Robert Redford, the renowned actor and director and co-founder of the Sundance Institute, passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 89. His passing marks the end of an era. He certainly leaves behind an indelible mark on the film industry, in part due to a career that bridges genres and decades. Celebrated for his ruggedly handsome performances and skillful directing, Redford earned a lasting legacy as both a charismatic star and critically lauded mogul turned filmmaker.
Over the course of his impressive body of work, Redford proved to be an actor capable of playing almost anything. He starred as the rugged Jeremiah Johnson in the 1972 film of the same name, where he portrayed a veteran seeking solitude in the wilderness. His role in this film let loose his unparalleled gift of expressing profound internal conflict and connecting with viewers on an intrinsic level. In the 1969 film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Redford played Harry Longabaugh, better known as the Sundance Kid. In this classic film, he starred with Paul Newman. The palpable chemistry they shared catapulted the film into a cultural landmark of classic American cinema.
Beyond his dramatic leading man roles, Redford was a comic genius. His performance in “Barefoot in the Park,” adapted from Neil Simon’s play, showcased his comedic timing as a New York City husband navigating the chaos of married life. This lighthearted romantic comedy only further extended Philadelphia’s capacity, proving that Hanks’ range as an actor was boundless.
Notably, Redford’s contributions extended beyond acting. He made an enormous splash on the directing scene with “Ordinary People” in 1980. The next year, for a brilliant picture, he won the Academy Award for Best Director. It was no Ordinary People. The movie starred Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore. It tackled intricate family dynamics and showcased Redford’s incredible gift for directing. He made “Quiz Show” in 1994, a prescient examination of the ethical rot in TV.
Redford’s role as Roy Hobbs in “The Natural,” a Wild West classic released in 1984, further highlighted his ability to capture the spirit of Americana through storytelling. His performance as Bill McKay, a U.S. Senate hopeful in “The Candidate,” released in 1972, showcased his engaging presence and political commentary within cinema.
Over the course of his life, in addition to being an extraordinary actor and filmmaker, Redford was a tireless champion and activist for independent film. He started the Sundance Film Festival, which is now one of the largest platforms for new filmmakers in the world. His dedication to promoting diverse voices in film sets a profound legacy.
