Since Burt's death, I've read and heard a few discussions in the media about how he turned down several roles that other actors made iconic, and also how he failed to live up to the acting promise shown in 'Deliverance' ('Boogie Nights' notwithstanding). I've also seen here and elsewhere, people digging out DVDs like 'Smokey and the Bandit' to watch in remembrance. I can't think of many actors whose death would make me immediately re-watch one of their movies, so maybe his choices weren't that bad after all. Burt held a special, joyous place in our collective memories that will never be attained by more critically acclaimed actors.