Burt Reynolds is a legend & I know why...
My first book "The Diva's in the Details: The Celebrity & CEO Inspired Guide to Confidence, Courage & Style" is almost here!!! (out May 24th!) To celebrate I am going to be sharing with you a few excerpts & insights...basically a sneak peek into the book that I know will inspire, motivate and empower you to get up and go after the life you want.
The first is from one of my favorites...the legend, Burt Reynolds! He is so extraordinary in every way. I only wish everyone could have the same opportunity to spend time with him that I have had. He truly is one of a kind...
"Diva's Detail #8: Turn Around...
Giving back is a must for everyone who inspired this guide, the celebs and the CEOs...
I had the honor of spending time with Burt Reynolds, the legendary Oscar-nominated actor and very talented director, who finds it a joy to turn around and help others on their way up. While I was casting "Hidden Assets," I noticed how many of my favorite actors from the auditions had attended the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Television. It was clear they were all well-trained and knew what it meant to be a professional.
During filming, I realized that not only were key members of our cast students of the institute, several members of the crew were as well. I was impressed. One night after wrapping around 4am (fairly typical for our grueling indie schedule), instead of going straight to sleep, I took a few moments to write Mr. Reynolds a letter letting him know how honored I was to be working with so many of his students and how wonderful they were. I wrote about how generous he was with his gifts to share them with others and truly make a difference.
A couple of weeks later, I found out from someone in Burt’s Master Class that Burt was so moved by my letter that he shared it with his students. I was excited and simultaneously jealous that I couldn’t have been there to hear Burt Reynolds reading out loud words that I had written! I was then invited to be Mr. Reynolds’ special guest at his Master Acting Class. Naturally, I was thrilled. He has done so much for film and television in general with his outstanding career, and also in South Florida with his incredible institute. It’s an honor to be in the same state with him, let alone the same room.
I could feel him enter the room before I even saw him. Burt Reynolds has this undeniable presence. He draws attention to himself in a wonderful way without even trying. He is a legend. He was so gracious. I sat next to him for the duration of the three-hour class. We spent the entire time whispering back and forth, discussing the performances and scenes. For those few hours, I felt like his confidante, and he was brilliant. I’ve since been invited back and it feels like a dream. Burt Reynolds knows exactly what to tell the actors to do to bring a scene to life. He has extraordinary instincts and is so generous with them. He spends much of his time creating a safe and creative environment for actors to perfect their craft. He shares his years of knowledge and experience as well as his ample gifts so willingly. He has the respect, gratitude and admiration of all of his students. Now I know why..."
Pre-Order your copy of "The Diva's in the Details" today!
XOXO, J