Robert Redford attended the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship but dropped out to study art in Europe, later shifting his focus to acting.
He made his film debut in the 1960 movie 'Tall Story,' where he played a basketball player alongside Jane Fonda.
Redford's breakout role came in 1969 with 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,' where he starred opposite Paul Newman.
He won an Academy Award for Best Director for his film 'Ordinary People' (1980), which also won Best Picture.
Robert Redford founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to support independent filmmakers, and the Sundance Film Festival has since become a cornerstone of the indie film scene.
Robert Redford is an accomplished environmentalist and has been a longtime advocate for conservation, supporting numerous environmental causes and initiatives.
He played the role of Jay Gatsby in the 1974 adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby,' a performance that remains one of his most iconic.
Redford was a close friend of actor Paul Newman, with whom he starred in two of the most beloved films of the 20th century: 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Sting.'
He is a skilled painter and often uses his artistic talents to relax and express his creativity away from the film set.
Robert Redford received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for his contributions to the arts and his efforts in promoting environmental awareness.
He starred in the 2013 film 'All Is Lost,' where he performed most of his own stunts and had very few lines of dialogue, showcasing his physical and emotional range as an actor.
Redford has been married twice and has four children, one of whom, James Redford, was a filmmaker and activist who passed away in 2020.
In addition to his work in film, Redford has been involved in theater and served as the chairman of the board for the Sundance Theatre Lab.
Robert Redford announced his retirement from acting in 2018, though he continues to be active in the film industry as a producer and advocate for independent cinema.
