Burt Reynolds had a lot of costars, but never a chemistry like with Sally Field.

The two were pure magnetism in the 1977 classic road trip movie Smokey and the Bandit — so much that they costarred in TWO movies the following year, Hooper and The End and dated IRL for five years.

And just a couple years ago, Burt broke all our hearts by revealing Sally was his one that got away, calling her “the perfect person” for him.

Photos: Stars We Lost In 2018

Naturally, Sally had something incredibly sweet to say when she heard her ex had passed on Thursday, saying in a statement:

“There are times in your life that are so indelible, they never fade away. They stay alive, even 40 years later. My years with Burt never leave my mind. He will be in my history and my heart, for as long as I live. Rest, Buddy.”

Of course Burt had been in dozens of films and was beloved by a great many costars AND fans.

Dolly Parton, who starred with him in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, wrote:

pic.twitter.com/n5nL4D040v

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 6, 2018

Mark Wahlberg, who was present at Burt’s remarkable comeback in Boogie Nights, said:

Rest in peace to a legend and a friend. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/HnmCCTv1d1

— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) September 6, 2018

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A sad day, my friend BURT REYNOLDS Has passed away. I remember him back in 1979, he always reminded me that I should’ve cast him as Colonel Trautman in FIRST BLOOD , I said that’s impossible, because you’re too expensive and too famous, and probably tougher than Rambo ! He laughed , He had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed his company so much… RIP Buddy

A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone) on Sep 6, 2018 at 12:54pm PDT

Burt Reynolds was one of my heroes. He was a trailblazer. He showed the way to transition from being an athlete to being the highest paid actor, and he always inspired me. He also had a great sense of humor – check out his Tonight Show clips. My thoughts are with his family.

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds & Clint Eastwood were fired from GUNSMOKE & RAWHIDE at the same time. Burt was told he couldn't act and Clint his neck was too skinny. In the parking lot, Burt said to Clint, "I dunno what you're gonna do, but I'm gonna take acting lessons." #RIPBurtReynolds

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 6, 2018

Worked with Burt Reynolds on a TV show once. He introduced himself by saying, "Hi, I'm Burt Reynolds. I used to be big in the 70's." How do you not love that?

— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) September 6, 2018

I met Burt Reynolds once in a video store in the 90s before he did “Boogie Nights.” He was by himself and no one seemed to notice him. I said, “I just want to thank you for many hours of entertainment.” He smiled so big and shook my hand and said, “You made my day. Thank you.”

— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 6, 2018

Big Burt is up in heaven slapping around little Bert. #onefewerB*rt inthispooroldworld

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds. True legend. Our hero. Funny as hell and a for-real badass. So many great movies. So many great stories. Such a great Dad. Will be missed by all. Deepest condolences to his family.

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever worked with. He took me under his wing when I was first starting out as an actor and offered friendship, advice and guidance.
I’ll never forget how much that meant to me.

— Paul Wesley (@paulwesley) September 6, 2018

RIP Burt Reynolds. You were one of a kind. I was lucky to work with you. 🙏🏻

— Lauren Holly (@LaurenHolly) September 6, 2018

RIP to another legend. Grew up with my parents, my brothers and a worn out VHS copy of Cannon Ball Run, watched Deliverance on my first date with my wife (don’t ask) & revisit Boogie Nights every few months to marvel at his performance. A very great loss. https://t.co/rmwoCHJcNM

— Josh Gad (@joshgad) September 6, 2018

As THE movie star of my childhood, the Bandit stole our hearts for decades. I always loved how Burt Reynolds worked with his friends as often as he could and then showcased the fun of movie-making in the end credits of his flicks. He was true American icon. Hate to see him go… https://t.co/jaMZjJA4e8

— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) September 6, 2018

R.I.P. Burt Reynolds, underrated as a dramatic actor (Deliverance), underrated as a director (Sharkey's Machine), but also a rare movie star that seemed to be just having an absolute ball onscreen. Nobody broke frame with a bigger gleam in his eye. "Just watch ol' Bandit run." pic.twitter.com/L4NlRyqahb

— edgarwright (@edgarwright) September 6, 2018

I owe my career, at least in part, to the great Burt Reynolds. Heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was one of a kind. A fun loving, charismatic talent who did many good deeds quietly, without personal expectation but rather out of the kindness of his extraordinary heart. RIP

— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) September 6, 2018

“Stroker Ace was born to race”
Much respect to you Burt Reynolds. RIP pic.twitter.com/w8FlIShmIR

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds was the best, funniest super hero on this planet…He was a friend and I’ll miss him!! Nobody was better than him…dashing, charming and just so lovable!! pic.twitter.com/1TjNHF021D

— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) September 6, 2018

 

[Image via Universal Pictures/WENN.]