Reynolds hooked on drugs

Burt Reynolds has admitted that he's addicted to painkillersÂ…

10:28 17 September 2009

Legendary actor Burt Reynolds has publicly admitted he is battling an addiction to painkillers, in the hope that his admission can help others in the same situation.

Reynolds' manager released a statement confirming that the 73-year-old Oscar nominee is in a rehab clinic to treat an addiction to painkillers.

The star was originally prescribed the drugs after he underwent back surgery following an injury, according to Reuters.

Reynolds has already been released from the clinic in Florida but decided to make his problems public.

The statement said: "After a recent back surgery, Mr. Reynolds felt like he was going through hell and after a while, realized he was a prisoner of prescription pain pills."

"He checked himself into rehab in order to regain control of his life. Mr. Reynolds hopes his story will help others in a similar situation. He hopes they will not try to solve the problem by themselves, but realize that sometimes it is too tough to do on their own and they should seek help, as he did."

Reynolds was one of the biggest box office draws of the 1970s with hits like 'The Cannonball Run' and 'Smokey and the Bandit'.

He also garnered critical success for his dramatic performances in 'Deliverance' and 'Boogie Nights'. In the past he has admitted to having an addiction to sleeping pills.