The movie was non-stop action that found a way to blend its car-centric narrative with a fair amount of humor and character as well. While made to take advantage of the ongoing 1970s CB radio fad, the film added to the craze. However, the scene where they drive through the Shell gas station was filmed in Ojai, California, on the corner of Ojai Avenue and El Paseo Road. At 6 foot 7 inches and 250 pounds, Pat McCormick was certainly an imposing presence, and with a bushy mustache plastered across his face, a distinctive one as well. He received numerous awards in his lifetime, but sadly passed in 2013 after being diagnosed with cancer.Smokey and the Bandit came out in 1977, and the cast starred Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Pat McCormick, Paul Williams and Mike Henry. I will miss him very much.". Returning to the big screen, Field appeared in 1977's Smokey and the Bandit, playing a runaway bride who catches a ride from a trucker (played by Burt Reynolds). If you're wondering whetherJerry Reed really drove the truck in Smokey and the Bandit, according to Horsepowermemories.com, the actor wasn't actually driving the truck. He was eventually given his own series, the short-lived "The Dom DeLuise Show." Mike Henry, a USC and NFL linebacker and later an actor in Tarzan movies of the 1960s and the Smokey and the Bandit films, has died. With the help of the Bandit (Burt Reynolds) and the Snowman (Jerry Reed), Big Enos hopes to flip the race by transporting a giant elephant to the Republican National Convention in Dallas. The film starred Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, and Jackie Gleason. [31] Smokey and the Bandit was released in the United Kingdom on August 28 and was a success there, garnering positive reviews. Jerry Reed Hubbard (March 20, 1937 [1] - September 1, 2008) [2] was an American singer, guitarist, composer, songwriter and actor who appeared in more than a dozen films. DeLuise first made a name for himself with roles in Mel Brooks comedies, co-starring with Brooks and Marty Feldman in"Silent Movie," and turning in high energy performances in"The Twelve Chairs,""History of the World, Part 1," and "Blazing Saddles," where he directed the memorable musical number "The French Mistake. Gleason had spent decades on both the big and small screen before Smokey and the Bandit, and Sheriff Justice was something of a renaissance for the veteran actor. Gleason reprised his role as Sheriff Justice in the two theatrically released Smokey and the Bandit films, and he made a handful of major appearances throughout the 1980s. The film featured a strong supporting cast, including John Malkovich, Lindsay Crouse, Danny Glover and Ed Harris, and received strong reviews. Fans of the "Smokey and the Bandit" franchise will remember his appearance as the outgoing Texas governor in the series' second installment. Except for Gleason, the original actors mostly redubbed their lines for the television version. Henry died in 2021 at the age of 84. Thus, the latter becomesSheriff Buford T. Justice's indirect target as his son Junior was to marryCarrie. Try our quiz and enter to win $500!Click below to check the trivia question Smokey and the Bandit was only Field's third feature film role, and she quickly pivoted her success on the big screen into Academy Award gold when she won an Oscar for Best Actress in 1979's Norma Rae. Wealthy Texan Big Enos Burdette and his son Little Enos have sponsored a racer in Atlanta's Southern Classic and want to celebrate in style when he wins, so they are seeking a trucker willing to bootleg Coors Beer to Atlanta for their refreshment. Still, for parents, it's a dumb-fun movie from their childhoods, and for older kids, it helps set some context for Burt Reynolds' successful '70s and '80s movie career beyond Norm MacDonald's legendary . Actress, director and writer Sally Margaret Field was born on November 6, 1946, in Pasadena, California. Do you think you know a lot about TV? Smokey and the ", Other notable big screen credits include the blaxploitation action film "Cleopatra Jones" and the urban comedy "Uptown Saturday Night." Besides sporadic TV spots as himself on various talk shows, Gleason appeared in one of the best Richard Pryor movies when he co-starred in the 1982 comedy film The Toy. In "Smokey and the Bandit II," Huddleston played a character named John Conn. Mel Brooks previously cast Huddleston in the comedy classic "Blazing Saddles," and the two worked together again in the musical version of "The Producers" in 2005. Sally as Carrie essayed the role of a runaway bride in Smokey and the Bandit,who jumps into Bandit's car unknowingly. [12] The area around Helen, Georgia, was used for some locations. Then DeLuise came aboard "Smokey and the Bandit II," "Cannonball Run II," and the big screen adaption of the hit musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. While the Snowman drives the truck carrying the beer, the Bandit drives a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am to distract law enforcement (called blocking) and keep the attention off the Snowman. In the film, Field played a ruthless journalist. Field played a young newlywed with ESP on the show, which lasted only one season. It was released on May 27, 1977. Some differences included the use of a supercharged 454-CID (7.4-liter) Chevrolet-sourced engine that put out 840 HP, and four round headlights, which appeared on the 196769 Firebirds/Trans Ams only; the actual 197781 models had rectangular headlights. See The Release Time, Plot And Other Details, 'WandaVision' Episode 4 Cast: Know All About The Actors & Their Characters In MCU Series, 'Finding Ohana' Cast List And Everything You Need To Know About Them. The commercials were produced after Stewart mentioned that the movie was one of his favorites.[39]. Henry then transferred to the Rams, and once he was in L.A., he pursued an acting career. The movie star's friends, according to Reynolds in his autobiography, "got down on their knees with tears in their eyes and begged me not to do it." 3. Sally Field On Burt Reynolds' Death: You Will Always Be In 'My Heart' Field later produced the 1991 drama Dying Young, which starred Roberts. Its lead, Burt Reynolds, was already a household name for his work in other notable redneck-exploitation films, but his turn as the Bandit elevated him to the level of superstardom. He is an avid reader and film buff. Reed also penned and performed the song for the opening credits, entitled "The Legend", which tells of some of the Bandit's escapades before the events of the film, and the ballad "The Bandit", which is in several versions in the movie and on the soundtrack. He made his movie debut when he was 39 years old with a role in 1972's "Deliverance." Directed by Hal Needham Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) verified as complete Produced by Music by Bill Justis Jerry Reed Cinematography by Bobby Byrne . Where is the Original Smokey And the Bandit Truck? [38], In 2014, petroleum company Mobil 1 produced television commercials, featuring then-NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, closely based on the film. He was a leading. This list of Smokey and the Bandit actors includes any Smokey and the Bandit actresses and all other actors from the film. These new models were built off the same Camaro platform, came with the Pontiac arrowhead, flaming bird, and Bandit logos, and the instrument panels, center consoles, and hood scoops emulating their 1977 counterparts, and were signed by Reynolds. She has been out of the spotlight for decades.Sally Field played Carrie, or Frog, which is one of dozens of roles she has taken on throughout her career. He was discovered at a Rams game and was invited to audition for the role of Tarzan. Late American film and television actor, director & producer, Burt Reynolds played the lead role of Bo Darville, aka the Bandit, in Smokey and the Bandit. Whatever Happened To The Cast Of Smokey And The Bandit? Bradshaw had a memorable cameo in the Reynolds stuntman comedy "Hooper," where he and Reynolds get into a knock-down, drag-out bar brawl, and he played himself in "Smokey and the Bandit II," and "The Cannonball Run." High estimates for the car were up to $80,000, but the actual sale price was $450,000. Reynolds remained active in front of the camera until his death from a heart attack at age 82. The film features the custom clothing and costuming of Niver Western Wear of Fort Worth, Texas. Just after re-entering Georgia, Snowman is rescued by Bandit after being stopped by a Georgia State Patrol motorcycle trooper, as state and local police intensely pursue Bandit with roadblocks and a helicopter to track his movement. Before long, Field was contemplating a return to series television. On May 27, 1977, "Smokey and the Bandit" premiered in theaters. Justice. My whole life is about family." [11] The movie was primarily filmed in Georgia, in the cities of McDonough, Jonesboro, and Lithonia. While he wasn't the most famous member of the cast of Smokey and the Bandit, former football star Mike Henry had already accomplished much. The film was followed by two sequels: Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983). [10], Principal photography of the film began on August 30, 1976. Field received raves for her performance and netted the Best Actress Oscar, beating out the likes of Jane Fonda, Marsha Mason, Jill Clayburgh and Bette Midler. [5], Universal Studios bankrolled Smokey and the Bandit for $5.3 million, figuring it was a good risk. He retired from acting after suffering a heart attack in 1997, and died in Memphis on November 29, 2005, after a series of strokes. Smokey and the Bandit was responsible for introducing two new generations of the Pontiac Trans Am to the public. Long behind her were the sitcom days of "Gidget" and "The Flying Nun," and she had just starred in "Sybil," an acclaimed TV movie based on a true story about a woman with multiple personality disorder. Anderson had numerous roles in film and television throughout his long career, including a bit part in "Smokey and the Bandit II." Born on October 20, 1922, Anderson got his start on Broadway. Petite and perky, she played a teenager on a quest to find fun with her best friend Larue (played by Lynette Winter). [33] Reynolds was given the 1977 vehicle used during promotion of the film as a gift, though the car itself never actually appeared in the film. He gained a whole new generation of fans playing the title role in "The Big Lebowski" and appearing in the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Christmas special. director of photography Film Editing by Walter Hannemann Angelo Ross Casting By Jennifer Shull Art Direction by Mark W. Mansbridge . Jerry as Cledus plays the partner of Bandit in transportingCoors Beer illegallyto Atlanta. The film was directed by Hal Needham, his first foray into directing. The film's theme song, "East Bound and Down", was written virtually overnight by Reed. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. During part of that time (1961-64) he was under [6] It would become one of Reed's biggest hits and his signature song.[7]. During their run, they are pursued by Texas county sheriff Buford T. Justice (Gleason). Gleason earned five Emmy nominations for his various shows between 1953-1956, but sadly no wins. The Snowman is the one who drives the truck full of beer fromTexarkana to Atlanta. Henry was first drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and played for the team from 1958 to 1961. Formerly of. Unfortunately, several actors who made those films so special are no longer with us. She co-starred as a party girl, a far cry from the innocent characters she played on the small screen. McCormick was a veteran of television and worked as a writer in the medium for many years, contributing gags for many top shows. (Still). Williams, now president of ASCAP, says he still gets a kick out of . Although he was a recognizable name and respected comic, he was forced to retire in 1998 due to a stroke. During this time he earned three Emmy nominations for writing (for "The Tonight Show," "Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back," and "The Danny Kaye Show"). But it was "Smokey and the Bandit" that cemented Reynolds' status as an A-list actor, and a sex symbol for women all over the world. Field's stepfather was a strict disciplinarian who expected faithful obedience from Field, her older brother, and half-sister Princess. Two units were 1974 models, as evidenced by standard silver Kenworth emblems on the truck grille, and one unit was a 1973 model, as evidenced by the gold-painted Kenworth emblem on the truck's grille, signifying Kenworth's 50 years in business. Mike Henry (1936-2021) Actor IMDbPro Starmeter Top 5,000 502 Play trailer 2:42 Smokey and the Bandit (1977) 2 Videos 11 Photos Michael Dennis Henry was born August 15th, 1936. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 78% rating based on 32 reviews. ", Prior to playing Cledus Snow (aka Snowman) in "Smokey and the Bandit," Reed was a guest celebrity voice on "Scooby Doo," and co-starred with Reynolds in "W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings" and "Gator." He also recorded most of the soundtrack for Smokey and the Bandit. Try our quiz and enter to win $500!Click below to check the trivia questionSmokey and the Bandit was one of the highest-grossing films of the 70s, and with it, Burt Reynolds and the rest of the cast achieved worldwide fame. He made an impression in many film and television appearances, especially as Big Enos in the "Smokey and the Bandit" series. With movies like "Smokey and the Bandit," "Cannonball Run," and "The Longest Yard," Reynolds made piles of money for the studios, and himself, but never got much critical acclaim to go with his . She has two sons, Peter and Eli, from her first marriage. The film follows the antics of Bandit as he takes a bet from "Big Enos" and "Little Enos" Burdette ( Pat McCormick and Paul Williams) to transport a truckload of. [44], Television censorship and alternative versions, second-highest-grossing domestic film of 1977, AFI's 100 Years100 Heroes and Villains, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Smokey and the Bandit at 35: A Case for the Genius of Hal Needham", "Greyhound Lakewood Park (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)", "Burt Reynolds' old Pontiac Trans Am replica sold for $317,500", "An Interview With Jim Wangers: Pontiac and the 1970's", "How the Bandit, Coors and a bunch of Makers changed the course of booze history", "Various Smokey And The Bandit (Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)", "Smokey and the Bandit, Box Office Information", "Burt Reynolds at the 2015 Macon Film Festival", "Seven Quirky Lowbrow Favorite Films of Highbrow Directors", "Remembering Hal Needham and the Birth of Redneck Cinema", "Smokey and the Bandit Film from RadioTimes", "Burt Reynolds' Bandit Trans Am sells for $450,000", "See a "New" Vintage Bandit Trans Am Approved by Burt Reynolds Himself", "Diablo Sandwich Recipe from CMT's Reel Eats", "Diablo Sandwich / "Diablo & Doc" From Smokey & the Bandit, Identified! Though Williams' career slowed down after the new millennium rolled around, he appeared in 2017's Baby Driver and frequently lent his voice to various animated projects all the way up to the year 2020. ', Astrological Sign: Scorpio, Article Title: Sally Field Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/actors/sally-field, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: April 15, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Mike Henry, NFL player who became an actor in Tarzan movies, "Smokey and the Bandit," died January 8 in Burbank, California at the age of 84. The third film which had no involvement from either Hal Needham or Sally Field and contained only a short cameo appearance by Burt Reynolds revolved entirely around Jackie Gleason's character, was panned by critics, and was a box office bomb, earning only $7 million against a $9 million budget.[41][42][43]. McCormick retired from acting in 1998, when a stroke left him partially paralyzed. If there was one thing you could count on, it was Dom DeLuise popping up in a Burt Reynolds movie. Smokey and the Bandit was one of the most beloved movies of the 1970s. In 1983, Yeager was depicted onscreen in the acclaimed film "The Right Stuff," where he was played by Sam Shepard. It was a hit with both audiences and critics. The rest, as they say, is history. He rebounded with a return to television, winning an Emmy for his leading role on the sitcom "Evening Shade." He reprised his role as crotchety sheriff Buford T. Justice in both sequels. He was an athletic professional football player at the time he entered the movies. [28] In his review in the Chicago Tribune, Gene Siskel gave the film two stars and complained that the film failed to tell the audience when the clock started on the beer run, thus reducing suspense. Although some of these deaths made national headlines, others may have sadly slipped under the radar. Continuing to work behind the scenes, Field directed and wrote the 1996 holiday television movie The Christmas Tree, which starred Julie Harris. This is obvious, because there is no fuel tank on the underside of the trailer to power the refrigeration unit, and the unit is never heard running. After several auditions, Field landed a role in 1976's bodybuilding film Stay Hungry with Jeff Bridges and Arnold Schwarzenegger. While some didn't believe that the car broke the sound barrier when it tore down Rogers Dry Lake near Edwards Air Force Base in 1979, Yeager said in photos of the event there was clear evidence that the car had hit supersonic speed. She also produced and starred in the 1995 television miniseries A Woman of Independent Means, the story of one woman's life journey during the early 20th century. If you still have fond memories of the Bandit, here's what happened to the cast of one of the biggest comedy hits of the '70s. Field is also known for her roles in the films Smokey and the Bandit, Forrest Gump and Lincoln, along with her Tony-nominated stage work. Williams was fresh off of his turn as the villainous Swan in 1974's The Phantom of the Paradise, and he would continue to act periodically while still penning hit songs for other artists. Dalton is a freelance writer and novelist from Orlando Florida. This gives rise to various continuity errors with Justice's patrol car, which during some chase sequences is shown with a black rear fender, which then reverts to the car's bronze color again in later scenes. John Anderson was one of those "Hey, it's that guy" guys, a prolific character actor you'd recognize without exactly knowing who he was. ", When DeLuise died on May 4, 2009, at the age of 75, Reynolds told Entertainment Tonight (viaCNN), "Dom always made everyone feel better when he was around. Smokey and the Bandit Cast and Crew - Cast Photos and Info The soundtrack album was released in 1977 on vinyl, cassette, and 8-track through MCA Records. Smokey and the Bandit at 45: Not the Rebel We Thought He Was - Collider He starred in an unsold sitcom pilot for ABC called "Tay-Gar." The original Smokey and the Bandit truck can be found in the state of California. Diagnosed with osteoporosis, Field has become a spokesperson on the issue for a pharmaceutical company that markets Boniva, a medication to treat the disease. What Does the T Stand For in Buford T Justice? They quickly escape in one of Big Enos's 13 Cadillacs as police flood the racetrack. Field is also devoted to her three adult children and her grandchildren. Field enjoyed making the film, but remembers that virtually the entire project was improvised. Earlier films like 1972's Deliverance had shown what he could do, and Smokey and the Bandit made him a full-fledged movie star. The scene featuring the racetrack was filmed at Lakewood Speedway at the old Lakewood Fairgrounds on Atlanta's south side. Meet the Cast of Smokey and the Bandit - vandebharat.com Actress Sally Field is paying homage to her former co-star and love Burt Reynolds following his death Thursday at the age of 82. "Smokey and the Bandit" is rooted deep in the rebellious spirit of the '70s. The film had director Hal Needham at its helm who also wrote its story along withRobert L. Levy. Many of Reynolds' most iconic roles came before he got behind the wheel of Bandit's Trans Am, and he would land many more before his career was over. With Reynolds' salary at $1 million, Needham was left with only $3.3 million to make the film. He penned jokes for Phyllis Diller, Red Skelton, and Johnny Carson, and wrote episodes of "Get Smart" and "The Andy Griffith Show." Carrie is a dancer and runaway bride. Returning to series television, Field won accolades for her recurring role on the hit drama ER, playing the bipolar mother of one of the doctors. Much of the surrounding scene comes from that immediate vicinity. Like many professional athletes, Mike Henry found a second life in Hollywood after retiring from sports.