Robert Redford, who has died at 89, leaves behind a remarkable dual legacy as both a quintessential Hollywood movie star and a fierce champion of independent film. While he will be forever remembered as the romantic hero of classics like The Way We Were, his impact on cinema extends far beyond his own performances.
As an actor, Redford defined romance for a generation. His portrayal of Hubbell Gardiner, the handsome writer in a doomed love affair with Barbra Streisand’s character, became an iconic piece of cultural history. His on-screen magnetism was undeniable, and the film’s success cemented his status as a legendary leading man. This image was further solidified by his role as the dashing adventurer in the epic Out of Africa.
However, Redford was often uncomfortable with the very heartthrob image he perfected. This skepticism fueled the other half of his legacy: his passion for filmmaking that existed outside the Hollywood system. In establishing the Sundance Institute and its film festival, he created a platform for new voices and stories that might otherwise have gone unheard.
This desire to explore more complex, gritty narratives was also reflected in his own acting choices later in his career. He actively sought roles that would challenge the public’s perception of him, proving he was an artist of immense depth and conviction, not just a movie star with classic good looks.
With his passing, we celebrate a man who shaped cinema from both in front of and behind the camera. Robert Redford was the rare figure who could embody the glamour of classic Hollywood while simultaneously working to redefine its future. He was a romantic hero on screen and a visionary off it.