In the late 20th century, both Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood rose to fame as ideal leading men that could talk tough and sling a gun. While Eastwood began a struggling career in bit parts for action and monster films, Reynolds got his start as a stuntman. They both received harsh criticism when they auditioned for the same role in their attempts to transition into the spotlight. Though they nonetheless found individual opportunities to make their way in Hollywood, their rivalry would follow them for years.