GAUNT Burt Reynolds Makes Rare Public Appearance At Tribeca Film Festival

Burt Reynolds, who has enjoyed a career spanning nearly six decades, an Academy Award nomination and almost 100 feature films, showed up on the red carpet at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival to promote his latest movie, Dog Years.

Reynolds, 81, appeared frail as he was helped down the red carpet by friend and fellow actor Robert De Niro and comedian Chevy Chase. Reynolds, who was seated in a chair on the red carpet, answered a few questions from the press about his new role.

In recent years, Reynolds has undergone surgeries including a quintuple bypass in February 2010. The 81-year old has continued to act despite the decline of his health, but rarely makes public appearance. So, it was a surprise to many to see Reynolds on the red carpet of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York where his latest film, “Dog Years,” was premiering. “Great to see Mr. De Niro, who I love, and … you know, all the people that I know,” Reynolds said. “It’s very sweet.” In the film, Reynolds portrays an aging movie star who’s come to realize that his best days are behind him. The parallels didn’t go unnoticed by the “Smokey and the Bandit” actor. “I guess I’m doing all right. I think because it’s a hell of a turnout,” Reynolds told reporters. h/t countryrebel

It’s been 35 years since Reynolds starred along with Dolly Parton in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”