AnySelected

Remember 'Cop and a Half'? The 1993 buddy-cop comedy starring Burt Reynolds and Leslie Nielsen? Well, one of the film's young stars, Norman Golden II, is sharing a heartwarming story about the legendary actor's generosity. Golden, who played the young Norman in the film, recently recounted how Reynolds would routinely slip him $100 bills for performing stunts on set – a surprising and incredibly kind gesture that left a lasting impression.

Now 41, Golden, whose real name is Norman Golden II, was just eight years old when he landed the role in 'Cop and a Half.' The film offered a glimpse into the world of Hollywood for the young actor, but it was Reynolds' off-screen behaviour that truly stood out. “He’d just slip me $100,” Golden told Fox News Digital. “I didn’t know what to do with it. I’d put it in my pocket and forget about it.”

Golden left Hollywood in 1998 to prioritise his education, a decision he doesn’t regret. He traded the glitz and glamour of the movie industry for a career in the tech space, a world far removed from the film sets of his childhood. However, the memories of his time working with Reynolds remain vivid and positive.

The anecdote highlights a side of Burt Reynolds that many fans may not know – a generous and supportive figure who went above and beyond to make his young co-star feel comfortable and appreciated. While many child actors have tales of difficult experiences in Hollywood, Golden’s story paints a picture of a mentor who recognised the pressures and anxieties that come with the job, and sought to ease them with simple acts of kindness.

“He was just a very generous guy,” Golden reflected. “He always had a smile on his face. He was always joking around. He just made you feel good.” This sentiment echoes the broader perception of Reynolds as a charismatic and beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his charm and down-to-earth personality.

Golden's story serves as a touching reminder of the positive relationships that can blossom on film sets and the lasting impact that a single act of kindness can have, even decades later. It's a testament to Burt Reynolds' character and a sweet memory for a former child star who traded the spotlight for a fulfilling life in the tech world.