Burt Reynolds appeared in an episode of the long-running television series Gunsmoke in the early 1960s, prior to his major film fame. He was born on February 11, 1936, and by the time of his Gunsmoke appearance in 1961, he was 25 years old. This profile explains the episode details, places his age in career context, and draws on reliable sources to provide a verifiable timeline of Reynolds' work during this period.
Which Gunsmoke Episode Featured Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds appeared in the Gunsmoke episode titled "The Raid," which aired on November 4, 1961. In this episode, he played the character Clint Jones. This was a supporting role in a season seven episode of the long-running Western series. The episode is well-documented in Gunsmoke episode guides and Reynolds' television biographies.
Episode Details and Character
In "The Raid," Reynolds portrayed Clint Jones, a young cowboy caught up in a violent raid on a homestead. Television archives, including cast and episode logs, confirm the air date and character name. This appearance came during a period when Reynolds was building his television resume, taking varied roles across Westerns and dramas to develop his on-screen presence.
Burt Reynolds Birth Date and Age Calculation
Burt Reynolds was born on February 11, 1936, in Lansing, Michigan. To determine his age at the time of the November 1961 broadcast, one calculates the difference between his birth date and the air date. The result is that he had turned 25 earlier in 1961 and was 25 years old throughout the period of the episode's production and broadcast.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Date | February 11, 1936 | Biographical records |
| Gunsmoke Episode Air Date | November 4, 1961 | Episode archives |
| Age During Episode | 25 years old | Calculated from dates |
| Character Played | Clint Jones | Episode cast list |
Context Within Reynolds' Early Career
By age 25, Reynolds had begun to establish a presence in television after studying acting and taking small roles. His appearance on Gunsmoke was part of a broader pattern of guest work that helped him gain exposure. The role showcased his ability to handle Western settings, a genre he would revisit throughout his career in both television and film.
Television Work Leading to Film Opportunities
In the early 1960s, Reynolds accumulated credits in various television genres. His work in shows like Gunsmoke contributed to his professional development and visibility. Industry observers note that such steady television work in this period was often a precursor to more prominent film roles that would define his later career.
Public Records and Age Information Reliability
Age information for public figures like Burt Reynolds is typically drawn from publicly available birth records, official biographies, and reputable databases. Cross-referencing episode guides with biography sources helps confirm timelines. For historical questions about a figure's age during a specific project, consulting authoritative biographical references and primary broadcast records is the most reliable approach.
Reliable Sources and Verification Methods
- Official television episode archives and broadcast logs
- Verified biographical sources on Reynolds' birth date
- Reputable film and television databases
- Published career timelines from authoritative outlets
Comparing Reynolds' Age to Peers in Early 1960s Television
In the early 1960s, many actors guest-starring on Gunsmoke were in their mid- to late-20s, aligning with Reynolds' age at the time. Being 25 placed him within the typical range for emerging television actors building credits. This period served as a crucial phase for developing the on-camera skills that would later support his successful film career.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reynolds' Age During Gunsmoke (1961) | 25 | Calculated from February 1936 birth |
| Typical Age Range for Guest Stars on Gunsmoke (Early 1960s) | Late 20s to early 30s | Industry norms for emerging television actors |
Common Questions About Burt Reynolds and Gunsmoke
Because Reynolds became a major film star later in the 1960s and 19170s, audiences often look back to his earlier television appearances. Questions about his age during specific roles like Gunsmoke arise frequently. Understanding the timeline clarifies that he was in his mid-20s, an age common for actors establishing their careers in television Westerns.
Clarifying Role Scope and Timeline
Some viewers may confuse Reynolds' later iconic roles with this earlier work. It is important to note that his appearance in "The Raid" was a supporting part, consistent with many young actors of the time. His trajectory from such guest roles to leading man status illustrates the typical career path in mid-20th century Hollywood and television.