The death of Burt Reynolds in 2018 left a deep sense of loss for millions of fans around the world. The iconic actor, who had battled numerous health issues over the years, passed away at the age of 82. His career had spanned decades, with countless memorable performances that made him one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in Hollywood. Beyond his legendary film roles and charismatic screen presence, Reynolds left behind a legacy filled with personal stories, some of which were deeply emotional. Among them was his complicated relationship with actress Sally Field—a woman he often called the love of his life. Yet, despite the deep bond they once shared, Sally refused to speak to him during the final three decades of his life.

Burt Reynolds and Sally Field first met in the late 1970s, a time when both stars were at the height of their fame. Their chemistry was undeniable, both on and off the screen, and they quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. They starred together in several films, including the box office smash Smokey and the Bandit, a movie that Reynolds personally fought to get Sally cast in. According to Burt, the filmmakers initially didn’t see her as a fit for the role. They reportedly believed she wasn’t “sexy enough” to play opposite him in the film. Reynolds, however, wasn’t having it. He pushed hard for Sally, believing in her talent and knowing she was the right choice. His determination paid off, and Sally eventually landed the role. Field later shared how much his support meant to her, saying that Reynolds gave her a sense of confidence and made her feel “sexy,” adding that she wanted to be everything he ever wanted.

Their relationship was passionate and, at times, turbulent. Reynolds was known for his larger-than-life persona, while Field was more reserved and introspective. Despite their differences, they were deeply in love. Reynolds would later reflect that out of all the relationships he had in his life, Sally was the one who truly mattered. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he described her as his one true love. He admitted to having many flings and romances, but Sally was the woman who stayed in his heart. He even confessed to regretting the mistakes he made that led to the end of their relationship.

However, after their breakup in the early 1980s, things took a different turn. Sally Field decided to cut off all communication with Reynolds. For the next thirty years, she chose not to speak to him. While Burt never gave up hope for reconciliation, Sally remained silent. Many speculated about the reasons behind her decision to distance herself. It wasn’t until after Burt’s passing that Sally finally opened up about their relationship and why she had walked away. In interviews following Reynolds’ death, Field described their time together as both beautiful and painful. She explained that their relationship had been difficult and, at times, unhealthy. Sally acknowledged that while she loved Burt deeply, their relationship had taken a toll on her. Walking away was one of the hardest decisions she had ever made, but it was something she needed to do for her own emotional well-being.

In her memoir In Pieces, Sally went into more detail about their complicated love story. She spoke about Reynolds’ controlling behavior and how it affected her sense of self. Despite the challenges, she never denied that there had been a powerful connection between them. She described him as someone who had a profound impact on her life, for better or worse. Burt, on the other hand, never stopped speaking fondly of Sally. Until his final days, he called her the love of his life and said he would always remember her as the one who truly understood him. Even though they spent decades apart, his feelings for her never changed.

Their love story remains one of Hollywood’s most bittersweet tales. It was a relationship marked by deep affection and intense emotion but also by heartbreak and unresolved pain. Burt Reynolds and Sally Field’s story is a reminder that even the strongest love can sometimes lead to difficult choices and lasting silence. Yet, in the end, their bond was undeniable, and it continues to capture the fascination of fans around the world.