Burt Reynolds' MASH Role That Got Away
It’s always interesting to look back at the careers of beloved actors, especially when there are little-known moments or surprising turns that shaped their paths. Burt Reynolds, a name that still evokes a certain kind of swagger and charm for many of us, had a career full of these intriguing chapters. As the 1960s wound down, Reynolds was building momentum, even appearing on the iconic Western Gunsmoke. He was clearly on the cusp of something bigger, searching for that defining role that would propel him into the stratosphere of superstardom.
Interestingly, one of those potential breakout moments came with the Korean War comedy M*A*S*H. As reported by one of our sources, the film was a massive hit in 1970, but Reynolds wasn't in the final cut. He had actually turned down the role of Trapper John McIntyre, opting instead for an adventure flick called Skullduggery. Now, Skullduggery itself is something of a cautionary tale. The movie, about an expedition discovering a missing link between apes and humans and the ensuing ethical debates, was not well-received by critics and was a financial flop. Reynolds himself, in a later interview, admitted he knew the production was in trouble early on, even noting that seeing an actress dressed as an ape was a sure sign of potential problems. It makes you wonder what he was thinking, or perhaps what he saw in the script that others missed.
This period highlights a critical point in any artist’s journey: learning to be discerning about the material. Reynolds’ own words suggest he realized he needed to be more selective after Skullduggery, leading him to choose roles like the one in Deliverance, a film that certainly cemented his acting chops.
Looking ahead, it’s also fascinating to see how some actors navigate later stages of their careers. While Burt Reynolds tragically passed away in 2018, the same year he was slated to appear in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, it's a reminder that talent can still be recognized and sought after, even after a long and sometimes turbulent career. We also see glimpses of lingering professional dynamics, like the well-documented, albeit sometimes spiky, relationship Burt Reynolds had with Kathleen Turner during the filming of Switching Channels. It’s a reminder that even seemingly lighthearted productions can have their backstage dramas, and sometimes, those stories spill out years later.
It makes you ponder, doesn't it? What truly defines an actor's legacy – the box office hits, the critical acclaim, or perhaps even the enduring stories and personalities that emerge from their time in the spotlight?
Interestingly, one of those potential breakout moments came with the Korean War comedy M*A*S*H. As reported by one of our sources, the film was a massive hit in 1970, but Reynolds wasn't in the final cut. He had actually turned down the role of Trapper John McIntyre, opting instead for an adventure flick called Skullduggery. Now, Skullduggery itself is something of a cautionary tale. The movie, about an expedition discovering a missing link between apes and humans and the ensuing ethical debates, was not well-received by critics and was a financial flop. Reynolds himself, in a later interview, admitted he knew the production was in trouble early on, even noting that seeing an actress dressed as an ape was a sure sign of potential problems. It makes you wonder what he was thinking, or perhaps what he saw in the script that others missed.
This period highlights a critical point in any artist’s journey: learning to be discerning about the material. Reynolds’ own words suggest he realized he needed to be more selective after Skullduggery, leading him to choose roles like the one in Deliverance, a film that certainly cemented his acting chops.
Looking ahead, it’s also fascinating to see how some actors navigate later stages of their careers. While Burt Reynolds tragically passed away in 2018, the same year he was slated to appear in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, it's a reminder that talent can still be recognized and sought after, even after a long and sometimes turbulent career. We also see glimpses of lingering professional dynamics, like the well-documented, albeit sometimes spiky, relationship Burt Reynolds had with Kathleen Turner during the filming of Switching Channels. It’s a reminder that even seemingly lighthearted productions can have their backstage dramas, and sometimes, those stories spill out years later.
It makes you ponder, doesn't it? What truly defines an actor's legacy – the box office hits, the critical acclaim, or perhaps even the enduring stories and personalities that emerge from their time in the spotlight?
