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Burt Reynolds in intensive care

Jan 26, 2013, 20:17 GMT

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds is in intensive care after being struck by a virulent flu bug. The 'Smokey and the Bandit' actor has been battling the illness for days, but was ordered by doctors in Florida to seek urgent treatment for 'severe dehydration'.

Doctors remain hopeful the 76-year-old 'Boogie Nights' star will make a full recovery after being hospitalised yesterday (25.01.13).

Referring to his famous facial hair, a spokesperson told E! news: ''He is doing better. They are taking care of him and his moustache.'

Burt previously had a quintuple heart bypass in 2010, and also had to undergo a month of rehab in 2009 for addiction to prescription drugs.

He said at the time: 'I felt that in spite of the fact I am supposedly a big tough guy, I couldn't beat prescription drugs on my own.

'This has been a challenging time for me personally, and I really appreciate the outpouring of love and support from my fans, friends and family.

'I am looking forward to getting back to teaching and working.'

Burt has most recently appeared in sitcom 'Evening Shade', and contributed his voice to animated series 'Archer'.