Robert Redford

Robert Redford was born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, USA. He grew up in a working-class household, the son of Martha Hart and Charles Robert Redford Sr. Redford attended Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles and later the University of Colorado Boulder but dropped out to pursue art at the Pratt Institute and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Robert Redford gained significant fame with his starring role as the 'Sundance Kid' in the film 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,' released in 1969. Alongside Paul Newman, Redford played the role of an outlaw in this Western classic. The film was a major box office success and solidified Redford’s status as a major Hollywood actor, opening up numerous opportunities for him in the film industry.

The movie 'The Sting,' released on December 25, 1973, featured Robert Redford in a leading role alongside Paul Newman. The film was directed by George Roy Hill and became a massive success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Redford’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and talented actor capable of playing diverse roles.

Robert Redford made his directorial debut with the film 'Ordinary People,' released on May 9, 1980. The drama tells the story of a family dealing with the aftermath of a son's death. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Redford. This established him as a talented director in addition to being an acclaimed actor.

In 1981, Robert Redford founded the Sundance Institute, an organization dedicated to the development of independent artists and their projects. The institute is known for the annual Sundance Film Festival, which has become one of the most prestigious film festivals globally. The Sundance Institute has played a crucial role in supporting independent filmmakers and advancing the cause of indie cinema around the world.

In 1994, Robert Redford was honored with the American Film Institute's (AFI) Life Achievement Award. This award was a recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry as an actor, director, and producer. Redford’s impact on cinema, especially through his promotion of independent film via the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, was acknowledged as groundbreaking and influential.

On December 13, 2001, Robert Redford was awarded an Honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This honorary award recognized his achievements as an actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Institute. The award highlighted his sustained and significant contributions to cinema over multiple decades, including his advocacy for independent film and the arts.

The film 'The Conspirator,' directed by Robert Redford, premiered on October 2, 2008. The historical drama focuses on the trial of Mary Surratt, the lone female charged in the conspiracy to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Redford's dedication to telling historical narratives through film continued to showcase his interest in providing audiences with engaging and thought-provoking stories.

'Pete's Dragon,' featuring Robert Redford, was released on August 12, 2016. In this live-action remake of Disney's 1977 film of the same name, Redford plays one of the central characters, Meacham, who tells local children stories about a fierce dragon. This family-friendly film was praised for its heartfelt storytelling and Redford's performance, highlighting his enduring appeal across multiple generations.

'The Old Man & the Gun,' reportedly Robert Redford's final film role, premiered on August 31, 2018, at the Telluride Film Festival. In this movie, Redford stars as Forrest Tucker, a real-life career criminal known for his numerous escapes from prison. The film, directed by David Lowery, received critical acclaim and was seen as a fitting capstone to Redford's illustrious career in acting.