Los Angeles  - Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds revealed Thursday how his dependence on prescription drugs forced him into a rehab facility for a month.

Reynolds, 73, told People magazine that he failed to conquer the habit on his own and appealed for other addicts of prescription painkillers to seek help.

"I felt that in spite of the fact I am supposedly a big tough guy, I couldn't beat prescription drugs on my own," Reynolds said. "I've worked hard to get off of them and really hope other people will realize they need to seek professional help, rather than ignoring the problem or trying to get off of the prescriptions on their own."

The magazine said that Reynolds was now back at home after a month of treatment at the unnamed rehab centre.  dpa