by Josh Sewell
On Tuesday, we lost one of the most iconic movie stars of all time. Robert Redford died at 89, leaving behind a staggering legacy of incredible performances and environmental activism. Even if you only counted the films he made in the late-1960s through the mid-1970s, the handsome actor would’ve been a legend – but he was so much more than those classics.
Born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford got his start acting on stage and television. That includes roles on memorable shows like Maverick, Perry Mason, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone and The Untouchables. When he made the jump to the big screen, however, his career really took off.
Born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford got his start acting on stage and television. That includes roles on memorable shows like Maverick, Perry Mason, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone and The Untouchables. When he made the jump to the big screen, however, his career really took off.
Not everything Redford appeared in was a winner, but that happens when you make almost four dozen films over six decades. (For example, his version of The Great Gatsby is rough, even though he’s a perfect match for the character in theory.) What’s more, after establishing himself as an actor for the ages, he also made a name for himself as a notable director.
He helmed Ordinary People (which was nominated for six Oscars and won four, including Best Picture and Best Director), A River Runs Through It, Quiz Show and The Horse Whisperer. Granted, he also made The Legend of Bagger Vance and Lions for Lambs, but I won’t hold those against him. At least he took chances.
Even if Redford didn’t have those incredible careers, he’d still be of vital importance to the film industry because of the monumental impact of the Sundance Film Festival, which he co-founded in 1978. The annual spotlight on independent cinema is partially responsible for the careers of Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Kevin Smith, Paul Thomas Anderson, Chloe Zhao, Damien Chazelle, Ryan Coogler and far too many other amazing directors to mention.
Perhaps the best way to honor Redford, aside from donating to one of the many charities he supported, is to revisit some of his greatest work – or watch it for the first time. If you’re lucky enough to be in that position, I envy you. There’s not enough space to discuss all his movies in detail (that’s what books are for), but here are some must-sees and personal favorites.
Barefoot in the Park (1967)
Redford made a memorable impression in several movies before this one, but the adaptation of Neil Simon’s play was his true breakthrough in Hollywood. Not only did it allow him to reprise the role he originated on Broadway, he also got to reunite with Jane Fonda (who he previously worked with in The Chase). The actress would prove to be a frequent collaborator and lifelong friend.
Perhaps the best way to honor Redford, aside from donating to one of the many charities he supported, is to revisit some of his greatest work – or watch it for the first time. If you’re lucky enough to be in that position, I envy you. There’s not enough space to discuss all his movies in detail (that’s what books are for), but here are some must-sees and personal favorites.
Barefoot in the Park (1967)
Redford made a memorable impression in several movies before this one, but the adaptation of Neil Simon’s play was his true breakthrough in Hollywood. Not only did it allow him to reprise the role he originated on Broadway, he also got to reunite with Jane Fonda (who he previously worked with in The Chase). The actress would prove to be a frequent collaborator and lifelong friend.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
What can I say about this slice of perfection? Redford and Paul Newman are amazing together, their platonic chemistry making George Roy Hill’s classic (penned by master screenwriter William Goldman) one of the great 20th century westerns. That freeze frame at the end always gives me goosebumps.
The Way We Were (1973)
Redford and Barbara Streisand star in this beloved romantic drama. Although it’s maudlin by today’s standards, it hit 1970s audiences hard and inspired one of the all-time great love songs.
Redford and Barbara Streisand star in this beloved romantic drama. Although it’s maudlin by today’s standards, it hit 1970s audiences hard and inspired one of the all-time great love songs.
The Sting (1973)
Redford, Newman and director Hill team up for (sadly) the last time in this treasured heist comedy. It was written by David S. Ward, who would go on to make 1989’s outstanding Major League. The flick is also a big influence on Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven (along with another Redford heist film, 1972’s The Hot Rock.)
Redford, Newman and director Hill team up for (sadly) the last time in this treasured heist comedy. It was written by David S. Ward, who would go on to make 1989’s outstanding Major League. The flick is also a big influence on Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven (along with another Redford heist film, 1972’s The Hot Rock.)
3 Days of the Condor (1975)
This thriller serves as a time capsule for America’s bleak political climate following the Watergate era (which seems quaint these days). Redford plays a CIA researcher who must find his colleague’s assassins without becoming their next target.
All the President’s Men (1976)
Speaking of Watergate, this docudrama might be the best journalism movie ever made. Redford and Dustin Hoffman star as Bob Woodward and Carl Berstein, the Washington Post reporters who launched an investigation that brought down a sitting president.
The Natural (1984)
Although he was too old to play the titular baseball player with borderline superhero talent, Redford’s charisma helped make this saccharine drama a beloved sports movie. And just look at this roster of talent that lined up to work with him: Robert Duvall, Glen Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey and a ton of other recognizable character actors.
Sneakers (1992)
While this spy thriller isn’t the “best” Redford film, it’s probably my favorite. The actor was settling nicely into elder statesman status by this point in his career. As such, his performance here feels effortless and he’s surrounded by an incredible cast including Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, David Strathairn, River Phoenix and Mary McDonnell. It’s funny, suspenseful, timely and full of important relationships. I’ve watched this dozens of times and it never gets old.
This thriller serves as a time capsule for America’s bleak political climate following the Watergate era (which seems quaint these days). Redford plays a CIA researcher who must find his colleague’s assassins without becoming their next target.
All the President’s Men (1976)
Speaking of Watergate, this docudrama might be the best journalism movie ever made. Redford and Dustin Hoffman star as Bob Woodward and Carl Berstein, the Washington Post reporters who launched an investigation that brought down a sitting president.
The Natural (1984)
Although he was too old to play the titular baseball player with borderline superhero talent, Redford’s charisma helped make this saccharine drama a beloved sports movie. And just look at this roster of talent that lined up to work with him: Robert Duvall, Glen Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey and a ton of other recognizable character actors.
Sneakers (1992)
While this spy thriller isn’t the “best” Redford film, it’s probably my favorite. The actor was settling nicely into elder statesman status by this point in his career. As such, his performance here feels effortless and he’s surrounded by an incredible cast including Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, David Strathairn, River Phoenix and Mary McDonnell. It’s funny, suspenseful, timely and full of important relationships. I’ve watched this dozens of times and it never gets old.
All is Lost (2013)
Literally a one-man show, Redford plays a sailor who finds himself facing almost certain death after his vessel collides with a shipping container and begins to sink. The 106-minute film is almost free of dialogue, meaning Redford must rely on body language and facial expressions to convey the range of emotions his character experiences throughout his ill-fated journey.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Winking at his 1970s conspiracy thrillers, Redford plays a high-ranking government official who (spoiler alert for an 11-year-old blockbuster) turns out to be a murderous traitor. It’s one of his rare villain roles and the only time he dabbled in modern franchises.
Literally a one-man show, Redford plays a sailor who finds himself facing almost certain death after his vessel collides with a shipping container and begins to sink. The 106-minute film is almost free of dialogue, meaning Redford must rely on body language and facial expressions to convey the range of emotions his character experiences throughout his ill-fated journey.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Winking at his 1970s conspiracy thrillers, Redford plays a high-ranking government official who (spoiler alert for an 11-year-old blockbuster) turns out to be a murderous traitor. It’s one of his rare villain roles and the only time he dabbled in modern franchises.
The Old Man & the Gun (2018)
Redford’s last onscreen performance (not counting quick cameos in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame and a 2025 episode of the television drama Dark Winds, which he executive produced) is a reminder of why the actor was beloved for so long. Based on a true story, he plays a retirement-age thief who escapes from prison to rob banks and woo a sweet jewelry store clerk played by Sissy Spacek.
Redford’s last onscreen performance (not counting quick cameos in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame and a 2025 episode of the television drama Dark Winds, which he executive produced) is a reminder of why the actor was beloved for so long. Based on a true story, he plays a retirement-age thief who escapes from prison to rob banks and woo a sweet jewelry store clerk played by Sissy Spacek.
See these too:
Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
The Candidate (1972)
Indecent Proposal (1993)
Spy Game (2001)
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Reach out to Josh Sewell at joshsewell81@gmail.com or on BlueSky @joshsewell.bsky.social
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