Tribute to Alfie Wise: Celebrated Actor and Burt Reynolds Collaborator Passes Away at 82
Alfie Wise, a beloved actor known for his memorable collaborations with Burt Reynolds in iconic films such as The Cannonball Run, Smokey and the Bandit, and Stroker Ace, has sadly passed away at the age of 82. According to reports, Wise died of natural causes on July 22 at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Born on November 17, 1942, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Wise graduated from Altoona Area High School in 1960 before pursuing his studies at Pennsylvania State University. Following his education, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy.
Wise made his on-screen debut in 1972 with the television movie Call Her Mom and quickly followed up with a role in CBS’s sitcom The Sandy Duncan Show. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, he became a familiar face on numerous television series, including the ABC medical drama Trauma Center, where he played paramedic Sidney Pacelli. He also guest-starred in well-known shows such as Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, The Jeffersons, and Tour of Duty, and had a recurring role as Oliver Wardell in B.L. Stryker, where he often found himself the target of Reynolds’ character’s humor.
Wise and Reynolds developed a close friendship, leading to several collaborations in films such as Hooper (1978), The End (1978), Starting Over (1979), Paternity (1981), The Longest Yard (1974), City Heat (1984), and Heat (1986). He also appeared in an episode of Reynolds’ CBS sitcom Evening Shade.
After retiring from acting in 2000, Wise took on a new career as a real estate agent with Donahue Real Estate in Florida. The agency honored his legacy in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating, “We are deeply saddened to share that our agent, Alfie Wise, has passed away. Alfie was always present at company gatherings, bringing joy and conversation to everyone. Not only was he a successful Realtor, but he was also a talented actor who frequently worked alongside his good friend, Burt Reynolds, in films like Smokey and the Bandit. You might also remember him from his roles in B.L. Stryker, Trauma Center, and S Club 7 in Miami. We will greatly miss Alfie’s humor, positive spirit, and warm personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Alfie Wise leaves behind a rich legacy in both the entertainment industry and his community, remembered fondly by fans and friends alike.
