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Burt Reynolds said his time on Gunsmoke was the best of his life
Gunsmoke was the actor's big break.
With such a lengthy and impressive career, it's no secret that Burt Reynolds preferred some acting experiences over others. But according to Reynolds, his favorite time on a television set was actually one of his first acting roles.
Reynolds was nice enough to write the Foreword to his friend and co-star's memoir. The book was entitled James Arness: An Autobiography, and focused on the life of Gunsmoke star James Arness, in his own words.
In the Foreword, Reynolds discussed his time spent as Quint Asper of Gunsmoke, an experience which he recalled incredibly fondly.
"For some years (45 to be exact) I have been asked, 'What were the best times for you growing up as an actor?' Without hesitation, I have always said, 'The two and a half years I was on Gunsmoke," wrote Reynolds. "They were for me 'the best of times.' There were many reasons, but the main reason was that it was then I learned how actors on a film set should behave. What it meant to say someone is 'really a pro.'"
Reynolds attributed his joy in that series to the lessons he learned, as well as the people he worked with. The actor praised Arness and his good-natured abilities.
"Your first thought always was, damn, he's bigger than I thought he would be," Reynolds wrote. "He had that wonderful ability to surprise you, make you laugh at yourself or the situation that actors often find themselves in. Just as surprising, he was totally without ego. He never imposed his position on anyone. Not once did I or anyone else ever see Jim being rude, overbearing, self-righteous, or selfish to anyone, whether crew members, extras, day players, or co-stars."
Though it was early in his acting career, Arness certainly left an impression on Reynolds, who never forgot his co-star's kindness. "I've done over two hundred TV shows and over seventy-five features and I can't think of any actor whose behavior on the set and off was more unpretentious than Jim's," Reynolds wrote. "He just didn't play the 'star.' I think the mere thought of it would have made him laugh."
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