Won hearts as coolest Kid in town

WITH his blond good looks and magical smile, Robert Redford believed his physical attractiveness had been a hindrance rather than an advantage.

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A veteran of more than 50 Hollywood films, he never won an Oscar for his acting but did as a director.

Later he became a champion of independent filmmakers, founding the annual Sundance Film Festival. Redford also used his fame to campaign on environmental issues and the rights of the Native Americans.

"The notion that you're not so much of an actor, you're just somebody that looks well. That was always hard for me," he said.