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Actors

Robert Redford's Legacy: A Hero on and Off the Screen

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Robert Redford's lasting impact will be not only as an iconic actor, but also as a driving force behind nurturing filmmakers and environmental activism. He stood out from his peers with his unique blend of glamor and edginess, which made him a hero on and off the screen. Throughout his seven-decade career, Redford successfully bridged the realms of Old and New Hollywood, making a name for himself in stage, television, and film.

Key Takeaways:

  • Redford's early life in Southern California had no particular inclination towards acting, and he had disdain for the Hollywood glamour.
  • He was a rebellious high school student who read Mad magazine during his graduation ceremony and was kicked out of the University of Colorado, Boulder, for partying.
  • Redford's first stage success was on Broadway in 1963 in Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park," a role he repeated in the 1967 film version.
  • He showed a restlessness and tension in his early roles, such as the Mississippi city slicker in "This Property Is Condemned," demonstrating his desire to transcend his pretty boy image.
  • Redford's companies produced films like "Downhill Racer" and "The Candidate," which showcased his interest in making movies that reflected America's darkening political climate.
  • He turned to directing, earning an Oscar for "Ordinary People" and showcasing his ability to balance art and politics.
  • Redford's legacy extends beyond his own films, as he fostered an entire generation of filmmakers through the Sundance Institute and Film Festival.
  • He prioritized social and cultural issues, stating in 2002 that "I think it is wholly appropriate to focus on social cultural issues of our time."

Statistics:

  • Robert Redford's career spanned seven decades, starting in the late 1950s before entering the film industry in the early 1960s.
  • His breakout hits were "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting," in which he co-starred with Paul Newman.
  • Redford was a founding force behind the Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Institute, promoting new talent and nurturing filmmakers.
  • He produced over 50 films through his companies, including "Quiz Show" and "All the President's Men."
  • According to biographer Michael Feeney Callan, Redford was kicked out of the University of Colorado, Boulder, for partying and went on to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Sources:

  • Peter Rainer (contributor abstract)
  • Michael Feeney Callan (biographer)
  • Neil Simon (playwright)
  • Mike Nichols (director)
  • Tennessee Williams (playwright)
  • Martin Scorsese (director)
  • Francis Ford Coppola (director)
  • Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein (authors of "All the President's Men")
  • Variety (2002 interview with Redford)

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