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10 Shocking Facts About Young Robert Redford: Unmasking The 'Golden Boy' Legend Of The 60s And 70s

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Decades after he first captivated audiences, the enduring mystique of young Robert Redford continues to be a subject of fascination, especially in light of recent retrospectives detailing his pivotal early career. On this December 19, 2025, we look back at the period from the 1960s to the late 1970s, when Charles Robert Redford, Jr. transitioned from a struggling artist and Broadway hopeful into Hollywood's definitive "Golden Boy," a persona that masked a shy, complex, and fiercely independent actor who fundamentally redefined the American leading man.

His iconic look—sun-kissed hair, piercing blue eyes, and an effortless, functional style—became synonymous with a new era of American cinema. This deep dive uncovers the surprising facts about his formative years, the key collaborations, and the pivotal roles that cemented his status as a cinematic legend long before he founded the Sundance Film Festival.

Young Robert Redford: Complete Early Biography and Profile

The man who would become one of the most recognizable faces in the world was born far from the Hollywood spotlight, beginning a life marked by early challenges and a rapid ascent to stardom.

  • Full Name: Charles Robert Redford, Jr.
  • Date of Birth: August 18, 1936
  • Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
  • Parents: Martha W. Redford (mother) and Charles Robert Redford, Sr. (father, an accountant).
  • Early Education: Attended Van Nuys High School; briefly attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship before dropping out.
  • First Marriage (Crucial Early Life Event): Married Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, a union that lasted until 1985 and produced four children: Shauna, Amy, Jamie (James), and Scott (who passed away as an infant).
  • Early Career Start: Began acting on the Broadway stage in 1959, appearing in productions like *Tall Story* and *Sunday in the Park*.
  • Breakthrough Role: *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1969), alongside Paul Newman.
  • Notable Early Award: BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1970).

The Evolution of the 'Golden Boy' Persona and Style

Robert Redford’s cinematic image in the 1960s and 1970s was a carefully cultivated blend of physical perfection and intellectual depth. He was often dubbed the "Golden Boy," yet he consistently sought out roles that challenged this superficial label, insisting on starring in films that contained real social or political weight.

From Broadway to the Small Screen: The Pre-Stardom Grind

Before his film career exploded, Redford honed his craft in the demanding world of live theater and television. He moved to New York City after marrying Lola Van Wagenen in 1958, marking the end of his time in Los Angeles.

His early television work was extensive, providing him with the necessary experience to handle complex dramatic roles. These appearances included guest spots on iconic shows of the era, such as *The Alfred Hitchcock Hour*, *The Twilight Zone*, and *Route 66*. This period was essential for developing the restrained, quietly charismatic acting style that would later define his big-screen presence.

His first major film roles were in the mid-1960s, including *Inside Daisy Clover* (1965) and *The Chase* (1966). These roles, while not blockbusters, established him as a serious dramatic actor capable of handling complex characters, setting the stage for his eventual stardom.

The Defining Collaborations: Newman, Fonda, and Pollack

Redford’s status as a top-tier leading man was cemented by a series of career-defining partnerships. The most famous was his legendary on-screen bromance with Paul Newman.

  • Paul Newman: Their collaboration began with 1969’s *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*. Newman, already a superstar, reportedly insisted that the lesser-known Redford be cast, recognizing their mutual commitment to the craft and their effortless chemistry. They reunited for the massive 1973 hit *The Sting*, solidifying their status as one of cinema’s most beloved duos.
  • Jane Fonda: He starred opposite Jane Fonda in the 1967 romantic comedy *Barefoot in the Park* (reprising his Broadway role), and later in the 1979 western *The Electric Horseman*.
  • Sydney Pollack: Director Sydney Pollack was perhaps his most crucial creative partner, directing him in six films, including *Jeremiah Johnson* (1972) and *The Way We Were* (1973), which paired him with Barbra Streisand and became a cultural phenomenon.

The Style Icon: Redford's Influence on 1970s Menswear

Beyond his acting, young Robert Redford became an unwitting fashion icon, defining a new look for American menswear that was anti-Hollywood, aspirational, and deeply rooted in a rugged, intellectual sensibility. His style was functional, credible, and free of the excess often seen in the era.

His film wardrobes were highly influential, blending classic tailoring with a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe. In films like *The Candidate* (1972), where he played idealistic young activist Bill McKay, his corduroy blazers, simple ties, and perfectly tailored, yet unpretentious, suits set a new standard for political and intellectual chic.

This "look" was a visual manifestation of his "golden boy with a darkness in him" persona. It suggested a man who was handsome and privileged but whose focus was on substance, not vanity. He made simple, quality clothes look "necessary," an inheritance that continues to influence fashion today.

The Roles That Defined the Decade

The 1970s were Redford’s peak as a young leading man, with a string of hits that demonstrated his range:

  • *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1969): The definitive role that gave him his lifelong nickname, the Sundance Kid.
  • *The Candidate* (1972): A critical favorite where he played Bill McKay, an idealistic young lawyer running for the Senate, exploring political themes that resonated with the post-Vietnam era.
  • *The Way We Were* (1973): His role as Hubbell Gardiner, the effortlessly charming writer, cemented his status as a romantic lead.
  • *The Sting* (1973): A perfect vehicle for his charm and wit, earning him a massive commercial success and a Golden Globe nomination.
  • *All the President's Men* (1976): As journalist Bob Woodward, Redford tackled serious political drama, using his star power to bring the true story of the Watergate scandal to the screen, demonstrating his commitment to films with weight.

Robert Redford’s young career was not just about good looks; it was about an intelligent, deliberate choice of roles that challenged his own image. He was the quintessential American hero of the 60s and 70s—flawed, handsome, and always fighting for something meaningful, a legacy that continues to inspire actors and filmmakers alike.

young robert redford
young robert redford

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