Sophia Michaels
Robert Redford was once the epitome of Hollywood charm. After starting his career on Broadway, he quickly became a star in major films such as “Barefoot in the Park” and “The Way We Were,” setting a new standard for leading men. He also ventured into directing and won an Oscar for “Ordinary People” in 1980. Even though his Hollywood presence was significant for decades, he acknowledged that the limelight was dimming in his later years.
Over a lengthy career of sixty years, Redford amassed numerous accolades, including the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award. He continued to captivate audiences until 2018 when he starred in “The Old Man & the Gun.” At this time, he hinted at retirement, sharing with Variety, “I can’t last forever.” During the film’s premiere, he revealed his contemplation of retirement by saying, “I’ve put my soul and heart into it over the years,” and suggested it was time to conclude his acting journey.
However, the transition into retirement proved to be challenging. Shortly after announcing his intent to leave Hollywood, Redford discovered he wasn’t fully ready to step away. The expected projects didn’t come to fruition, and he faced immense personal grief with the loss of his son.
A Heartbreaking Loss Followed His Retirement Announcement
Redford’s retirement declaration did not stick as planned. Almost as soon as he shared his decision, he realized he still wanted to participate in the industry. “I think it was a mistake to say that I was retiring,” he confessed to People. He noted that moving forward would likely not focus on acting, hinting at exploring other creative avenues.
Tragically, in 2020, as he began to adjust to his new phase, Redford faced the devastating passing of his son James due to bile-duct cancer. This loss hit hard, as James was not the first child Redford had to bury—his firstborn, Scott, passed away from SIDS at two months old. “The grief is immeasurable with the loss of a child…,” Redford stated, sharing his deep sadness and reflecting on James’s legacy in art and conservation.
Currently, Redford has not reignited the creative pursuits he anticipated. Nowadays, he made a cameo in “Avengers: Endgame” and contributed as an executive producer on various projects, including “Dark Winds.” He is also working on “109 East Palace,” a film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, which he started in 2019, stating, “Moving on doesn’t mean you retire,” indicating his plans to continue with art and directing.
