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The celebrated actor, who passed away at 89, starred in over 50 motion pictures, earned an Academy Award for his work behind the camera, and was known as a champion of independent filmmakers via creating the yearly Sundance Festival.

Professional accomplishments enabled him to select projects that matched his politically liberal beliefs, and he was also an activist for environmental causes and Native American rights.

His timeless American ideal looks made a lasting impression: An observer remarked he resembled “a slab of Mount Rushmore clad in blue jeans.”

A different critic noted he exhibited “a natural poise and an inner light that appeared as if he was illuminated from within.”

But Redford himself felt his looks acted more of an obstacle than a benefit professionally, and remarked that fate had brought tragedy in his private world as punishment for his blessed looks.

The future star was born in California during the Depression era, the offspring of a dairy worker who subsequently transitioned to a numbers man with an oil company.

In his youth, he joined a street gang and was arrested for “borrowing a vehicle that had pilfered goods inside.”

He earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Colorado, but asked to leave within two years for alcohol-related issues. Simultaneously, his mother died in her forties.

Struck by sorrow, he drifted briefly, finding employment in drilling sites prior to exploring Europe, where he pursued painting.

Living overseas offered a new perspective about the United States: “I began to look at America differently,” he said.

Once home, he registered at a acting school hoping to work as a stage designer—however pivoted to performance.

As with most aspiring actors in late 1950s New York, he gained bit parts on Broadway and on TV, such as roles in well-known programs like The Untouchables.

His initial movie role came in 1960 via a minor role in Tall Story, in which he worked with a fellow performer.

Unfortunately, it proved a strong start for his movie path. It underperformed—with one magazine writing that “nothing could save the film.”

However, it signaled the beginning of a enduring bond between them, Fonda said that she fell with him each time they collaborated.

“There was always an enigma since he didn’t reveal anything,” she noted. “He’s got a certain energy to him.”

The initial big Broadway achievement occurred playing confident counsel Paul Bratter in Neil Simon’s comedy play the production. Subsequently played the part in the 1967 adaptation, again with Fonda.

That year, he was given a award for most promising newcomer for his work in the movie co-starring an actress.

Yet he not chosen for the character of the lead in the movie as the director believed he appeared excessively attractive—causing Redford wary of pigeonholing because of his looks.

Global fame arrived in 1969 with the film.

The 33-year-old’s portrayal of the laidback Kid, alongside his partner’s quick-witted Butch Cassidy, was among the best collaborations.

Amusingly, Redford came close to missing out on the part because one studio executive remarked: “He’s merely a Hollywood blond. Throw a rock through a window in Malibu, and you’ll strike many comparable.”

The filmmakers did everything to avoid casting Redford, before Newman—an enormous name—stepped in and required on his casting.

They found they had in common a love of acting, and remained close friends through Newman’s passing in the late 2000s.