Consider This from NPR Robert Redford was his own kind of Hollywood icon
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Sep 16, 2025 Robert Redford's legacy as a multifaceted Hollywood icon is explored in depth. His transition from a charming actor to an Oscar-winning director is highlighted. The podcast delves into his commitment to independent cinema with the Sundance Film Festival and his advocacy for environmental causes. Key film performances are examined, touching on themes of masculinity and subverting traditional Hollywood tropes. Friends and critics share insights on his lasting influence, showcasing the blend of authenticity and glamor he brought to the industry.
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Fame With Reluctance
- Robert Redford combined bankable Hollywood stardom with a reluctance toward celebrity and performance spectacle.
- He used his platform to focus attention on issues beyond fame, like the environment and filmmaking.
Bromance That Subverted Westerns
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid cast Redford as a handsome, understated partner to Paul Newman, creating a famous on-screen bromance.
- The film's ambiguous, non-triumphant ending marked it as subversive for its time.
Range Across 1970s Cinema
- Across the 1970s Redford anchored diverse hits from Jeremiah Johnson to The Sting and political thrillers like All the President's Men.
- He became associated with both handsome leading-man roles and complex, often political material.