This Day in Movie History: February 11

Nine years ago Today in Movie History – February 11 – Will Smith’s romantic comedy Hitch got the thumbs up from audiences and many critics. After his sitcom days, Smith’s movie career mostly consisted of huge grossing action/sci-fi flicks until this came along. Hitch, which costarred Eva Mendes and Kevin James, opened to a terrific $43 million debut on its way to a domestic total of $179 million.

As for birthdays, Burt Reynolds turns 78 today. He was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1970s and his hits included Deliverance, The Longest Yard, Gator, Smokey and the Bandit, Semi-Tough, The End, and Hooper. His successes would continue into the early 80s with The Cannonball Run, Sharky’s Machine, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He would experience a movie career resurgence with his Oscar-nominated turn in 1997’s Boogie Nights and appear in the Adam Sandler led Longest Yard remake in 2005.

Jennifer Aniston is 45 today. By far, Aniston has had the best movie career among the “Friends” cast. Her success from the sitcom led to starring in late 90s rom coms like Picture Perfect and The Objection of My Affection. In 1999, she would costar in the now cult classic Office Space. Notable films since are many – The Good Girl, Bruce Almighty, Along Came Polly, The Break-Up, Marley & Me, Horrible Bosses, and We’re the Millers.

As for Six Degrees of Separation between Smokey and Rachel:

Burt Reynolds was in The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler was in Just Go With It with Jennifer Aniston

And that’s today – February 11 – in Movie History!