Burt Reynolds had to convince Smokey & the Bandit bosses to hire ‘unsexy’ Sally Field

Burt Reynolds had to convince studio bosses to hire Sally Field as his leading lady in film classic Smokey & The Bandit, because they didn’t think the actress was sexy enough.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of the movie, Burt tells Closer magazine executives wanted someone else to play his love interest in the 1977 film.
“I was told she was not sexy – she was the Flying Nun (from TV series),” he says. “I told them, ‘Trust me, talent is sexy. She is talented and sexy’.”
Reynolds’ promise paid off – and he actually fell in love with Sally as they made the movie, which toppled Star Wars at the U.S. box office.
Now, 40 years later, he insists she was the reason the film was such a hit.
“It stands the test of time – it’s a funny picture,” Burt tells the publication.