The passing of Burt Reynolds in 2018 was a heartbreaking moment felt by millions around the world. The legendary actor died after a long battle with several serious health issues. Reynolds had spent decades in the spotlight, charming audiences with his rugged good looks, charismatic personality, and undeniable talent. His death marked the end of an era, but the legacy he left behind continues to live on through his films and the memories shared by his friends and former co-stars. Among those who knew him best was actress Sally Field, a woman Reynolds openly described as the love of his life. Their relationship was one of Hollywood’s most talked-about romances, yet it ended in silence that lasted for thirty years. Despite their intense bond, Sally refused to speak to Burt for the final three decades of his life.

Burt Reynolds and Sally Field first met in the late 1970s at the height of both of their careers. Their connection was instant, and they quickly became an item, both on-screen and off. Reynolds later admitted that he had been the one who fought for Field to be cast as the female lead in Smokey and the Bandit. Despite his fame and influence, it wasn’t easy convincing the filmmakers. According to Burt, the studio didn’t believe Sally was “sexy enough” for the part. However, Reynolds stood by her, arguing passionately for her talent and presence. In the end, his persistence paid off. Sally got the role, and Smokey and the Bandit went on to become a massive success, cementing both of their places in Hollywood history. Sally would later say that Burt’s faith in her changed the way she saw herself. She recalled that he “gave me a feeling that I was sexy, and I wanted to be everything he ever wanted.”

Their relationship off-screen was just as intense. Reynolds and Field were deeply in love, and their chemistry was undeniable. But like many passionate romances, theirs was complicated. Reynolds admitted in a brutally honest interview with Vanity Fair that, although he had been involved in several flings and casual relationships, he only had one true love in his life—and that was Sally Field. He said she was the woman who stayed in his heart and the one he regretted losing the most. Even years after they had parted ways, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Burt spoke openly about how much he missed her and how he wished things had turned out differently between them.

Despite the love they once shared, their breakup was final. After they ended their relationship, Sally Field made the decision to cut off all contact with Burt Reynolds. For the last thirty years of his life, Sally did not speak to him. It was a decision that puzzled many, including Reynolds himself. He admitted that losing her was the greatest regret of his life. Even though he often spoke publicly about his feelings for her, Sally chose to stay silent about their time together. She maintained that silence until after Burt’s death in 2018.

After Reynolds passed away, Field finally broke her silence. At the age of 76, she began to share her memories of their time together. While she spoke of the deep connection and love they had, she also acknowledged the painful parts of their relationship. In her memoir, In Pieces, Sally revealed that their relationship, while passionate, was also difficult. She explained that she had felt controlled at times and struggled with maintaining her own identity while being with Burt. Walking away from him had been one of the hardest decisions she ever made, but she believed it was necessary for her own well-being and growth.

Burt Reynolds never stopped loving Sally Field. Even in his final interviews, he called her the one who got away and the person who understood him better than anyone else. Despite the fact that they spent three decades apart, Reynolds held onto his feelings for her until the end. Their story remains one of the most unforgettable Hollywood romances—a tale of love, heartbreak, and what might have been. It is a reminder that even the strongest love can be tested by life’s challenges and that sometimes, the hardest choice is the one that brings the most peace.