Robert Redford

Biography

Robert Redford is an American actor, director, producer, and environmental activist known for his legendary contributions to Hollywood. With a career spanning over six decades, Redford has earned acclaim for his performances in classic films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), and All the President’s Men (1976). 

He later transitioned into directing, earning an Academy Award for Ordinary People (1980). Beyond his work in film, Redford is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and the founder of the Sundance Film Festival, which has helped shape independent cinema.

Early Life and Education

Charles Robert Redford Jr. was born in Santa Monica, California on August 18, 1936. Raised in Los Angeles, he developed an early love for storytelling and the arts. He attended the University of Colorado but dropped out due to academic struggles and personal issues. Seeking a fresh start, he traveled to Europe before returning to the U.S. to study painting at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Eventually, he found his calling in acting and enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

Acting Career

Redford began his acting career in television during the late 1950s and early 1960s, appearing in shows like The Twilight Zone, Perry Mason, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. His breakthrough came in 1963 when he starred in the Broadway production of Barefoot in the Park, which led to the film adaptation in 1967 alongside Jane Fonda.

He gained widespread recognition with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), co-starring Paul Newman. The film's success cemented his status as a leading man in Hollywood. Throughout the 1970s, Redford starred in numerous hits, including:

• The Candidate (1972)
• Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
• The Way We Were (1973)
• The Sting (1973) – which won the Academy Award for Best Picture
• Three Days of the Condor (1975)
• All the President’s Men (1976) – based on the Watergate scandal

By the 1980s and 1990s, Redford continued to take on powerful roles in films such as Out of Africa (1985), A River Runs Through It (1992), and Indecent Proposal (1993).

Directorial and Production Career

Redford transitioned into directing in 1980 with Ordinary People, a critically acclaimed drama that won four Academy Awards, including Best Director. He continued directing and producing films with deep storytelling, including:

• The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)
• A River Runs Through It (1992)
• Quiz Show (1994) – nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards
• The Horse Whisperer (1998)

His directorial work showcases his ability to tell compelling, character-driven stories with emotional depth.

Sundance Film Festival and Activism

In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, which led to the creation of the Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the world. The festival has launched the careers of many independent filmmakers and has given a platform to films outside mainstream Hollywood.

Aside from his work in film, Redford is a committed environmental activist. He has supported various environmental causes and has worked on initiatives to promote sustainability and conservation. His dedication to the environment has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition from organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Later Career and Retirement

Despite slowing down in acting, Redford continued working in films such as The Company You Keep (2012), All Is Lost (2013), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), and The Old Man & the Gun (2018), which he announced as his final acting role. In 2019, he retired from acting but remains influential in the film industry.