By June 1986, Reynolds had become an anti-smoking activist, appearing in adverts for the American Lung Association and testifying before a congressional subcommittee at the invitation of Packwood, to the dismay of his family. He had already sold his tobacco stock in 1979, and tried to get hired by RJR Nabisco Inc. from 1983–85, in an attempt to get the company to divest their tobacco holding.
By June 1986, Reynolds became a prominent anti-smoking advocate, appearing in advertisements for the American Lung Association and testifying before a congressional committee at Packwood's invitation, which caused his family distress. He had already sold his tobacco stock in 1979 and attempted to secure employment with RJR Nabisco Inc. from 1983–85, aiming to persuade them to divest their tobacco assets.