Burt Reynolds' Sad Childhood Exposed: Late Actor Had Abusive Dad, Sally Field Reveals In Memoir
Sept. 10 2018, Published 8:00 p.m. ET
The one role Burt Reynolds struggled with in his life was being a successful son and making his father proud, his ex Sally Field claimed in her new memoir.
RadarOnline.com has learned exclusive details about the late Smokey and the Bandit actor's struggles as a child. Field, the woman he once referred to as the love of his life, recalled in her upcoming memoir, In Pieces, just how mistreated he really was as a child.
According to Field, Reynolds was brought up by strict, Southern parents who wanted him to act "like a man."
Field explained that Reynolds "spent his life" trying to prove to his dad that he was a "man worth loving."
Reynolds' ex revealed a painful memory of his that he had once shared with her. In the book, Field claimed that after a football victory in high school, Reynolds' father entered the field unannounced and slapped him in the face in front of his peers.
Field said his father was disappointed because he was crying tears of joy in public.
Additionally, Field described her ex as a man who would "wallow" under pressure. This led him to "camouflage" his flaws, Field continued.
Reynolds passed away on Thursday, Sept. 6 at the age of 82, his family member exclusively confirmed to RadarOnline.com. He had suffered cardiac arrest.
Also in her new book, Field admitted she dispensed pills to Reynolds while the two dated because he was always in pain, RadarOnline.com reported.
Reynolds struggled in the 80s when a rumor circulated Hollywood that he had AIDS. But in his memoir, But Enough About Me, Reynolds explained his rapid health decline was a result of temporomandibular disorder, also known as TMD or TMJ, which affects the joint connecting the jaw and the skull.
Later in life, Reynolds sought treatment in a rehab facility for prescription drugs and alcohol.
In 2017, Reynolds told TODAY show host Hoda Kotb that Field was the woman who got away.
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Field's book comes out on September 18.
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