When actor Burt Reynolds put up some of his possessions for auction recently, the first thing everyone thought was that the man was having money troubles.
The auction site itself says of the items:
“The auction includes Reynolds’ collection of Western themed decorative arts, screen-worn items, clothing from his personal wardrobe, signed items from co-stars and friends that were previously housed in Reynolds’ museum, and a selection of Reynolds trophies and awards.
“The trophies earned by Reynolds date from his early football successes to his 1998 Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Boogie Nights. These awards bookend countless People’s Choice Awards, an Emmy, another Golden Globe and other honors received over five decades.
“The sale features wardrobe from Reynolds film career including a red “Bandit” jacket and an embroidered Western shirt from Smokey and the Bandit II, a sombrero worn in 100 Rifles, monogrammed boots worn in Striptease, a football helmet from the original Longest Yard, as well as personal clothing items and accessories.
The online catalog detailing the items up for auction is 284 pages long.
Some speculated that Reynolds divorce from Loni Anderson in 1993, as well as a bankruptcy and foreclosure, may have contributed to his auctioning the items. But Reynolds says this is not the case.
“I want everyone to know that contrary to what all the news outlets are saying, I am not broke,” he said in a statement.
“I have been dealing with a business dispute for many years as well as a divorce settlement,” he added. “I am simply selling some of my memorabilia that I have enjoyed for so many years but do not have use nor room for them anymore. Quite frankly, I am sick of so many pictures of myself in my own home.”