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Notable Actor Robert Redford Nears Iconic American Hero Status

Clear political stance of Robert Redford, esteemed actor of the century, was his opposition to authoritarian movements within the United States. Sadly, he has passed away, and this piece serves as an obituary for him.

"Robert Redford on the brink of being hailed an American icon"
"Robert Redford on the brink of being hailed an American icon"

Notable Actor Robert Redford Nears Iconic American Hero Status

Robert Redford, a renowned actor and filmmaker who left an indelible mark on Hollywood, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on September 16, 2022, in Sundance, Utah.

Redford's illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he starred in some of the most iconic films of the 20th century. His breakthrough role came in 1967 with the film adaptation of Neil Simon's comedy "Barefoot in the Park."

Throughout his career, Redford collaborated with some of the most talented filmmakers of his time, including Sydney Pollack. Together, they produced a series of unusual, hard-hitting films that challenged the American self-image. One of their most memorable collaborations was "The Way We Were," a poignant drama that showcases the loss or betrayal of once-held ideals.

Redford's performance in "The Way We Was" is notable for his distance from his character and his own role. This characteristic was also evident in his role as an ungrateful multimillionaire in the 1993 film "Indecent Proposal," where he starred alongside Demi Moore. The film explores the destructive potential of money on human relationships.

In 1973, Redford starred in "The Sting," a film that remains remarkably fresh to this day. The following year, he played the role of Jeremiah Johnson, a trapper who flees civilization. In 1972, he was hunted in "Three Days of the Condor," a film where his character is hunted after an entire department is liquidated to cover up a system error.

Robert Redford was not just an actor; he was also a filmmaker and a pioneer. He founded his own film production company and initiated the annual Sundance Festival to promote independent film. His work in the Western parody genre is unforgettable, particularly his role in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in 1969, which he co-starred with Paul Newman.

Redford's early life was marked by the early death of his mother and self-destructive behaviors such as drinking and expulsion from university. Despite these challenges, he rose to become one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.

In his later years, Redford continued to act, direct, and produce films with politically ambitious material. His final on-screen performance was in the directing debut of J.C. Chandor as a sailor in "All is Lost" in 2013. In 2019, he directed himself in the film "The Old Man & the Gun."

Robert Redford will be remembered for his incredible talent, his contributions to the film industry, and his unwavering commitment to independent film. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

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