Burt Reynolds 30-Year Feud with A-List Co-Star Started with Tears on the First Day
Burt Reynolds, born in 1936 and passing away in 2018, was experiencing a career renaissance. That year, he starred in “The Last Movie Star” and was cast in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.” His final roles involved rehearsing lines for the film with his assistant.
Reynolds’ Notorious Clash with a Co-Star
Despite his long Hollywood career, Reynolds was known for speaking his mind. This was evident in his longstanding feud with actress Kathleen Turner. Their rivalry began during the filming of the 1988 comedy “Switching Channels.”
Trouble on Set
- Turner originally expected Michael Caine as her co-star.
- Caine was unavailable due to filming “Jaws 4.”
- Turner expressed disappointment when Burt Reynolds was cast instead.
First Day Disputes
The friction began on the first day of filming. Reynolds reportedly made Turner cry by remarking about not taking second place to a woman. This incident set the tone for their tumultuous working relationship.
Ongoing Grievances
Decades after their on-set clash, the duo continued to voice complaints. Both appeared separately on a talk show to discuss their grievances from the past. Turner reiterated the poor dynamics, revealing, “It got to be very hostile because the crew began taking sides.”
Box Office Flop
“Switching Channels” did not fare well, earning only $9 million against a production cost of nearly $30 million. The on-screen tension mirrored the audience’s reaction. Both Reynolds and his co-star Christopher Reeve received Golden Raspberry nominations for their performances.
Despite these challenges, Reynolds’ impact on Hollywood remained significant. He left behind a legacy recognized through his memorable roles and candid personality.
