Reynolds wows fans in Naperville stop

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

People young and old came to Naperville on Saturday from all over the country for a chance to meet Burt Reynolds.

“I flew in last night because he doesn’t do this much,” said Tabitha Hall of Gatlinburg, Tenn. “Ever since I first saw ‘Smokey and the Bandit,’ I just loved him.” After her meeting she said, “Just talking to him was awesome!” Overall, fans were awed by his extremely friendly attitude and firm handshake.

Ted Bulthaup, who along with his wife Cheri owns and operates the Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville and Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in Woodridge, has made a career out of offering the public opportunities to meet Hollywood celebrities.

“We are the only movie theater in the country that runs these types of events,” Bulthaup said. “We are introducing customers to our theater through grand events with famous people in hopes of creating future customers for life.”

Reynolds has achieved what most people only dream of with more than 90 feature films and 300 television episode credits, earning himself an Emmy, Golden Globe, and the People’s Choice Awards, among many other accolades. At 75, he said that although he has accomplished at lot, he still has items on his bucket list. “I would like to make a movie that will stick to your ribs a bit, like ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ or another movie like ‘Deliverance.’”

His fans seemed happy with the movies (and other appearances) made so far. “Wasn’t he in Playboy?” said Madi Smith of Aurora. “We need to look that up!” said close friend Jody Crandall, also of Aurora. Both are regulars to the cinema, but this was their first meet and greet. They both gushed about being longtime fans of Reynolds and said they grew up watching his films.

Fans lined the cinema and waited patiently hoping to receive Reynolds’ autograph on treasured items. “I bought a 1977 black and gold Trans-Am, the same one as in ‘Smokey and the Bandit,’ and restored it,” said Pete Koutsos of Oswego. “I brought the glove box in hopes of getting his autograph.”

Reynolds is known as the man’s man, ladies man, and macho man who made movies both men and women wanted to see. When asked who he felt filled those shoes today, Reynolds replied humbly, “First of all, thank you. I think that would be George Clooney.”

Reynolds continued to share his personal side, saying he originally planned on majoring in teaching and coaching when he entered Florida State University on a football scholarship. “I wanted to teach history,” Reynolds said. “The injury opened the door to a new adventure.” Although he has enjoyed the adventure, he is happy his son Quinton is not pursuing acting as he attends the University of Stanford.

Paul Loughren of Naperville brought his fiancée, Kim Russell, and sons Zachary, 12, and Jacob, 9, to meet Reynolds because they enjoy watching his movies as a family. “I loved ‘The Longest Yard’ because I love football,” said Zachary. “I love ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ because I love cars.”

Judy Wallenberg, 68, of Downers Grove came with her daughter, Wendy Wallenberg and son-in-law, Michael Kasper of Naperville. “My mom loves Burt Reynolds because everyone used to say my father looked like him,” Wendy said. “But my father was much better looking!”

Some disagree that any man is better looking than Reynolds. “I kissed him twice,” said Janan Talia of Bensenville. “He gave me a kiss back!” She clearly remembers the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in 1978 when Reynolds shaved off half of his mustache. “I haven’t ever shaved it like that again,” Reynolds said. After Talia’s meeting, she felt overwhelmed. “It was such an honor to meet such a legend.”

Legends also receive the key to the city of Naperville, as Mayor A. George Pradel was on hand to give Reynolds the honor. “I was told the key to the city is really the key to the liquor cabinet at Hollywood Palms,” Pradel said, laughing. “If it does fit the liquor cabinet, I would like to find out how loud you are when you are drunk,” Reynolds teased back.

“My most satisfying role was in ‘The Longest Yard’ because I got to play football and got paid for it,” Reynolds said to the crowd. “My most satisfying movie because it was fun was ‘Smokey and the Bandit.’”

Reynolds said a lot has changed in Hollywood over the years. “There is not as much of a sense of history,” he said. “I had an enormous amount of respect for the people. I am not sure the young actors of today have that same sense.” He currently is teaching acting classes three days a week.

“It is a great release for me. I really enjoy it.”