ROBERT REDFORD

Hollywood pays tribute to one of its icons after the actor, Oscar-winning director and festival founder dies at the age of 89

- REPORT: LAURA BENJAMIN

It was the role that would make his name as one of the most famous actors in Hollywood history.

Yet Robert Redford nearly wasn't cast in the legendary 1969 Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, with big names like Marlon Brando, Warren Beatty and Steve McQueen all in the running to star opposite Paul Newman.

However, the strawberry blond heartthrob won over his future costar, who lobbied to get him the part. “He changed my life: he agreed to have me in the movie that I shouldn't have been in,” the actor once recalled. “He was that generous. Paul and I spent an evening together, drinking and talking. Afterwards, he said to the studio: ‘I want to go with Redford.’”

Thus, one of the most enduring screen partnerships in history was born, and the stellar career of Robert Redford, who died last week at the age of 89, was established. The role meant so much to the star, who passed away in his sleep at his home in Utah, that he named his famous film festival, Sundance, after his iconic role.