Legendary Actor Robert Redford, Known as the Last Aristocratic Cinematic Icon
Robert Redford: From Santa Monica to Hollywood Stardom
Robert Redford, born in Santa Monica, California in 1936, embarked on a journey that would lead him from the sunny shores of California to the bright lights of Hollywood.
Growing up, Redford harboured dreams of becoming a painter, not a movie star. This was recalled by Elizabeth Ashley, an actress who worked with him. However, his good looks and acting talent were undeniable, even if they did not initially assure his future as a leading man.
Redford's early career began with walk-ons and television appearances. His breakthrough role came in the form of a Broadway debut in "Barefoot in the Park," just days before the assassination of President Kennedy.
Despite his success on stage, Redford experienced a significant setback in his early twenties. He faced a stage flop in New York and the death of his baby son, whose funeral he could barely afford.
In the world of television, Redford caught the eye of director Mike Nichols, who noticed his acting talent in an episode of Alcoa Playhouse. This recognition would prove to be pivotal in Redford's career.
Nichols, unfortunately, rejected Redford for the lead role of Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate. The part went to Dustin Hoffman instead. Redford also turned down the role of Nick in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
Redford's big screen break came with the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where he co-starred with Paul Newman. The film was a success, and the duo would later reunite in The Sting, another tale of outlaw friendship.
In 1962, Redford played a unique role in "Nothing in the Dark," an episode of The Twilight Zone. His character was Mr. Death.
Redford's career reached new heights with films like The Natural, a mythic film about a fictional baseball player Roy Hobbs, and A River Runs Through it, a film based on Norman Maclean's novel of brotherhood and fly fishing, which he also directed.
Throughout his illustrious career, Redford became the era's defining movie star, possessing an enduring American sensibility that resonated with audiences worldwide. His journey from Santa Monica to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
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