Burt Reynolds checks into rehab

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Hollywood screen star Burt Reynolds has entered rehab to be treated for his addiction to prescription drugs, his manager confirmed to People magazine Wednesday.

The news was first reported on the "Entertainment Tonight" Web site.

"After a recent back surgery, Mr. Reynolds felt like he was going through hell and after a while, realized he was a prisoner of prescription pain pills," the actor's manager said in a statement issued to People Wednesday. "He checked himself into rehab in order to regain control of his life. Mr. Reynolds hopes his story will help others in a similar situation. He hopes they will not try to solve the problem by themselves, but realize that sometimes it is too tough to do on their own and they should seek help, as he did."

Reynolds, 73, is best known for his roles in the films "Deliverance," "The Longest Yard," "Smokey and the Bandit," "The Cannonball Run," "Boogie Nights" and "The Dukes of Hazzard," as well as in the TV series "Evening Shade."