Robert Redford

Robert Redford is an iconic figure in Hollywood, known not only for his exceptional acting talent but also for his contributions as a director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. His career has spanned several decades, and his impact on the film industry remains profound.

ABOUT

Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Robert Redford has become a legendary name in the world of cinema. With his distinctive allure and impressive versatility, Redford has thrived in both independent and mainstream cinema. He has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and has won one as a director for the film "Ordinary People" (1980). His extensive filmography includes classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), "The Sting" (1973), and "All the President's Men" (1976).

BEFORE FAME

Before becoming a household name, Redford endured a series of challenges and setbacks. He grew up in Santa Monica but spent considerable time in the San Fernando Valley. He attended Van Nuys High School and later the University of Colorado, Boulder, from which he was dismissed due to low academic performance. To redirect his life, he traveled across Europe, and later studied painting in New York at Pratt Institute. It was during this period in New York that he developed an interest in acting, leading him to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

TRIVIA

• Despite his success, Redford initially struggled with public speaking and battling shyness, qualities that one would not associate with the confident film star and director he became.
• He is also a passionate environmentalist and founded the Sundance Institute to foster and support independent filmmakers. This initiative led to the establishment of the Sundance Film Festival, which is now a premier event showcasing fresh and vital voices in cinema.
• Redford's distinctive features, such as his blonde hair and rugged good looks, contributed to his sex symbol status in the late 1960s and 1970s.

FAMILY LIFE

Robert Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, and the couple had four children: Scott, Shauna, David James "Jamie", and Amy. Sadly, their first son, Scott, passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just two months old. Redford and Lola divorced in 1985. In 2009, Redford married his longtime partner, Sibylle Szaggars, a German-born artist.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Redford's career has often intersected with other Hollywood legends. He frequently collaborated with director Sydney Pollack on numerous projects, including "Out of Africa" (1985), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. One of his most famous partnerships was with actor Paul Newman; together they starred in two critically acclaimed films in the 1970s, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting", both of which have achieved iconic status.

Robert Redford's enduring legacy continues to inspire new generations, not only through his contributions to film but also through his advocacy for environmental causes and his support for the independent film movement. His journey from a high school dropout to a Hollywood luminary is a testament to his remarkable talent and unrelenting determination.