Published: Dec. 1, 2018

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Redford's Long RunÌý

In an August interview with Entertainment Weekly,ÌýRobert RedfordÌý(A&S ex'58; HonDocHum'87) said he would retire from acting after the September release of his latest film, The Old Man & The Gun. The Sundance Institute founder, 82, could always change his mind, of course, and we'd be the last to complain if he does. But there's no time likeÌýthe present for celebrating the career of a Buff who ranks high among American cinema's classiest leading men — and who started a CU legacy to boot: Two of Redford's children,ÌýDavid "Jamie" RedfordÌý(Engl'85) andÌýShauna Redford SchlosserÌý(Art'85), followed him to Boulder.Ìý

Born:ÌýCharles Robert Redford Jr., Aug. 18, 1936

First Role:ÌýOne of Redford's first screen appearances was on the TV game showÌýPlay Your HunchÌýin 1959. He received a fishing rod in lieu of payment.Ìý

First Credited Film:ÌýWar Hunt, 1962Ìý

Films, TV Movies and Documentaries Produced:Ìý50

Oscars:ÌýBest director,ÌýOrdinary People, 1981

Attended CU:ÌýFall 1954-Spring 1956; Member of the Kappa Sigma fraternityÌý

Employment in Boulder:ÌýJanitor at The Sink on The HillÌý

Wife:ÌýArtist Sibylle Szaggars Redford, since 2009. Previously married to Lola Van Wagenen, 1958-95.Ìý

Credited Roles (films, TV series and TV movies):Ìý78Ìý

Presidential Medal of Freedom:ÌýAwarded by former President Barack Obama, 2016Ìý

Breakthrough Role:ÌýThe Sundance Kid inÌýButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969. Redford was 32 years old and co-starred with Paul Newman.Ìý

Final Role on Screen:ÌýThe Old Man & The GunÌý

Quotes:Ìý

  • "One of the reasons I was asked to leave [CU Boulder] was that I was having too much fun — I spent too much time in the mountains and I didn't spend enough time studying. But two courses really got my attention, and they were geomorphology and anthropology." Redford toÌýThinkProgressÌýconcerning inspiration for his 2012 documentaryÌýWatershed.Ìý
  • "You are a beacon of hope for all independent filmmakers. You successfully navigated the treacherousÌýpath of corporate filmmaking and always managed to keep your personal vision intact." George LucasÌý
  • "I was always in love with Robert Redford — I made three films with him and nothing happened because I was married and he was married." Jane FondaÌýÌý

Photos by @Shutterstock/Andrea Raffin; Featureflash Photo Agency; Denis Makarenko; Alamy Stock Photo/MediaPunch Inc: AF archive; Coloradan archives