At 88, Robert Redford Admits His Biggest Career Regret | HO
At 81, Robert Redford made an announcement that would haunt him just weeks later. After six decades as Hollywood’s golden boy, he declared The Old Man & the Gun would be his final film. But 45 days later, standing at the movie’s premiere, he shocked everyone with four simple words: “That was a mistake.” Today, we explore how one of cinema’s greatest stars struggled with walking away from the spotlight, and the regret that’s followed him ever since.
At 88, Robert Redford reflects on a legendary career that spans over six decades, marking a journey of incredible success, personal evolution, and profound regrets. Throughout his career, Redford has been known as a charismatic leading man, an actor with a distinctive voice and a blend of rugged charm and vulnerability.
He built his legacy not only through his roles in iconic films but also by establishing himself as a filmmaker with a sharp eye for storytelling. However, as he looks back at his extraordinary life in film, he has been open about the one thing that still weighs on him: his regret about leaving the spotlight.
In 2018, at the age of 81, Redford made an announcement that stunned fans and the industry. After decades of working in Hollywood, he declared that The Old Man & the Gun would be his final film. This decision was rooted in the natural progression of his life, as he entered his 80s and sought to embrace a quieter, more fulfilling life outside the world of cinema. For Redford, the idea of stepping away from acting seemed like a natural conclusion.
He had built a legacy that many could only dream of, with iconic roles in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. His transition into directing was equally impactful, earning him an Oscar for his debut directorial effort Ordinary People in 1980.
Redford’s announcement was celebrated, but in an unexpected twist, he later admitted that walking away was a mistake. Just 45 days after the premiere of The Old Man & the Gun, Redford, standing at the red carpet, made a surprising declaration that caught many off guard: “That was a mistake.” For a man who had been so sure of his decision to retire, these words indicated a deep internal struggle—a reluctance to let go of a career that had shaped his identity for so long.
To understand Redford’s regret, it’s essential to look at the trajectory of his career. Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford was introduced to the world of film and art at an early age. Despite a turbulent youth, which involved run-ins with the law, rebellious behavior, and personal loss, Redford eventually found solace in his artistic pursuits. His early experiences, such as studying art in Europe and working as a janitor and bowling pin setter, set the stage for a lifelong journey that led him to Hollywood.
By the mid-1960s, Redford had made a name for himself as a Broadway star and emerging actor in films. His breakthrough role in Barefoot in the Park (1967) opened the door to stardom, but it was his performance in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) alongside Paul Newman that cemented his place in Hollywood history.
The film became a massive hit, and Redford was suddenly a household name. With roles in films like Jeremiah Johnson (1972), The Way We Were (1973), and The Sting (1973), Redford’s star continued to rise, and by the mid-1970s, he was earning record-breaking salaries and becoming one of the top box-office draws in the industry.
However, Redford’s influence in Hollywood wasn’t limited to his roles as an actor. In 1980, he took a bold step as a director with Ordinary People. The film, a stark and emotionally raw depiction of family life and personal tragedy, was a departure from the glamorous roles Redford had become known for. Despite skepticism from Hollywood, the film went on to become a critical success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This victory solidified Redford’s status as not only an actor but also a formidable filmmaker.
In the years that followed, Redford continued to find success both in front of and behind the camera. Films like The Candidate (1972), All the President’s Men (1976), The Natural (1984), and A River Runs Through It (1992) showcased his versatility, whether as a tough, charismatic leading man or as a director crafting stunning visuals and compelling narratives. Redford’s dedication to independent cinema was also evident in the creation of the Sundance Film Festival in 1981, which provided a platform for emerging filmmakers and indie films that might not have found a place in the mainstream industry.
Despite his success, Redford’s decision to retire in 2018 was not one made lightly. By then, he had already achieved so much—his name was synonymous with cinematic excellence, and he had left a lasting mark on the industry. His retirement announcement was reflective of his age, his desire for privacy, and his belief that he had given everything he could to the world of film. However, as he later confessed, the allure of acting and filmmaking proved difficult to resist. His regret stemmed from the realization that, in his decision to walk away, he might have left behind something he truly loved.
The regret Redford feels isn’t necessarily tied to a single role or moment but to the entire journey. Having been immersed in the world of film for so long, he found it hard to sever that connection, especially after spending so many years dedicated to his craft. Redford admits that he misses the camaraderie of filmmaking, the creative process, and the ability to bring stories to life on screen. For someone who had always been committed to authenticity in his roles and the films he chose to direct, the sudden end to that chapter was something he couldn’t have fully anticipated.
Interestingly, this regret reflects Redford’s broader philosophy about life and work. He has always been someone who values independence, creativity, and authenticity. His commitment to independent films and his reluctance to conform to Hollywood’s typical career trajectory speaks to his desire for artistic freedom. But as he ages, Redford also reflects on the challenges of balancing personal desires with the realities of growing older. His decision to retire, driven by the desire for a more peaceful life, was ultimately at odds with his deep connection to the art form he had helped shape.
At 88, Robert Redford’s career is the epitome of a life well-lived. He has had a profound impact on cinema and culture, creating memorable performances, taking risks, and pushing boundaries both as an actor and a director. While his regret about walking away from the spotlight may haunt him, it also reflects the deep passion and love he has for the craft that has defined his life. It is clear that even in his later years, Redford still feels the pull of the movies—a testament to the enduring power of cinema and the unbreakable bond between an artist and their art.
As he navigates his final years, Redford continues to embody the spirit of artistic exploration, forever seeking new ways to challenge himself and leave a legacy that transcends his performances on screen. His regret may never fully dissipate, but it serves as a reminder of the complexities and beauty of a life devoted to art—a life that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
