Robert Redford’s Face Could Tell Nothing But the Truth

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Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16th at the age of 89, was a truly remarkable figure. He wasn’t just a famous actor; he used his success and resources to support new filmmakers and protect the environment. He believed in the power of storytelling to both reflect and influence American values. In an era often marked by distrust and division, Redford’s ability to connect with audiences on such a deep level feels extraordinary. Throughout his extensive career as an actor, producer, and director, he impacted every corner of the film industry. But at his core, he was a communicator – an artist who could convey meaning with a simple expression, drawing you in and making you eager to listen. He accomplished so much in his 89 years, it felt like he lived several lifetimes.

As a child growing up in Los Angeles before vaccines were common, Robert Redford contracted polio. While it wasn’t a severe case, he spent weeks recovering in bed. As a treat, his mother took him to Yosemite National Park, a trip he recalled fondly during a 2018 interview. He described driving out of a tunnel and being awestruck by the park’s beauty, calling it “sculpted by God.” Later, as a teenager, Redford worked at Yosemite for three summers. Despite a bit of a rebellious streak – he associated with a rough crowd in high school and famously spent his graduation ceremony in the auditorium reading *Mad* magazine – he clearly cherished his time there.

I’ve always been fascinated by artists who take unexpected paths, and this guy’s story is a great example. He originally dreamed of being a painter – he even saved up enough money by 19 to backpack around Europe and really experience life. While he kept painting throughout his life, that trip changed him, opening his eyes to different cultures, politics, and the natural world. He briefly studied art at the University of Colorado, even getting interested in animation, but eventually, he discovered a passion for acting. He started out doing TV and stage work, and his big break came with Neil Simon’s *Barefoot in the Park* in 1963. He even got to reprise the role in the 1967 film version alongside Jane Fonda, which was amazing!

It’s hard to even begin to cover everything Robert Redford’s achieved. His directing debut, *Ordinary People* back in 1980, was a huge success, winning four Oscars including Best Picture and Director. He went on to direct beautiful films like *A River Runs Through It* in 1992, and tackled a fascinating story with *Quiz Show* in ’94. As an actor, he always seemed to pick roles that really explored the weird side of American politics and how easily things could become corrupt. Think about films like *The Candidate* from 1972, and of course, the amazing *All the President’s Men* in ’76, where I loved his portrayal of Bob Woodward, the reporter who helped break the Watergate scandal with Carl Bernstein. It felt like his whole career was about showing how honesty and integrity could triumph over dishonesty and corruption. But he didn’t stop there! He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to support independent filmmakers, and then in ’85, he took over the United States Film and Video Festival, which became the Sundance Film Festival we know and love today. It’s an incredible legacy.

Listing Robert Redford’s achievements doesn’t truly capture what made him special. Watching him act – in films like *The Sting*, *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, or even his later, powerful performance in *All Is Lost* – is to be completely captivated. His 1973 film, *The Way We Were*, explored political ideals and the impact of the Hollywood Blacklist, but for many viewers, it was a deeply romantic experience. That emotional connection is significant – actors offer us a unique kind of gift. The way Redford’s character, Hubbell Gardiner, looks at Barbra Streisand’s Katie Morosky during their unexpected reunion perfectly conveys adult regret and the understanding that even the best choices involve loss. It’s a look that sadly acknowledges we can’t have everything – not even in the movies, where we often seek to see ourselves reflected. Redford’s face always revealed the truth.

This idea extended beyond the world of film. In our conversation, Robert Redford emphasized the importance of challenging those in power who seem focused only on causing harm – not just to the environment, but to the principles that everyday people value. We often strive to be kind when it’s easier to be self-centered, and to protect things when it’s simpler to destroy them. He said maintaining hope is crucial, as it’s the only thing that keeps us afloat. He felt hope was especially important now, when things often seem bleak, and giving in to despair only makes things worse. He couldn’t have explained it any better, and his words feel particularly meaningful now that he’s passed away.

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2025-09-17 02:06