds’s case brought attention to cardiovascular risk in older males. Understanding modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking, and cholesterol, is relevant regardless of age at death. His experience underscores the importance of regular cardiac screening and aligns with public health guidance for aging populations.
Common questions and clarifications
Because Reynolds remained culturally prominent, occasional confusion arises about timelines. Confirming his precise age at death helps distinguish between rumor and verified information. Key clarifications include the exact date, age, and publicly confirmed cause.
Was Reynolds older or younger than peers who died around the same time?
Among actors who died in the late 2010s, Reynolds’s age at death (82) was within the typical range for natural causes, compared with contemporaries who passed away in their late 70s to late 80s.
Do sources agree on 82?
Yes. Major obituaries, official records, and news reports from 2018 consistently list age 82, corresponding to his birth year of 1936.
Why the age at death matters
Beyond curiosity, confirming age at death supports accurate biography, informs research on aging in entertainment, and provides clarity for audiences referencing his work. Reliable figures also aid comparative analyses, such as career length and shifts in film and television over time.
For ongoing reference, the age of 82 for Burt Reynolds is the verified, consensus figure reported by authoritative sources and should be used in biographical entries, timelines, and public records.