Burt Reynolds: A man before his time

Burt Reynolds, who has died aged 82, was, arguably, a great film star of the 1970s. He showed dexterity and wit, perception and self-deprecation in a way that few of his successors can. He could play every role from a hard-nut backwoods man to a foppish city charmer, with equal conviction.

At his peak, he radiated warmth, charisma, and that kind of comforting presence only a well-rounded character can. In old age, and he aged prematurely, he was wracked with pain and struggled with limited mobility. He also had to face rumours that he was broke.