Robert Redford Originally Pursued a Different Career Before Becoming an Actor

Robert Redford: From Struggling Artist to Cinematic Icon

Before Hollywood fame and red-carpet premieres, Robert Redford pursued a very different dream. In his late teens, after leaving college in the U.S., he traveled across Europe with little more than a backpack, sleeping in hostels and hitchhiking from city to city. At one point, he found himself in Cannes, France, with no money for a room, and spent the night under a pier near the glamorous Hotel Carlton—a place that, years later, would welcome him as an honored guest during the Cannes Film Festival. Reflecting on that journey, Redford once said, “Jesus,” standing on the hotel balcony, marveling at how far he had come.

A Career That Almost Didn’t Happen
Redford’s path to Hollywood was far from assured. Initially, he aimed to become a painter and only discovered acting while studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Even with talent, his rise was slow until Paul Newman insisted he be cast in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, defying studio preference for more established stars. Redford credited Newman’s support with changing the trajectory of his life, calling it an act of profound generosity. The pair formed a lifelong friendship, starring together again in The Sting and remaining close until Newman’s passing in 2008.

More Than Just a Movie Star
Although Redford became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, he never lost his grounding in art and storytelling. His wife, Sibylle Szaggars, is a visual artist, and Redford championed her work while also engaging in projects that combined creativity with environmental awareness. As a director, he demonstrated his depth beyond acting. His directorial debut, Ordinary People (1980), won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. He continued to direct films such as A River Runs Through It and Quiz Show, choosing stories that challenged audiences while reflecting his thoughtful perspective.

The Power of Legacy
Perhaps Redford’s most enduring impact came behind the camera. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmakers. The Sundance Film Festival, which grew under his guidance, became a global platform for emerging talent, transforming the way independent cinema is seen and valued. Through this work, Redford not only influenced film culture but created opportunities for countless artists to tell their stories.

A Peaceful Farewell
Robert Redford passed away in his sleep on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89 in Sundance, Utah—the home of his beloved institute and the heart of his cinematic vision. His publicist announced his death, though the cause was not immediately disclosed.

Redford leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, creativity, and integrity. From sleeping under a pier in Cannes to reshaping the future of independent film, he was an Oscar-winning actor, visionary director, and tireless champion for other artists. His life reminds us that perseverance, passion, and generosity can transform not only one’s own journey but the world of cinema itself.