Robert Redford: The Iconic Life And Legacy Of A Hollywood Legend

How Much Is Robert Redford Worth, and What About His Salary?

Let’s talk about Robert Redford, one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. With a staggering net worth of $200 million, Redford isn’t just an actor—he’s a director, producer, and environmentalist who has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Over his decades-long career, Redford has starred in some of the most legendary films in cinema history, including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "All the President's Men," "The Sting," "The Candidate," and "Ordinary People." But his impact extends far beyond the silver screen. He’s the man behind the Sundance Film Festival, an event that has revolutionized independent filmmaking.

Redford’s journey to superstardom began in the 1960s, but it was his role as Sundance Kid alongside Paul Newman in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) that truly launched him into the stratosphere. This film wasn’t just a box office smash—it was a cultural phenomenon that cemented Redford’s place as one of Hollywood’s leading men. His charm, versatility, and undeniable screen presence made him a favorite among audiences worldwide.

Throughout the 1970s, Redford kept the momentum going with a string of unforgettable performances. In "The Sting" (1973), he reunited with Newman for another blockbuster hit that earned him widespread acclaim. Then came "All the President’s Men" (1976), where he played journalist Bob Woodward, showcasing his ability to tackle both lighthearted and serious roles with equal finesse. These films not only solidified his status as a versatile actor but also demonstrated his commitment to storytelling that matters.

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But Redford’s talents don’t stop at acting. As a director, he made waves with "Ordinary People" (1980), which won him an Academy Award for Best Director. This poignant drama marked his directorial debut and set the stage for future successes like "A River Runs Through It" (1992) and "Quiz Show" (1994). Through his work behind the camera, Redford proved that he’s more than just a pretty face—he’s a master storyteller with a keen eye for detail.

Of course, Redford’s contributions to cinema go beyond his acting and directing. He founded the Sundance Film Festival, which has become a cornerstone of the film industry. Sundance isn’t just about movies—it’s about championing independent voices and giving filmmakers the platform they deserve. Thanks to Redford’s vision, independent cinema has flourished and reached audiences all over the globe.

As Redford continues to act and direct, he’s also using his platform to advocate for environmental causes and support independent filmmaking. This man truly wears many hats, and each one is a testament to his passion, talent, and dedication to making the world a better place.

Robert Redford's Early Days

Charles Robert Redford Jr., better known as Robert Redford, was born on August 18, 1937, in the picturesque city of Santa Monica, California. His parents, Martha Hart and Charles Robert Redford Sr., provided a loving foundation for young Robert. Growing up, he had a stepbrother from his father’s first marriage, adding another layer to his family dynamic. The Redford family eventually moved to Van Nuys, Los Angeles, where Robert attended Van Nuys High School and graduated in 1954.

After high school, Redford enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder, but his college journey was short-lived. Struggling with heavy drinking and losing his scholarship, he decided to leave after just a year and a half. Instead of letting this setback define him, Robert embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He traveled across Europe, soaking in the culture and art that would later influence his work. Eventually, he landed in New York City, where he pursued acting classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and even took painting lessons at the Pratt Institute. This eclectic mix of experiences helped shape the man who would become a Hollywood legend.

Redford's Career: From Broadway to Blockbuster

Redford’s acting career began in the bustling city of New York, where he cut his teeth on theater and television. His Broadway debut came in 1959 with the production of "Tall Story," and he soon followed up with roles in "The Highest Tree" (1959) and "Sunday in New York" (1961). But it was his portrayal of the husband of Elizabeth Ashley in the original cast of Neil Simon’s "Barefoot in the Park" (1963) that truly set him apart. This role not only showcased his acting chops but also introduced him to a wider audience.

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While Redford was making waves on Broadway, he was also carving out a niche in television. In the early 1960s, he appeared as a guest star on shows like "Maverick," "Perry Mason," "Naked City," "Whispering Smith," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Untouchables." His performance in "The Voice of Charlie Pont" (1962) earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor, a nod to his growing talent and potential.

Redford made his big-screen debut in a minor role in the 1960 film "Tall Story," but it wasn’t long before he started landing bigger roles. In 1962, he starred in "War Hunt," followed by films like "Situation Hopeless…But Not Serious" (1965) and "Inside Daisy Clover" (1965). Throughout the 1960s, he continued to build his resume with appearances in films such as "This Property Is Condemned" (1966), "The Chase" (1966), "Barefoot in the Park" (1967), "Downhill Racer" (1969), and "Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here" (1969). But it was his role in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) that catapulted him to superstardom. This film wasn’t just a success—it was a game-changer for Redford, earning him a British Academy of Film and Television Award (BAFTA) and cementing his status as a Hollywood icon.

The early 1970s were nothing short of a golden era for Redford. His film "The Way We Were" (1973) became the 11th highest-grossing film of the year, and "The Sting" (1973) topped the box office charts in 1974. For his role in "The Sting," Redford earned his only Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He followed up with hits like "The Great Gatsby" (1974), "The Great Waldo Pepper" (1975), "Three Days of the Condor" (1975), and "All the President’s Men" (1976). During this time, Redford was consistently voted Hollywood’s top box-office star and even won the Golden Globe for Favorite World Film Star in 1975, 1977, and 1978.

Redford’s directorial debut came in 1980 with "Ordinary People," a film that won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This marked the beginning of his career behind the camera, where he continued to shine with films like "A River Runs Through It" (1992) and "Quiz Show" (1994). Over the years, Redford has been honored with numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts in 1996, an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2002, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2005, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Redford's Film Salaries: From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Royalty

When Robert Redford first started in the film industry, his salaries were modest compared to today’s standards. One of his earliest known paychecks was a mere $500 for his role in the 1962 movie "War Hunt." But as his star began to rise, so did his earnings.

In 1968, Redford and Paul Newman each earned $750,000 to star in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," which would later become a blockbuster hit. That’s equivalent to around $6.5 million in today’s dollars. Interestingly, Redford used his entire after-tax salary from this film to purchase the 3,000-acre Utah resort town of Mount Timpanogos, where he already owned a modest property. Concerned about developers taking over the area, Redford renamed it Sundance after the success of the film.

For "The Sting" (1973), Redford and Newman each earned $500,000, which is roughly $3.5 million in today’s currency. His earnings continued to grow, with $2 million for "A Bridge Too Far" (1977) and $3.5 million for "The Electric Horseman" (1979). In more recent years, Redford commanded a $4 million salary for "Indecent Proposal" (1993) and a career-high $11 million for "The Last Castle" (2001).

The Sundance Institute: A Legacy of Independent Filmmaking

Redford’s connection to Sundance began in the 1950s when he accidentally stumbled upon Provo Canyon, Utah, while driving cross-country from California to Colorado. This chance encounter sparked a lifelong love affair with the area. In 1961, eight years before "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" was released, Redford purchased his first property in Utah—a modest A-frame cabin on two acres in Timp Haven for just $500.

Timp Haven, named after Mount Timpanogos, was the original name of the town. In 1968, Redford used his salary from "Butch Cassidy" to buy the entire town, renaming it Sundance Mountain Resort after the film’s success. His goal was to preserve the area’s natural beauty and prevent it from falling into the hands of developers.

In 1978, Redford’s company, Wildwood Enterprises, Inc., partnered with John Earle of the Utah Film Commission to launch the Utah/US Film Festival. This festival, which later became the Sundance Film Festival, aimed to showcase American-made films, promote independent cinema, and highlight regional filmmakers working outside of Hollywood. Redford’s contributions didn’t stop there—he also founded the nonprofit Sundance Institute, Sundance Cinemas, the Sundance Channel, and Sundance Productions. While he sold his Sundance-branded mail-order catalog business for $40 million in 2004, he sold the 2,600-acre Sundance resort to a private equity group in December 2020 for an undisclosed amount.

Robert Redford's Personal Life: Love, Family, and Passion

Redford’s personal life has been as rich and varied as his professional career. In August 1958, he married Lola Van Wagenen in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they had four children before divorcing in 1985. In July 2009, Redford found love again when he married his longtime partner, Sibylle Szaggars, in Hamburg, Germany.