Patrick Reynolds

**Patrick Reynolds: A Multifaceted Journey**

Patrick Reynolds has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since 1975, showcasing his talent in both television and film. He gained recognition for his lead performance in the 1986 feature film *Eliminators* and has appeared in notable works such as Robert Altman's *Nashville* and *Buffalo Bill and the Indians*, as well as in *Airplane!*, *Hair*, and *Xanadu*, where he starred alongside Olivia Newton-John.

Despite being the grandson of RJ Reynolds, founder of the tobacco company known for Camel and Winston cigarettes, Patrick became a vocal opponent of the tobacco industry following his father's death from smoking in 1986. His powerful testimony before Congress garnered global media attention, and for over thirty years, he has tirelessly advocated for a smoke-free society. In recognition of his efforts, President Obama awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Patrick is also a sought-after speaker at educational institutions and health conferences.

His television credits include notable PBS adaptations such as *Bernice Bobs Her Hair* and *A Rose for Emily*, as well as guest roles in series like *Operation Petticoat* and *Santa Barbara*. Almost cast as Captain Picard in *Star Trek*, he has also made significant contributions to the stage, playing lead roles in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and off-Broadway productions.

Before embarking on his acting career, Patrick directed the award-winning documentary *Berkeley* at 20 and later studied film at UCLA and USC. He honed his acting skills under Lee Strasberg and also co-authored *The Gilded Leaf*, a family biography that received critical acclaim upon its publication in 1989.

In 2007, Patrick married Alexandra Olympios, and they reside in Los Angeles with their son, born in 2009.