Burt Reynolds Turned Down a Legendary Role in M*A*S*H—Here’s Why the Forgotten Adventure Movie He Chose Instead Was Worth It

Picture this: It’s the early 1970s, Hollywood is buzzing, and a young Burt Reynolds—already a rising star with that iconic mustache and effortless charm—is handed a script for what would become one of the most beloved TV shows of all time: M*A*S*H. The role? Hawkeye Pierce, the wisecracking, womanizing, but brilliantly skilled surgeon who’d later be immortalized by Alan Alda. For most actors, this would be a no-brainer. But Burt? He said no. And not just no—he turned it down for a forgotten adventure movie that few people remember today.

Why would anyone walk away from a role that could’ve defined their career? Was it ego? Bad timing? Or was Burt Reynolds, the ultimate Hollywood maverick, playing a longer game than any of us realized? Let’s rewind the tape, dive into the behind-the-scenes drama, and uncover the wild story of how one of the biggest “what ifs” in TV history led to a movie so bizarre, so Burt Reynolds, that it’s almost impossible to forget—once you’ve seen it.

The Role That Could’ve Changed Everything: Hawkeye Pierce in M*A*S*H

Before we get to the movie Burt did choose, let’s talk about the one he didn’t. M*A*S*H, the darkly comedic war drama, was already a hit as a 1970 film (directed by Robert Altman), but by 1972, producers were adapting it into a TV series. The role of Hawkeye Pierce was the golden ticket—a part that blended humor, heart, and just enough roguish charm to make it perfect for Reynolds.

So why didn’t he take it? The official story goes that Burt wasn’t interested in being tied down to a long-running TV show. He’d already had a taste of series television with Dan August (1970–71) and wasn’t eager to return. But there’s more to it. Reynolds was a movie star at heart, and he had his sights set on something… bigger. Or at least, something with more explosions.

What Burt Missed Out On (And What Alan Alda Gained)

Alan Alda’s portrayal of Hawkeye became iconic—11 seasons, 256 episodes, and a character so beloved that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. But could Burt have pulled it off? Absolutely. In fact, Reynolds’ brand of cocky, self-deprecating humor would’ve fit Hawkeye like a glove. Imagine his delivery of lines like:

“I’m not a doctor, I’m a miracle worker.”

Yet, Burt walked away. And in doing so, he left the door open for Alda to create TV history. Meanwhile, Reynolds was about to make his own kind of history—just not the kind anyone expected.

The Movie He Chose Instead: Shamus (1973) – A Forgotten Gem or a Burt-Sized Mistake?

So, what was so important that Burt Reynolds said no to M*A*S*H? The answer is Shamus, a 1973 action-comedy about a hard-boiled private detective (Reynolds) who gets mixed up in a case involving a stolen rare coin, a sexy client, and a whole lot of New York City grit. Think Chinatown meets The Pink Panther, but with more sideburns.

On paper, Shamus had potential. It was directed by Buzz Kulik (who’d later work on Roots), co-starred Dyan Cannon, and was marketed as a mix of comedy and crime. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t exactly a hit. Critics were lukewarm, audiences were confused, and today, it’s mostly remembered as a footnote in Burt’s filmography. So… was it worth turning down M*A*S*H for?

Why Shamus Was Pure Burt Reynolds

Let’s be fair—Shamus might not have been a classic, but it was quintessential Burt. The movie gave him a chance to:

• Show off his comedic timing – Reynolds’ ability to deliver a one-liner with a smirk was unmatched.
• Play the lovable rogue – A role he’d perfect in later hits like Smokey and the Bandit.
• Avoid typecasting – Burt didn’t want to be “the TV doctor” for a decade. He wanted to be the guy who could do it all.

In a way, Shamus was a test run for the kind of roles that would later make him a superstar. It just… wasn’t the right vehicle. (And let’s be honest, the plot was a little convoluted. Something about a coin? A missing person? A lot of running?)

The Box Office Reality Check

While M*A*S*H became a cultural phenomenon, Shamus barely made a blip. It grossed a modest $4 million (about $28 million today) and faded fast. But here’s the twist: Burt didn’t care. He was never the kind of actor who chased awards or critical acclaim. He wanted fun. And in that sense, Shamus delivered.

As he later said in interviews, he had no regrets about turning down M*A*S*H. Why? Because he believed in following his gut—and his gut told him TV wasn’t the place for him. (At least, not yet. He’d later star in Evening Shade, proving he could do TV on his own terms.)

The Bigger Picture: Burt Reynolds’ Career Gamble

To understand why Burt made this choice, you have to understand Burt himself. This was a man who:

• Turned down James Bond (yes, really—he was offered Live and Let Die).
• Refused to take himself too seriously, even as he became one of the biggest stars in the world.
• Preferred stunts, laughs, and a good time over “prestige” projects.

Burt Reynolds wasn’t just an actor; he was a personality. And personalities don’t always play by the rules.

What If Burt Had Said Yes to M*A*S*H?

Let’s play alternate history for a second. If Burt had taken the role:

• The show might’ve been edgier – Burt’s brand of humor was more risqué than Alda’s. Would M*A*S*H have leaned harder into the raunch?
• No Smokey and the Bandit (as we know it) – Burt’s breakout role in 1977’s Smokey might never have happened if he was stuck in a TV contract.
• Alda might not have become a household name – Sometimes, the right actor for the right role is pure luck.

But here’s the thing: Burt’s career thrived because he took risks. Shamus flopped, but Deliverance (1972) became a classic. The Longest Yard (1974) was a hit. And by the late ‘70s, he was the biggest box-office draw in the world. Turning down M*A*S*H wasn’t a mistake—it was a bet on himself.

Lessons from Burt’s Bold Move: When to Say No in Hollywood (and Life)

Burt Reynolds’ choice teaches us something bigger than just movie trivia. It’s a masterclass in:

1. Trusting Your Instincts (Even When They Seem Crazy)

How many of us would’ve taken the “safe” job—the one with the steady paycheck and the promise of fame? Burt didn’t. He followed his gut, even when it led him to a forgettable movie about a detective and a coin. And sometimes, that’s the difference between a good career and a legendary one.

2. Avoiding the “Golden Handcuffs”

M*A*S*H would’ve been a 10-year commitment. For some actors, that’s a dream. For Burt? It would’ve been a cage. He valued freedom over security—and that’s why he became Burt Reynolds, not “that guy who used to be on M*A*S*H.”

3. Embracing the Flops

Not every risk pays off. Shamus wasn’t a hit, but it didn’t break Burt. In fact, he’d go on to make plenty of movies that bombed (looking at you, Rent-a-Cop). The key? He never let failure define him. He just moved on to the next project—and the next laugh.

4. Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Burt didn’t care about Oscars (though he was nominated for Boogie Nights later in his career). He cared about having fun, making people laugh, and doing things his way. That’s a pretty good blueprint for anyone.

Where to Watch Shamus Today (And Is It Worth It?)

If you’re curious (or just a die-hard Burt Reynolds fan), Shamus is available on:

• Amazon Prime Video (rent or buy)
• Tubi (free with ads)
• YouTube Movies

Verdict: It’s no M*A*S*H, but it’s a fascinating time capsule of ‘70s cinema—and a reminder that even legends make weird choices sometimes. Watch it for the mustache, stay for the sheer Burt-ness of it all.

The Legacy: Burt Reynolds, the Ultimate Wild Card

Burt Reynolds passed away in 2018, but his legacy is still being debated. Was he underrated? Overrated? A product of his time? One thing’s for sure: he was never boring. And that’s why his choice to turn down M*A*S*H is so fascinating. It wasn’t just about a role—it was about who Burt was as an artist and a man.

He once said:

“I’ve always believed that if you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.”

And that’s the real lesson here. Whether you’re an actor, a writer, a teacher, or just someone trying to figure out their next move, sometimes the best choice isn’t the obvious one. Sometimes, you’ve got to take the weird adventure movie instead of the sure thing.

So, what’s your Shamus? What’s the risky, maybe-crazy choice you’re considering? Maybe it’s time to take a page from Burt’s playbook and go for it. After all, the worst that can happen is you end up with a fun story to tell.

🎬 Your Turn: What Would You Have Done?

Would you have taken the M*A*S*H role, or rolled the dice on Shamus? Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you’ve seen Shamus, tell us: is it a hidden gem or a Burt-sized misfire?

And if you loved this dive into Hollywood’s “what ifs,” check out:

• The Time Marlon Brando Turned Down a Role That Made Another Actor a Star
• Forgotten ‘70s Movies That Deserve a Second Chance
• Why Burt Reynolds Was the Last True Movie Star

Keep the conversation going—follow us for more untold Hollywood stories!