SARASOTA – Actor Burt Reynolds, who died yesterday at the age of 82, was an early backer of the Asolo theater, but that backing dried up, along with much of Reynolds’ personal wealth.


Reynolds pledged $1 million for the creation of what was initially announced as a national center for live theater, television and film.


Because of financial strife, he was unable to honor his pledge, and that led to a lawsuit.


Reynolds only paid a portion of that million dollar pledge which lead to a lawsuit and eventually a financial settlement.


Another Suncoast connection, In 2016, Reynolds appeared in the movie “Apple of My Eye.” Parts of that movie were filmed at Palmetto’s Southeastern Guide Dogs.