Robert Redford: From Hollywood Icon to Retirement and Beyond

News - 8 December 2023

If you are a fan of classic cinema, you might have enjoyed iconic movies like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid and Barefoot in the Park. These films were highly praised for their exceptional cast, including American actor Robert Redford. Known for his magnetic charisma, Redford quickly became a favorite among audiences.

While he has been out of the limelight in recent years, many fans are curious about what he is up to now.In 2016, Redford announced his retirement from acting after starring in The Old Man & The Gun. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he shared, "I pretty much decided that this was going to be it for me in terms of acting.

I'm going to be heading towards retirement after this movie because I've been doing this since I was 21." Reflecting on his decision, Redford expressed his desire to end his acting career on a positive and optimistic note.Throughout his illustrious career, Redford has received numerous accolades, including two Oscars and six Golden Globes.

In addition to his on-screen success, he is also the founder of the Sundance Film Festival. This renowned festival provides a platform for independent filmmakers in the United States to showcase their work. The festival's name pays homage to Redford's iconic character in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a film that kickstarted his career.

While Redford is most recognized for his work in film, his journey in the entertainment industry began on television. In the 1950s, he appeared in various television shows, such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dr. Kildare, Nothing in the Dark (an episode of The Twilight Zone), and Perry Mason.

However, it was in 1965 that Redford transitioned to the world of film, making his mark with roles in movies like The Chase and Barefoot in the Park alongside stars like Marlon Brando and Jane Fonda.Redford's breakthrough came when he starred alongside Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's leading men. His career soared in the 1970s with roles in films like The Way We Were, The Sting, The Great Gatsby, All the President's Men, and A Bridge Too Far.

Redford continued to impress audiences with his performances in movies such as The Natural, Out of Africa, and The Horse Whisperer before his retirement from acting.Although Redford declared The Old Man & The Gun as his final acting role, he made a cameo appearance in Avengers: Endgame as Alexander Pierce, reprising a role from Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Now 87 years old, Redford has shifted his focus to behind the camera, working as a director and producer.

His directorial debut, Ordinary People, earned him an Oscar for Best Director in 1980, paving the way for films like A River Runs Through It and Quiz Show.Despite stepping back from acting, Redford remains active in the film industry, contributing to projects like the Dark Winds series and the documentary All Illusions Must Be Broken. While he may no longer grace the big screen, his legacy as a talented actor, director, and producer continues to inspire audiences worldwide.