Smokey and the Bandit is a 1977 action movie that follows the adventures of a trucker and his effort to transport a large shipment of beer from Texarkana, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia. The film has become a cult classic, and its popularity has endured for more than 40 years. The cast of Smokey and the Bandit is a who’s who of stars from the ’70s, including Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, and Pat McCormick. This article will take a comprehensive look at the cast of Smokey and the Bandit and their roles in the film.
Burt Reynolds:
Burt Reynolds stars as Bo “Bandit” Darville in Smokey and the Bandit. He is a truck driver who is hired by Big Enos and Little Enos to transport 400 cases of Coors beer from Texarkana, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia. Reynolds was already a huge star at the time of the movie’s release, having starred in Deliverance and The Longest Yard. His portrayal of Bo Darville was a hit with audiences, and he went on to become a star of the ’70s.
Sally Field:
Sally Field stars as Carrie, the Bandit’s love interest. She starts off as a runaway bride, and she and the Bandit fall in love while they are on the run from Sheriff Buford T. Justice. Field was relatively unknown at the time of the movie’s release, but her performance as Carrie helped launch her career. She went on to star in such films as Norma Rae and Steel Magnolias.
IV. Jackie Gleason:
Jackie Gleason stars as Sheriff Buford T. Justice, the villain of the movie. He is determined to stop the Bandit and is relentless in his pursuit. Gleason was a legendary comedian and actor, and his portrayal of Justice is one of the highlights of the movie. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, and the character of Sheriff Justice has become one of his most iconic roles.
Jerry Reed:
Jerry Reed stars as Cledus Snow, the Bandit’s sidekick. He is a small-time crook who joins the Bandit on his mission to transport the beer. Reed had already established himself as a successful country music star, and his portrayal of Cledus Snow helped launch his acting career. He went on to star in such films as The Dukes of Hazzard and Gator.
Pat McCormick:
Pat McCormick stars as Big Enos Burdette, the man who hires the Bandit to transport the beer. He is a wealthy businessman who is determined to get his beer to Atlanta. McCormick was an experienced character actor, having appeared in such films as The Graduate and Blazing Saddles. His performance as Big Enos is one of the highlights of the movie.
Conclusion:
The cast of Smokey and the Bandit is a who’s who of stars from the ’70s. Burt Reynolds stars as Bo “Bandit” Darville, Sally Field stars as Carrie, Jackie Gleason stars as Sheriff Buford T. Justice, Jerry Reed stars as Cledus Snow, and Pat McCormick stars as Big Enos Burdette. The cast of Smokey and the Bandit helped to make the film an instant classic, and its popularity has endured for more than 40 years.
