Redford, whose effortless charisma, piercing blue eyes, and unwavering commitment to both craft and cause defined an era of filmmaking, leaves behind a legacy that transcends mere acting. He was not just a star; he was a cultural force who, in addition to his legendary acting career, was awarded the Oscar for Best Director for his film Ordinary People (1980) and received an Honorary Oscar in 2002 for his lasting impact on cinema.
Actor/Director Robert Redford attends “The Company You Keep” Premiere at the 69th Venice Film Festival at the Palazzo del Cinema on September 6, 2012 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
As an actor, he embodied a uniquely American ideal of rugged individualism, intelligence, and a subtle rebel spirit, whether as an outlaw, a journalist, or a heartbroken lover. Beyond the camera, his influence as a director (earning an Oscar for Ordinary People) and, crucially, as the founder of the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, fundamentally changed the industry.
Sundance became a beacon for independent voices, launching countless careers and proving that compelling stories could thrive outside the studio system. Redford championed environmentalism, social justice, and artistic freedom, ensuring his legacy is one of profound cultural contribution. He will be forever missed.
His 10 Best Films
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
IMDb / 1969 20th Century Fox Courtesy Image
This iconic Western paired Redford with Paul Newman, creating one of cinema’s most legendary duos. Redford played the cool, fast-drawing Sundance Kid, the perfect foil to Newman’s charming Butch Cassidy. The film captured the spirit of a changing American West, turning both actors into global superstars and cementing Redford’s image as the effortlessly cool, principled anti-hero.
The Candidate (1972)
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In this astute political satire, Redford played Bill McKay, an idealistic young lawyer reluctantly drawn into a seemingly unwinnable U.S. Senate race. The film offered a sharp, cynical look at the compromises and deceptions inherent in political campaigning. Redford’s refined performance captured McKay’s gradual disillusionment, reflecting a growing societal skepticism about politics and showcasing his ability to deliver powerful social commentary through his craft.
The Way We Were (1973)
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In this poignant romantic drama, Redford starred opposite Barbra Streisand as Hubbell Gardiner, a handsome and privileged writer whose complicated relationship with the politically passionate Katie Morosky (Streisand) spans decades. The film became a cultural touchstone for romance. Redford’s portrayal of the often elusive and internally conflicted Hubbell showed a more vulnerable, romantic side, captivating audiences and solidifying his image as a leading man who could break hearts.
The Sting (1973)
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Reuniting with Paul Newman, Redford starred as Johnny Hooker, a young con man seeking revenge for the murder of his mentor. This intricate caper film is set in the 1930s. Its immense popularity, winning seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, further cemented Redford’s status as a top-tier leading man capable of effortless chemistry and sophisticated performance in a truly classic piece of entertainment.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
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Redford played Joe Turner, a mild-mannered CIA researcher (code name “Condor”) who finds his entire office massacred and himself on the run from unknown forces. This taut political thriller tapped into the post-Watergate paranoia of the era, showcasing Redford as an everyday man caught in a vast, dangerous conspiracy. His portrayal of a man out of his depth, yet determined to survive and uncover the truth, resonated deeply, establishing him as an actor capable of carrying high-stakes suspense films.
All the President’s Men (1976)
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In perhaps his most iconic role for a politically charged era, Redford starred as journalist Bob Woodward, partnering with Dustin Hoffman as Carl Bernstein, to expose the Watergate scandal. The film is a gripping, procedural masterpiece that chronicled the relentless pursuit of truth. Redford, also serving as an executive producer, was instrumental in bringing this vital story to the screen, cementing his commitment to projects with social significance and showcasing his ability to portray intelligent, determined characters in stories that mattered.
The Old Man & the Gun (2018)
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In one of his final acting roles, Redford portrayed Forrest Tucker, a charming career criminal who, in his 70s, continues to rob banks with effortless style. The film, a warm and elegant tribute to a bygone era of outlaws, explores Tucker’s love for the thrill of the chase and his genuine kindness, even to the people he robs. The role was a poignant capstone to Redford’s career, allowing him to embody the cool, charismatic rogue one last time with a graceful, reflective performance.
All Is Lost (2013)
IMDb/ Daniel Daza – © 2013 – Roadside Attractions
In a tour-de-force performance, Redford starred as an unnamed sailor who wakes up on his sailboat to find it has been breached, leaving him alone and adrift in the Indian Ocean. The film is a quiet, wordless, and gripping tale of survival, as the man must use his wits and resilience to battle the elements, a feat that is entirely physical and emotional. This challenging role proved Redford’s immense power as a performer, as he carried the entire film with no dialogue and only his expressions and actions to convey the story.
Barefoot in the Park (1967)
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This classic romantic comedy paired Redford with Jane Fonda, a partnership that would become legendary. The film follows a young, newlywed couple, Paul and Corie Bratter, as they move into a tiny, fifth-floor apartment in New York City and quickly realize their honeymoon is over. Redford plays Paul, the conservative and uptight lawyer who is constantly at odds with his free-spirited wife. The role cemented his status as a charismatic and charming romantic lead.
Our Souls at Night (2017)
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This drama reunited Redford with Jane Fonda, playing Louis Waters, a widower who lives a lonely life in a small Colorado town. When his neighbor Addie Moore (Fonda), another lonely widow, asks him to spend the night with her, the two form an unexpected bond. The film is a subtle and moving exploration of love, companionship, and the challenges of aging, with a deeply felt performance from Redford that was a graceful and heartfelt capstone to his career as a romantic lead.
Which other movie would you add?
