Hollywood Reacts to the Passing of Robert Redford: “A True Genius”
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Update 2: Scarlett Johansson, recalling her collaboration with Robert Redford in The Horse Whisperer, said: “When I was 11 years old, Bob Redford cast me in The Horse Whisperer. Every day before shooting a scene, he would sit next to me and walk me through all the character developments in the story up to that point. Bob taught me what acting could be, and it was his generosity and patience that inspired me to pursue opportunities in this profession.”
Update: Leonardo DiCaprio called Robert Redford his hero in a statement. The Oscar-winning actor, speaking at the premiere of One Battle After Another in London, said: “This is very sad news. We’ve lost a true legend in our industry. I admire him not just as an actor, but also as the director of Quiz Show.”
He added: “But above all, and I’ve said this many times, he was a passionate environmental advocate, a member of the NRDC like myself, and a hero to many—including me. It’s a tremendous loss.”
Earlier: Following the death of Robert Redford, the legendary actor and director of films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, at the age of 89, many of his colleagues paid tribute to his memory.
Jane Fonda, who worked with Redford in Barefoot in the Park, The Chase, The Electric Horseman, and Our Souls At Night, said: “I can’t stop crying. He meant so much to me, and he was a good person in every way. He stood for an America we must keep fighting for.”
Meryl Streep, who starred with him in Out of Africa, said: “One of the lions has left us. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
Donald Trump, the U.S. President, told reporters before his trip to the U.K.: “For years there was no actor better than Robert Redford. At one time, he was the most attractive actor. I think he was a great actor.”
Marlee Matlin wrote on X: “It was because of Sundance that our film CODA was noticed. And Sundance exists because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed away.”
Piers Morgan wrote: “What a career, what an actor, what a sad loss.”
Antonio Banderas wrote in Spanish on X: “Robert Redford, one of cinema’s great icons, has left us.”
James Gunn wrote: “I grew up with his films: his calm, spontaneous performances and his ever-present beauty. He was a true movie star, and he will be missed. Rest in peace, Robert.” He also shared a list of his 10 favorite Redford films.
Stephen King wrote: “Robert Redford has died. He was part of the new and exciting cinema of the 1970s and 1980s. Hard to believe he was 89.”
Morgan Freeman, who starred with Redford in An Unfinished Life, wrote: “When you meet certain people, you just click. After working with Robert Redford in Brubaker in 1980, we immediately became friends. Working with him again in An Unfinished Life was a dream come true.”
The Sundance Film Festival, the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and Spencer Cox, governor of Utah, have also issued separate statements honoring Redford.
