Robert Redford, the impossibly handsome movie star who made hearts beat faster for over half a century in films like The Way We Were and Out of Africa, has died at 89. But behind the famous blue eyes and golden hair was a serious artist, a dedicated activist, and a man who often felt constrained by his own stunning looks.
From his breakout role in Barefoot in the Park opposite Jane Fonda, Redford was typecast as the quintessential romantic lead. His charm and good looks made him one of the most bankable stars in the industry. He leaned into this persona in sweeping romances like The Way We Were with Barbra Streisand and the epic Out of Africa with Meryl Streep, creating some of cinema’s most unforgettable love stories.
However, Redford was always wary of being dismissed as “just another California blond.” He actively sought out roles that would subvert his image, playing a corrupt millionaire in Indecent Proposal and an alcoholic ex-rodeo star in The Electric Horseman. He was determined to be seen as a serious actor, not just a pretty face.
This desire for substance was also the driving force behind his work as a director and producer. His Oscar-winning film Ordinary People was a stark, emotional drama, a world away from the glamorous roles he was famous for. Similarly, his founding of the Sundance Film Festival was an effort to promote films of substance and artistic merit over commercial appeal.
Jane Fonda, his frequent co-star, once joked late in their lives, “He’s a great kisser.” While his romantic appeal was undeniable and a key part of his stardom, Robert Redford’s true legacy is that of a man who leveraged his beauty and fame to create a career of remarkable depth, purpose, and integrity.
