## Robert Redford: A Life in Film
Charles Robert Redford was born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, to a milkman who later became an accountant. A talented athlete, he earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado, though he only attended for a year. following his mother’s death, Redford experienced a period of heavy drinking (the University of Colorado later awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1983). He used earnings from various jobs to travel to Europe, studying painting briefly in Paris and Florence.
Returning to the US in 1958, Redford married historian and environmental activist Lola van Wagenen, with whom he had four children, tragically losing one as an infant. the couple divorced in 1985. Their daughter, Amy Redford (45), is also a triumphant actress, director, and producer. Since 2009, Redford has been married to German artist Sibylle Szaggars, and enjoys his role as a grandfather of seven.
From Athlete to Actor: Early Roles
Redford’s interest in acting was sparked during a visit to the new York Pratt Institute, leading him to enroll at the American Academy of dramatic Arts in 1959. He debuted on Broadway that same year, playing a basketball player, and achieved meaningful success in Neil Simon’s comedy *Barefoot in the Park* (1963), a role he later reprised in the 1967 film adaptation alongside Jane Fonda. He also appeared in several television series during the early 1960s.
A pivotal moment in his career arrived with the comedy Western *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1969). The role of the charming outlaw broadened his range and allowed him greater control over his future roles. He formed a memorable partnership with Paul newman in *The Sting* (1973), earning his only Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Other notable films from this period include the politically charged dramas *All the President’s Men* (1976) and *The Candidate* (1972), and also the psychological drama *Brubaker* (1980), set within a prison surroundings.
Behind the Camera: A Director Emerges
In the early 1980s, Redford transitioned to directing, achieving immediate success with *Ordinary People* (1980). The film garnered four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. He received further Oscar nominations for Best Director for *Quiz Show* (1994) and the romantic drama *The Horse Whisperer* (1998), which also earned a Golden Globe nomination.
Later directorial efforts include the war drama *Lions for Lambs* (2007) and *The Company You Keep* (2012). Despite acknowledging declining physical stamina, Redford took on the challenging role of a lone sailor in *All Is Lost* (2013). He also produced the ancient drama *The Conspirator*,focusing on the assassination of abraham Lincoln. Throughout his career, Redford has been a dedicated producer of independent and documentary films.
In 2005,Redford was honored with the Crystal Globe for his extraordinary contribution to world cinema at the international Film Festival in Karlovy Vary.
In November 2016, Redford announced his intention to retire from acting, citing a desire to complete two remaining film projects. He stated, “I am getting tired of acting. I’m an impatient person and it’s hard for me to sit and shoot a shot.” He officially announced his retirement from acting in the summer of 2018, prior to the premiere of *The Old Man & the Gun*, in which he played an experienced bank robber. When asked about directing,he left the possibility open,stating,”We’ll see.”
Trailer for the movie the Old Man & the Gun VIDEO: YouTube/Searchlightpictures
