Hollywood has lost one of its most influential figures: Robert Redford has died at 89. According to his publicist, Cindi Berger, he passed away peacefully at his home in Utah, as reported by The New York Times.
While audiences will remember his unforgettable performances on screen, it was often the choices he made behind the scenes—bold, creative, and meticulous—that truly defined his career. Here are ten moments that capture the brilliance of Redford at work.
The Art of Spontaneity
Source: IMDb
On the set of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Redford preferred to rely on instinct rather than extensive rehearsals, believing that over-practice could sap a scene’s energy. Paul Newman, however, favored more preparation, and Redford ultimately went along out of respect for his co-star.
Hiding the Hurt
Source: IMDb
While filming “The Sting,” Redford was still recovering from a broken right thumb he had injured in a skiing accident months earlier. Rather than let it slow him down, he subtly adapted his movements on camera, holding a fork with only four fingers or using unusual grips to lift objects like his coffee cup.
A Happy Accident on the Line
Source: IMDb
In “All the President’s Men,” Redford carried an entire six-minute single-take phone conversation, with the camera slowly tracking him throughout. Near the end, he accidentally called the other character by the wrong name, but he stayed completely in character. The moment felt so natural and authentic that the filmmakers kept the take in the final cut.
Opposites in Harmony
Source: IMDb
During the filming of “The Way We Were,” Streisand developed an off-screen crush on Redford, which he noticed but did not reciprocate. Rather than letting it interfere, he chose to quietly pretend he hadn’t noticed, focusing on supporting her performance.
Diving Into the Action
Source: IMDb
On “Jeremiah Johnson,” Redford embraced the physical challenges of his role, often performing his own stunts whenever it added authenticity to the scene. He said he respected stunt professionals and never attempted dangerous feats they could handle more safely, but he loved the thrill of action that couldn’t be faked on camera. For him, the hands-on experience was part of the fun of filmmaking, bringing an unmistakable realism and energy to the mountain-bound adventure.
Playing Across Time
Source: IMDb
In “The Natural,” the story follows Roy Hobbs both as a 19-year-old and as a 35-year-old, but Redford was actually 47 during filming. Despite the age difference, he convincingly portrayed the youthful ambition and later maturity of the character.
A Winter Wonderland, Carefully Crafted
Source: IMDb
Although “Three Days of the Condor” was set in winter, filming took place during autumn, which meant leaves had to be removed from trees and saplings defoliated to create the right seasonal look. As an avid environmentalist, Redford personally checked the process to ensure no damage was done to the plants.
From Idea to Screen
Source: IMDb
Redford was the driving force behind “The Candidate,” originating the project and shaping its vision from the start. He personally chose Michael Ritchie to direct, valuing his experience as a technical adviser on political campaigns.
Breaking Out of the Suit
Source: IMDb
While playing his character in “Barefoot in the Park,” Redford wasn’t a fan of being confined to a suit and tie all day. Between takes, he’d slip into western boots and a black cowboy hat, injecting a bit of his own personality into the set.
A Silent Masterpiece
Source: IMDb
“All Is Lost” featured a nearly dialogue-free script of just 32 pages, putting the entire weight of the film on Redford’s performance. He was frustrated by the studio’s lack of awards promotion for both director J.C. Chandor and himself, despite critical acclaim. The experience left a lasting impact, influencing Redford’s decision to take fewer acting roles and gradually prepare for retirement.
