Robert Redford is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker and retired actor. His illustrious career has earned him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globe Awards, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, an Academy Honorary Award, Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an Honorary César. His global influence was recognized in 2014 when Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
1914: Birth of Robert Redford's Parents
Robert Redford's parents, Martha Woodruff Redford and Charles Robert Redford Sr., were both born in 1914.
August 18, 1936: Birth of Robert Redford
Charles Robert Redford Jr. was born on August 18, 1936 in Santa Monica, California.
1954: High School Graduation and University Enrollment
Robert Redford graduated from high school in 1954 and enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
1955: Death of Robert Redford's Mother
Robert Redford's mother, Martha Woodruff Redford, passed away in 1955.
August 9, 1958: Marriage to Lola Van Wagenen
On August 9, 1958, Robert Redford married Lola Van Wagenen in Las Vegas.
September 1, 1959: Birth of Scott Anthony Redford
Robert Redford's son, Scott Anthony Redford, was born on September 1, 1959.
November 17, 1959: Death of Scott Anthony Redford
Robert Redford's son, Scott Anthony Redford, tragically passed away on November 17, 1959.
1959: Broadway Debut and Early Stage Roles
Robert Redford made his Broadway debut in a small role in "Tall Story" in 1959 and went on to perform in other stage productions.
1959: Art Studies and American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Robert Redford studied painting at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, graduating in 1959.
November 15, 1960: Birth of Shauna Jean Redford
Robert Redford's daughter, Shauna Jean Redford, was born on November 15, 1960.
1960: Guest Appearances on Television Shows
Robert Redford began making guest appearances on various television drama programs in 1960.
1960: Screen Debut in Tall Story
Robert Redford made his screen debut with a minor role in the film "Tall Story" in 1960.
1960: Television Debut
Robert Redford's television career began in 1960 with guest appearances on various shows.
1961: Appearance in Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Robert Redford appeared in an episode of the television series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" in 1961.
1961: Broadway Performance in Sunday in New York
Robert Redford appeared in the Broadway play "Sunday in New York" in 1961.
May 5, 1962: Birth of David James Redford
David James Redford, son of Robert Redford, was born on May 5, 1962.
1962: Film Debut and Twilight Zone Appearance
In 1962, Robert Redford made his film debut in "War Hunt" and also appeared in an episode of "The Twilight Zone."
1962: Emmy Nomination and Film Roles
Robert Redford earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in "The Voice of Charlie Pont" and appeared in the films "War Hunt" and "Situation Hopeless...But Not Serious" in 1962.
October 7, 1963: Guest Appearance on Breaking Point
On October 7, 1963, Robert Redford made a guest appearance on the ABC medical drama "Breaking Point."
1963: Building a Home in Utah
In 1963, Robert Redford and his wife Lola, who was from Utah, built a home in the area where he would later establish Sundance ski resort.
1963: Broadway Success with Barefoot in the Park
Robert Redford achieved significant success on Broadway in 1963 with his role in Neil Simon's play "Barefoot in the Park."
1963: Continued Success on Broadway
Robert Redford continued to find success on Broadway with his performance in the original 1963 cast of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park."
1965: Golden Globe Award and Inside Daisy Clover
Robert Redford won a Golden Globe for best new star for his role in the film "Inside Daisy Clover" in 1965.
1966: Collaboration with Sydney Pollack and Jane Fonda
In 1966, Robert Redford starred alongside Natalie Wood and Charles Bronson in Sydney Pollack's "This Property Is Condemned" and teamed up with Jane Fonda in Arthur Penn's "The Chase."
1967: Reunion with Jane Fonda in Barefoot in the Park
Robert Redford reunited with Jane Fonda for the big-screen adaptation of "Barefoot in the Park" in 1967.
1967: Film Adaptation of Barefoot in the Park
Robert Redford starred in the film adaptation of "Barefoot in the Park" in 1967, reprising his successful Broadway role.
1969: New York Film Critics Circle Award Nomination
Redford received his first New York Film Critics Circle Award nomination for his performance in "Downhill Racer" in 1969.
1969: BAFTA Award and Diverse Roles
Robert Redford won a British Academy of Film and Television Award (BAFTA) for his performances in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Downhill Racer," and "Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here" in 1969.
1969: Iconic Role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Robert Redford's role in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" alongside Paul Newman in 1969 became one of his most iconic performances.
1969: Breakthrough with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Robert Redford's role in the 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" propelled him to stardom.
October 22, 1970: Birth of Amy Hart Redford
Amy Hart Redford, daughter of Robert Redford, was born on October 22, 1970.
1970: Release of Little Fauss and Big Halsy
Robert Redford starred in the film "Little Fauss and Big Halsy" in 1970.
1972: Filming "Jeremiah Johnson"
In 1972, portions of the movie "Jeremiah Johnson," one of Redford's favorite films, was shot near the location of his future Sundance ski area.
1972: Critical Acclaim for Jeremiah Johnson and The Candidate
Robert Redford garnered critical acclaim for his performances in the films "Jeremiah Johnson" and "The Candidate" in 1972.
1972: Release of "Jeremiah Johnson"
Robert Redford starred in "Jeremiah Johnson," a Western film that would later experience box office success from early 1973 through its re-release in 1975.
1972: Critical and Commercial Success with The Candidate
The political satire "The Candidate," starring Robert Redford, achieved both critical and commercial success in 1972.
1973: Academy Award Nomination and The Way We Were
Robert Redford received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Sting" and also starred in the romantic drama "The Way We Were" in 1973.
1973: Box Office Success
Starting in 1973, Robert Redford began a four-year run of box office success with films like "Jeremiah Johnson" and "The Way We Were."
1974: Critical Acclaim and Box Office Dominance
Robert Redford starred in "The Sting" and "The Great Gatsby" in 1974. "The Sting" became one of the highest-grossing films of all time, and Redford received an Academy Award nomination for his performance. He was also the first actor since Bing Crosby in 1946 to have three films in a year's top ten grossing titles.
1975: Continued Success with "The Great Waldo Pepper" and "Three Days of the Condor"
In 1975, Robert Redford starred in two successful films: "The Great Waldo Pepper," an aviation drama, and "Three Days of the Condor," a spy thriller co-starring Faye Dunaway.
1976: "All the President's Men" and "The Outlaw Trail"
Redford starred in and co-produced the critically acclaimed film "All the President's Men," based on the Watergate scandal, in 1976. He also published a book titled "The Outlaw Trail: A Journey Through Time" in the same year.
1976: Release of All the President's Men
Robert Redford starred in the critically acclaimed political thriller "All the President's Men" in 1976.
1979: Return to Film with "The Electric Horseman"
Following a two-year hiatus, Redford returned to acting in 1979, starring in the adventure-romance film "The Electric Horseman" alongside Jane Fonda.
1979: Collaboration with Jane Fonda and Sydney Pollack
Robert Redford collaborated with Jane Fonda and director Sydney Pollack once again for the film "The Electric Horseman" in 1979.
1979: The Electric Horseman
Robert Redford starred alongside Jane Fonda in the film "The Electric Horseman" in 1979.
1980: Directorial Debut and Success with Ordinary People
Robert Redford made his directorial debut with "Ordinary People" in 1980, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. He also starred in "Brubaker" that same year.
1980: Academy Award for Best Director
Redford won the Academy Award for Best Director for his film "Ordinary People" in 1980.
1980: Directorial Debut and Critical Acclaim for "Ordinary People"
Redford directed "Ordinary People" in 1980, which garnered critical acclaim and four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Redford and Best Picture.
1980: "The Electric Horseman" Box Office Performance
"The Electric Horseman," released the previous year, achieved box office success, ranking ninth at the box office in 1980.
1981: Co-founding of Sundance Institute
In 1981, Robert Redford co-founded the Sundance Institute, which supports independent filmmakers.
1981: Founding of the Sundance Institute
Robert Redford established the non-profit Sundance Institute in Park City, Utah, in 1981 to support independent filmmakers through workshops and its renowned film festival.
1982: Reported Separation from Lola Van Wagenen
Entertainment columnist Shirley Eder reported in 1982 that Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen had been separated for a number of years.
1984: Release of "The Natural"
Robert Redford starred in the baseball drama "The Natural," released in 1984.
1984: Release of The Natural
Robert Redford starred in the sports drama "The Natural" in 1984.
1985: Alleged Divorce Year
Many sources cite 1985 as the year of Robert Redford's divorce from Lola Van Wagenen.
1985: Success with "Out of Africa"
Redford starred opposite Meryl Streep in "Out of Africa," directed by Sydney Pollack. The film, released in 1985, was a box office success and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but Redford did not receive a nomination.
1985: Out of Africa
Robert Redford starred in the romantic drama "Out of Africa" in 1985.
1988: Directing "The Milagro Beanfield War"
Redford directed "The Milagro Beanfield War," a film adaptation of John Nichols's novel, in 1988. Although critically acclaimed, the film was not a commercial success.
1988: Honorary Degree from University of Colorado
Redford received an honorary degree from the University of Colorado in 1988, where he had been a student in the 1950s.
1989: Audubon Medal from the National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society honored Redford with the Audubon Medal, their highest honor, in 1989.
1990: Support for Brent Cornell Morris
Robert Redford showed his support for Republican Brent Cornell Morris in his unsuccessful 1990 campaign for the Republican nomination for Utah's 3rd congressional district.
1991: Unclear Divorce Status
In 1991, Parade magazine highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the finalization of Robert Redford's divorce from Lola Van Wagenen.
1991: Death of Robert Redford's Father
Robert Redford's father, Charles Robert Redford Sr., passed away in 1991.
1992: Release of A River Runs Through It
Robert Redford directed and released the film "A River Runs Through It" in 1992.
1992: Directing "A River Runs Through It"
Redford returned to directing with "A River Runs Through It," a film adaptation of Norman Maclean's novella. Released in 1992, the film marked a return to mainstream success for Redford as a director.
1993: Starring in "Indecent Proposal"
Redford starred in "Indecent Proposal" in 1993. The film, about a millionaire who offers a couple money to sleep with the wife, became one of the year's biggest hits.
1994: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 1994, Robert Redford received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, a lifetime achievement award presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
1994: Directing "Quiz Show"
Redford directed the film "Quiz Show," which exposed the quiz show scandals of the late 1950s. The film was released in 1994.
1995: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Bard College
Bard College awarded Redford an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1995.
1995: Deal with Showtime for Sundance Channel
In 1995, Robert Redford secured a deal with Showtime to create a 24-hour cable channel focused on independent films, which would later become the Sundance Channel.
1995: Nominations for Quiz Show
Robert Redford's film "Quiz Show" received nominations for Best Director and Best Picture in 1995.
February 29, 1996: Launch of the Sundance Channel
The Sundance Channel, a 24-hour cable television channel dedicated to independent films, premiered on February 29, 1996.
1996: Starring in "Up Close & Personal"
In 1996, Robert Redford starred opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in the newsroom romance "Up Close & Personal."
1996: Sibylle Szaggars Moves in with Redford
In 1996, Sibylle Szaggars moved in with Robert Redford at his home in Sundance, Utah.
1996: National Medal of Arts
President Bill Clinton awarded Redford the National Medal of Arts in 1996.
1996: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
Robert Redford was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 1996 for his contributions to the film industry.
1998: Directing and Starring in "The Horse Whisperer"
Redford directed and starred in "The Horse Whisperer" in 1998, alongside Kristin Scott Thomas and a young Scarlett Johansson.
2000: Directing "The Legend of Bagger Vance"
Redford directed "The Legend of Bagger Vance," starring Matt Damon and Will Smith, in 2000.
2001: Starring in "The Last Castle" and "Spy Game"
Redford starred in two films in 2001: "The Last Castle," a prison drama directed by Rod Lurie, and "Spy Game," which reunited him with Brad Pitt.
2002: Academy Honorary Award
Redford received an Honorary Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2002.
2002: Academy Honorary Award
In 2002, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Robert Redford with an Honorary Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the world of cinema.
2004: Narrating "Sacred Planet" and Starring in "The Clearing"
In 2004, Redford narrated the IMAX documentary "Sacred Planet" and starred in the thriller "The Clearing" alongside Helen Mirren.
2004: Producer of "The Motorcycle Diaries"
In 2004, Redford returned to producing with "The Motorcycle Diaries," a film about a young Ernesto "Che" Guevara's travels through South America.
2004: Support for Gary Herbert
Robert Redford supported his friend, Republican Gary Herbert, in his successful 2004 campaign for Utah's Lieutenant Governor, a position Herbert later ascended from to become Governor of Utah.
December 2005: Kennedy Center Honors
Redford received the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2005 for his contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
2005: Role in "An Unfinished Life"
Redford starred in "An Unfinished Life" in 2005, playing a rancher who takes in his estranged daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
2005: Kennedy Center Honors
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts recognized Robert Redford's lifetime artistic achievements with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2005.
2007: Release of "Lions for Lambs"
Redford directed and starred in "Lions for Lambs" in 2007, reuniting with Meryl Streep. The film received mixed reviews.
May 25, 2008: Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree and Commencement Speech at Brown University
Redford received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University and delivered the commencement address on May 25, 2008.
2008: Sundance Film Festival Growth
By 2008, the Sundance Film Festival, founded by Robert Redford, grew to showcase 125 feature films from 34 countries and attracted over 50,000 attendees in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.
2008: Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize
Redford was awarded the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize in 2008, a prestigious award given to individuals who make outstanding contributions to the arts.
2009: Establishment of the Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists
The University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts introduced the Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists in 2009, honoring artists for their work and commitment to social responsibility.
October 14, 2010: Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur
French President Nicolas Sarkozy appointed Redford as a chevalier of the Légion d'honneur on October 14, 2010.
2010: Release of "The Conspirator"
Redford directed "The Conspirator" in 2010, a historical drama about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
2010: New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts
Redford was a recipient of the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2010.
May 2011: Publication of Robert Redford: The Biography
"Robert Redford: The Biography," written by Michael Feeney Callan and based on Redford's personal papers and diaries, was published in May 2011 by Alfred A. Knopf.
2011: Appearance in "Buck" documentary
Redford appeared in the documentary "Buck" in 2011, discussing his experiences with horse trainer Buck Brannaman.
November 2012: Launch of the Robert Redford Conservancy
Pitzer College launched the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability in November 2012.
2012: Release of "The Company You Keep"
In 2012, Redford directed and starred in "The Company You Keep," featuring Shia LaBeouf and Julie Christie.
2012: Endorsement of Barack Obama
Robert Redford, a staunch environmentalist and trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council, publicly endorsed Democratic President Barack Obama for re-election in 2012.
2013: Critically Acclaimed Role in "All Is Lost"
Redford starred in "All Is Lost" in 2013, a film with minimal dialogue where he played a man lost at sea. His performance received critical acclaim.
2013: Opposition to Keystone Pipeline
Robert Redford actively opposed the TransCanada Corporation's Keystone Pipeline, leading to his identification as a key figure in the anti-pipeline movement by TransCanada CEO Russ Girling in 2013.
2013: Release of All Is Lost
Robert Redford starred in the survival drama film "All Is Lost" in 2013.
April 2014: Announcement of Pitzer College Divestment from Fossil Fuels
In April 2014, Robert Redford, a Pitzer College Trustee, and college President Laura Skandera Trombley announced the institution's divestment of fossil fuel stocks from its endowment, making it the largest US higher education endowment to do so at the time.
April 2014: Role as Antagonist in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"
Redford played the villain Alexander Pierce in the Marvel film "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" in April 2014.
2014: Time 100 Most Influential People
In 2014, Time magazine named Robert Redford one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
May 24, 2015: Honorary Degree and Commencement Address at Colby College
Redford received an honorary degree and gave the commencement speech at Colby College in Maine on May 24, 2015.
2015: Quote in Donald Trump's Book
A quote from Robert Redford was featured on the back cover of Donald Trump's 2015 book, "Crippled America." Redford's statement, taken from a conversation with Larry King, expressed appreciation for Trump's disruptive presence in the presidential race but was later clarified not to be an endorsement.
2015: Release of "A Walk in the Woods"
Redford co-produced and starred in "A Walk in the Woods" in 2015, a film based on Bill Bryson's book.
2015: Release of Truth
Robert Redford starred in the political drama "Truth" in 2015.
November 22, 2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama presented Redford with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 22, 2016.
2016: Supporting Role in "Pete's Dragon"
Redford appeared in a supporting role as Mr. Meacham in the Disney remake of "Pete's Dragon" in 2016.
2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama awarded Robert Redford the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
May 2017: Closure of Zoom Restaurant
In May 2017, Robert Redford's Park City restaurant, Zoom, closed its doors.
2017: Cameo Appearance in "Avengers: Endgame"
Redford reprised his role as Alexander Pierce for a cameo in "Avengers: Endgame," filmed before his retirement announcement.
2017: Releases of "The Discovery" and "Our Souls at Night"
Redford starred in two films released on Netflix in 2017: "The Discovery" and "Our Souls at Night." The latter reunited him with Jane Fonda.
2017: Release of Our Souls at Night
Robert Redford starred alongside Jane Fonda in the Netflix film "Our Souls at Night" in 2017.
2017: Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
The Venice Film Festival awarded Redford the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in 2017.
August 2018: Retirement Announcement
Redford announced his retirement from acting in August 2018, although he later stated that he regretted making the announcement.
September 2018: Release of "The Old Man & the Gun" and Retirement Announcement
Redford starred in "The Old Man & the Gun" in September 2018, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He announced his retirement from acting after this film.
2018: Release of The Old Man & the Gun
Robert Redford starred in "The Old Man & the Gun" in 2018.
February 22, 2019: Honorary César Award
Redford was honored with the Honorary César at the César Awards ceremony in Paris on February 22, 2019.
2019: Op-Ed Criticizing Trump Administration
In 2019, Robert Redford authored an op-ed labeling the Trump administration a "monarchy in disguise" and calling for Trump's departure from office.
2019: Return to Television
Robert Redford returned to television after a long hiatus with appearances in 2019.
2019: Honorary César
The French Film Academy presented Robert Redford with an Honorary César in 2019, recognizing his significant contributions to filmmaking.
July 2020: Criticism of Trump and Endorsement of Biden
In July 2020, Robert Redford wrote an op-ed criticizing President Trump's lack of a "moral compass" and announced his support for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
October 16, 2020: Death of David James Redford
Robert Redford's son, David James Redford, passed away on October 16, 2020.