Though Burt Reynolds had a successful Hollywood career spanning six decades, the late prolific actor revealed before his death at age 82 from cardiac arrest that his “greatest achievement” in life was actually his 30-year-old son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds.

“He is my greatest achievement. He’s a wonderful young man and is now working as a camera assistant in Hollywood. He never asked for any help with his career, he did it all himself, and I’m so proud of him. I love him very much,” Burt, 82, exclusively told Closer Weekly in a recent issue of the magazine.

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                                       Burt and his son, Quinton. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Quinton is Burt’s only child and the star adopted his son with his second wife, Loni Anderson, back in the late 1980s. Though the Smokey and the Bandit actor and Quinton previously went through a period of estrangement following Burt’s 1993 divorce from Loni, the two grew much closer in recent years.

Despite some rocky times, Burt previously told Closer that he had no life regrets. “There’s nothing I can do about things that weren’t happy or good,” he said. “I just try not to dwell on those. Regrets are not healthy — it’s best to try and let go of those things that can’t be changed.”

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                        Burt and his second wife, Loni. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“All of my experiences made me who I am today, and I’m grateful for the positive ones,” Burt added. “I don’t think of my past as anything negative, and if it is negative, I’ve forgotten it!” Rest in peace, Burt. We’ll miss you!