Burt Reynolds and John Wayne agreed on one thing: Hollywood’s greatest ever actor
Burt Reynolds and John Wayne belonged to different eras of Hollywood, but both regarded Spencer Tracy as the greatest film actor. Their shared admiration stands out because Wayne rarely praised actors outside his circle, while Reynolds consistently held Tracy in the highest regard.
Tracy won two Academy Awards for Best Actor, the first performer to win the prize in consecutive years, and received nine nominations. Reynolds praised his natural, convincing performances, while Wayne placed Tracy first among his five favourite actors, ahead of Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier and Lionel Barrymore. Producer Albert S Ruddy also recalled Wayne saying Reynolds came closest to matching his dedication and work ethic.
- Reynolds and Wayne both ranked Spencer Tracy above other actors.
- Tracy won two consecutive Best Actor Oscars.
- Wayne also praised Reynolds’ dedication and work ethic.