Rosarian Academy will welcome movie star and FloridaÕs favorite son Burt Reynolds to their stage at the Picotte Fine Arts Center on Saturday evening, October 15. Prior to a showing of ReynoldsÕ hit movie Hooper, there will be a 30 minute Q&A with questions submitted by the audience. In a recent interview, Reynolds, who is well-known for his quick wit and self- deprecating sense of humor, said that he appreciates these opportunities to connect directly with his fans. ÒI never know what questions will be asked. Sometimes I think my fans know more about my life than I do. Anticipation keeps me on my toes.Ó
Hooper, an action/comedy film released in 1978, was directed by ReynoldsÕ good friend, the late Hal Needham, and also stars Sally Field, Jan-Michael Vincent, Brian Keith, Robert Klein, James Best and Adam West. The film pays homage to stuntmen and stuntwomen who, at one time, were unrecognized and unappreciated in the movie industry.
In September 2015, Reynolds was honored with the Richard Farnsworth Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions supporting stuntman in the film industry. In his acceptance speech he said that ÒÉ being honored by my fellow stuntmenÑthe people I believe deserve much more credit than they have ever been given for making a good movie greatÑis one of the highlights of my life.Ó
ReynoldsÕ film career includes memorable performances as Lewis Medlock in the controversial film Deliverance and Bo ÒBanditÓ Darville of Smokey and the Bandit fame. The Academy Award nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner has enjoyed enormous success not only as an actor but also as a producer and director in feature films, television and stage productions. Reynolds has been recognized as America’s Favorite All Around Motion Picture Actor winning the PeopleÕs Choice Award a record six consecutive years. The National Association of Theatre Owners presented him with Star of the Year recognition and named him the Most Popular Star for five years running. He was also named the #1 Box Office Star for five years in a rowÑstill an unmatched record.
Robert Sherman, the Director of RosarianÕs Theatre Arts Program, is also an instructor at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre. Having Reynolds, whom he considers a mentor and friend, appearing at Rosarian is a dream come true. ÒFor many years, IÕve wanted to introduce Burt Reynolds to our students. Much of what I know as a teacher and a professional actor I learned from him. His movies are timeless, fun and a visual reminder that, if you love what you do for a living, it will show in your performance.Ó
The movie event will begin at 7:30 pm with the Q&A followed by the showing ofHooper at 8:00 pm.
Tickets are $35.00 and are available at: https://ra.booktix.com/
