Hubba, Hubba. I mean, Hubbell

By Christy Riggs

Handsome, intelligent, charismatic, intense, handsome. Oh, wait. I said handsome twice (where is my head?) These are just a few of the adjectives that describe none other than the legendary, flashy smile actor, Robert Redford. 

Robert Redford was born August 18, 1936 in Santa Monica, CA and grew up in the Los Angeles area. He attended University of Colorado, although did not graduate. Interesting tidbit - he lost 60 percent of his hearing due to an untreated severe ear infection back in 2013. 

Robert did marry. Twice. His first wife was Lola. They married in 1958 and had four children (2 boys, 2 girls). They lost their first son to SIDS and their second son just in 2019 to cancer.  He later married whom he considered the love of his life, Sibylle, in 2009. 

Robert Redford started acting in the late 1950s, making his professional debut on the Broadway stage in 1959 with a small part in the play Tall Story. He had a breakout success on Broadway in Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park (1963) before his breakthrough as a film star in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (‘69). 

Speaking of Robert Redford movies, I took my own poll by asking some of my friends and family what their favorite movie was. Annnnnnd the awards go toooooo:

HONORABLE MENTIONS: “The Natural” (‘84). This movie is about the rise and fall of baseball player Roy Hobbs. He is shot by a mysterious fan that shatters his career. He does get a second chance to play for the New York Knights, however, temptation and corruption tests his integrity. 

“A Walk in the Woods” (2015): This comedy adventure movie stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. Instead of retiring, it’s decided to hike two thousand miles along the Appalachian Trail. In a nutshell, this movie is about their journey and the companionship along the way. Isn’t that what life is about?

FOURTH PLACE: Jeremiah Johnson (‘72). Redford plays a war veteran who wishes to live his life in total isolation. He encounters a mountain man who teaches him survival tactics. He also finds a native wife and adopted son. The Crow Indians do interrupt their peace. The most famous line from this film is: "You've come far, pilgrim." 

THIRD PLACE: Out of Africa (‘85) which costars Meryl Streep. In this romantic drama, Meryl’s character follows her husband to Africa. After finding out her husband was unfaithful, she falls for Robert Redford's character, Denys. Perhaps the most memorable scene is when Denys (Redford) is washing Karen’s (Meryl) hair along the river reciting lines from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. 

SECOND PLACE: Ordinary People (‘80). Robert Redford directed this wonderfully acted movie that stars Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland and Timothy Hutton. Additionally he won an Academy Award for best director for his work. 

Drum roll please…

FIRST PLACE: The Way We Were (‘73). Classic case of opposites attract as Katie (Barbara Streisand) and Hubbell (Redford) meet in college - she a political activist and he a golden boy. In the wake of World War II, they meet again and marry despite their societal differences. There is a tender, bittersweet goodbye scene so keep the tissues handy. Fun fact: Barbara Streisand’s song “The Way We Were” won an Academy Award. She also said everyday on the set with him was “intense and pure joy.” 

Robert Redford starred in “at least 72” movies. Two of my personal favorites are “Up Close and Personal” co-starring Michelle Pfeiffer and “Indecent Proposal” with Demi Moore. There are SO many more amazing films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “The Sting”, “The Horse Whisperer”, “All the President’s Men” just to name a few. 

Sadly he passed in his sleep on September 16 surrounded by family. He was 89. What an amazing long life. Not only has he left a legacy of iconic movies, he was also the founder of the Sundance Institute - a non-profit organization committed to the growth of independent artists.

I very recently saw a clip where James Lipton (host of Inside the Actors Studio) interviewed Robert Redford. James asked “Bob, what is your favorite word?” To that he replied “possible”. Well, I can’t think of a better word. Possible ~ such a powerful word…