Paul Newman’s Candid Confession About Working with Robert Redford
The topic of Paul Newman raises many questions. The 1969 classic western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid remains one of the most beloved films in Hollywood history. It told the story of two real-life outlaws, Robert LeRoy Parker and Harry Longabaugh, better known by their famous aliases. The movie followed their exploits as they evaded law enforcement after a series of daring bank and train robberies across the American frontier.
Audiences were captivated by the undeniable chemistry between the two leads. Paul Newman portrayed the charismatic Butch Cassidy, while the younger Robert Redford took on the role of the Sundance Kid. Their on-screen partnership was so convincing that many assumed the two actors shared a deep friendship off camera as well. The film went on to win four Academy Awards and is still considered a benchmark for the western genre.
A Partnership That Defined a Generation
The success of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid launched a collaborative relationship between Newman and Redford that would continue for years. In 1973, the pair reunited for The Sting, another caper film that proved to be a massive hit. Both actors were considered among the most handsome and talented stars of their era, and their combined star power created box office magic.
Despite their professional success together, the personal dynamics between the two men were more complicated than audiences might have imagined. Newman was forty-four years old when he took on the role of Butch, while Redford was a decade younger at thirty-three. The age difference played a significant role in how Newman viewed their collaboration.
A Role Newman Wished He Had Taken
In a candid interview with the BBC program Talking Pictures, Newman revealed something surprising about his feelings toward the film. He admitted that he would have preferred to play the Sundance Kid instead of Butch Cassidy. Newman explained that he felt more comfortable with the cooler, more reserved qualities of the Sundance character. He described the role as the easier part to play.
At the time of filming, Redford was an emerging talent in Hollywood. He had already gained recognition for his performance alongside Natalie Wood in the 1965 film Inside Daisy Clover, which earned him a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year. Newman, by contrast, had already achieved superstar status with memorable performances in films such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Cool Hand Luke.
How Redford Joined the Project
The casting of Redford came about after another prominent actor turned down the role. Steve McQueen declined the opportunity to appear in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a decision that would also lead him to pass on other iconic films including Dirty Harry, The French Connection, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. This opened the door for Redford to step into what would become one of his most memorable roles.
Newman was already collecting accolades for both his acting and directing work when he began working with Redford. The contrast in their career trajectories at that moment added another layer of complexity to their working relationship.
Behind the Scenes Tensions
According to Newman’s memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, the two actors were not genuinely close friends during the filming of their first movie together. Newman offered some frank observations about Redford’s behavior, expressing frustration with his reliability. He suggested that one could never be certain Redford would show up when expected, describing such behavior as discourteous.
Newman’s youngest daughter, Claire Newman Soderlund, offered her perspective on the tension between the two actors. She noted that her father was extremely punctual and dedicated to his work. Redford, in contrast, had a more relaxed approach to time management. She described Redford as a free spirit, while her father was someone who worked extremely hard to achieve success.
A Friendship That Grew Over Time
When Newman passed away from lung cancer in 2008, Redford reflected on their relationship in an interview with ABC News. He spoke warmly about the connection they shared while playing those iconic characters. Redford described how the fun of working together began their relationship, and once filming started, they discovered additional similarities that strengthened their bond over time.
Following their work on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, the two actors searched for opportunities to collaborate on a third project. They came close to making it happen with A Walk in the Woods, a film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s book about two older men attempting to hike the Appalachian Trail.
The Project That Almost Brought Them Together Again
Redford selected the script for A Walk in the Woods in 2005, specifically with Newman in mind for the co-starring role. He explained that the two had been looking for a third film to do together for quite some time. When Redford read the book, he immediately thought of Newman as the perfect partner for the project.
Redford sent the book to Newman, but the older actor had concerns about whether he could handle the physical demands of the role. The part eventually went to Nick Nolte when the film was made in 2015. Despite this missed opportunity, the friendship between Newman and Redford continued to deepen over the years.
Neighbors and Close Friends
The two actors eventually became more than just professional colleagues. They both settled in Connecticut, living only one mile apart from each other. Their families also developed close relationships over time. What began as a working partnership evolved into something resembling a brotherhood.
Redford spoke fondly about their dynamic after Newman’s death. He mentioned that they both became familiar with each other’s flaws and would playfully exploit them. They enjoyed trying to surprise and trick one another, and Redford described the experience as incredibly enjoyable. Their interactions became a scenario unto itself, filled with humor and genuine affection.
Paul Newman: A Lasting Legacy of Laughter
Redford also shared memories of Newman’s sense of humor. He recalled that Newman loved to laugh and particularly enjoyed his own jokes, even when they were not particularly good. Redford noted that Newman’s enjoyment of his own humor was so infectious that people would forget the quality of the joke itself and simply laugh along with him.
The relationship between Paul Newman and Robert Redford stands as one of the great partnerships in cinema history. Their on-screen chemistry created timeless entertainment that continues to be celebrated by audiences today. Behind the scenes, their connection evolved from professional collaboration to genuine friendship, proving that even initial tensions can give way to lasting bonds.
The legacy of their work together remains a testament to the power of great storytelling and the magic that can happen when talented actors find the perfect creative match. Their films continue to entertain new generations of viewers, and their real-life friendship serves as a reminder that some of the best partnerships are built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared humor, and the ability to appreciate each other’s differences.