Iconic actor Robert Redford, lacking charm, has passed away.
Robert Redford, the iconic actor known for his roles in films like Out of Africa and The Horse Whisperer, has passed away at the age of 89 in his home in Utah.
Born in Santa Monica, California, Redford grew up in modest circumstances as the son of a bookkeeper. His rise in the film world was not straightforward; he hitchhiked through Europe, sold self-painted pictures, and attended an acting school in New York.
Redford's big break came over 50 years ago, starting with the Western comedy Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). He became a Hollywood star, and his career spanned decades, earning him an Oscar for direction in 1981 for his debut film Ordinary People. Despite winning only one Oscar, Redford was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Film Academy in 2002.
Redford's acting roles were diverse, from playing the old bank robber in The Old Man & the Gun (2018) to transforming into the "Washington Post" journalists who brought down Richard Nixon in All the President's Men (1976). He could also play the lover roles well, as seen in films like The Great Gatsby (1974), Out of Africa (1985), and The Way We Were (1973).
Robert Redford was not just an accomplished actor; he was also a dedicated environmental activist and nature conservationist. His "wake-up call" on global warming came in 1989 at a conference in Denver. He saw it as his mission to promote young, critical voices through the Sundance Institute, which he founded in 1980.
The Sundance Institute, now regarded as the largest US film festival for independent productions, was established by Redford. It was created in the Rocky Mountains in the 1980s to support independent filmmakers and create a platform for independent cinema. The Sundance Film Festival, the largest U.S. film festival for independent productions, was established by Redford.
Redford's second marriage was to the painter Sibylle Szaggars, whom he met in Hamburg. The couple was rarely seen at film parties. His first marriage was to the historian Lola Van Wagenen, and they had four children together. Their eldest son died at a young age, and their marriage ended in 1985.
Meryl Streep, Redford's co-star in Out of Africa, has expressed her grief over his death. At 81, Redford stood in the spotlight with Jane Fonda and received the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement in 2017 at the Venice Film Festival. However, at 77, Redford delivered a powerful performance in the survival drama All Is Lost, but did not receive an Oscar nomination.
Redford explored war lust and incompetence in Washington, uncritical journalism, and television dumbing down in his wordy drama The Insider (2007). He saw himself as a rebellious figure from a young age and always felt like an outsider.
Redford will be remembered not just for his acting skills but also for his contributions to independent cinema and environmental activism. His legacy will live on in the films he made and the institute he founded.
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