PALMETTO, Fla. — The world came to know Burt Reynolds decades ago through his popular roles in movies and television shows. But for Gene Kennedy, Reynolds was a member of the family.
- Gene Kennedy first met Burt Reynolds at a car show
- Two became partners in company named "Bandit Movie Cars"
- Company manages Reynolds's fleet of classic cars
The legendary actor was included Kennedy’s family gatherings, and Kennedy often traveled with Reynolds to personal appearances
“I got to know Burt as a person,” said Kennedy. “He was like my grandfather. He gave me a lot of advice, a lot of wisdom and I got know him in that regard."
Kennedy, who owns a roofing and construction company, first met Reynolds at a car show. The two men became fast friends after Kennedy fixed a roof on his house.
Because both men are car enthusiasts, they formed a company called “Bandit Movie Cars,” named after Reynolds' signature role in the 1977 box office smash “Smokey and the Bandit.”
The company manages Reynolds’ fleet and helps transport them to public appearances and autograph signings. Fans couldn't get enough of Reynolds or his classic cars.
“The line was around the building and basically the venue closed and he would stay there until the last person got their signature,” Kennedy said. “He cared an awful lot about his fans.”
Reynolds died of cardiac arrest on September 6.
Kennedy’s Palmetto-based business is full of all kinds of movie memorabilia from Reynolds’ 60 years in film and television. The actor was planning to appear at a car show in Las Vegas in a few weeks.
Kennedy says he will travel to Vegas for that appearance and bring Reynolds’ Trans Am with him.
“We're going to miss him a lot,” he said.