Robert Redford is an American actor, director, producer, and businessman who has had an incredible career spanning several decades. He has won numerous awards for his work, including an Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for the film “Ordinary People.” Redford has been known to take breaks from acting, and in 2018, he announced his retirement from acting altogether. However, he surprised everyone when he came out of retirement to star in the 2019 film “The Old Man & the Gun.” So, what was the reason behind his decision to return to the screen?
In an interview with Deadline, Redford explained that it was the script and the opportunity to work with director David Lowery that convinced him to come back. He was particularly drawn to the character he was playing, a real-life career criminal named Forrest Tucker who continued to rob banks into his seventies. Redford saw the role as a chance to explore a character who was “not always good, not always bad” and who lived life on his own terms. He also appreciated the fact that the film was a departure from the typical Hollywood blockbuster and had a more independent feel.
Despite his retirement from acting, Redford has remained active in the film industry as a producer and director. He founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978 as a way to showcase independent films, and it has since become one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. He has also produced and directed numerous films throughout his career, including “A River Runs Through It,” “Quiz Show,” and “The Horse Whisperer.”
Redford’s personal life has been just as fascinating as his career. He was born in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in a middle-class family. His father was a milkman, and his mother was a homemaker. Redford attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship but switched to art halfway through his studies. He eventually dropped out of college and moved to Europe to pursue his passion for art.
Redford returned to the United States and began taking acting classes in New York City. Further, he quickly became a rising star in Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Barefoot in the Park,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “The Sting.” He was known for his rugged good looks and laid-back demeanor, which made him a heartthrob for many women.
Despite his popularity, Redford has been notoriously private about his personal life. He has been married twice, first to Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, with whom he had four children, and later to Sibylle Szaggars in 2009. Redford has spoken about his reluctance to marry again after his divorce from Van Wagenen, citing the difficulties of maintaining a marriage while being a successful actor.
In conclusion, Robert Redford is a true icon of the entertainment industry. His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades and a place in the hearts of audiences around the world. His decision to come out of retirement for “The Old Man & the Gun” is a testament to his passion for acting and his willingness to take risks. While he may have retired from acting again, his contributions to the film industry will continue to be felt for years to come.
